COM450 Multimedia Journalism Fall 2013 Syllabus

7/30/2019 COM450 Multimedia Journalism Fall 2013 Syllabus

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COM 450 MULTIMEDIA JOURNALISMFall 2013 (TTH, 8-9:40 a.m.; McEwen 108)

How can you squander even one more day not taking advantage of the greatestshifts of our generation? How dare you settle for less when the world has made it

so easy for you to be remarkable?-- Seth Godin from Seths Blog

Professor: Colin M. DonohueE-mail: [email protected]

Web Site: www.cdonohue.comOffice Phone: (336) 278-5850

Office: Pendulum Office (third floor of Elon Town Center)

Office hours: MWF: 10 a.m. Noon; TTH: 1-3 p.m.; and by appointment.E-mail is the fastest and easiest way to reach me.

Please read the syllabus carefully. NOTE: Actively check your e-mail. I willoften send class notices via e-mail.

Catalog Description

Students gather and present news and information in a converged media

environment that combines text, graphics, photojournalism, audio and

video. Students work as individuals and in teams to write, report and

produce online multimedia products. This culminating course in the

journalism major also explores career opportunities. Prerequisite: COM 350

or 351.

Course Goal

Sharpen the skills of critical thinking, reporting, writing and multimedia

production under deadline.

Course Objectives

Throughout this course, students will be able to:

Plan multimedia projects, conduct audience analysis, select resources,gather information and create content in appropriate forms (text,

audio, graphics, animation, video, interactivity).

Use appropriate content styles and write clearly and accurately. Produce multimedia projects using emerging tools of technology. Determine appropriate manners of technical dissemination with

consideration of file size, speed of delivery, linking and search-engine


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optimization to maximize effects.

Use computer-assisted reporting to gather and analyze data andstatistics and present information.

Engage in ethical ways of thinking and apply professional standards,such as truth, fairness, accuracy and attention to diversity of

audiences.

Course Materials

Associated Press Stylebook and Libel Manual(2011 or 2012 edition),NormGoldstein, edRECOMMENDED

Reporters NotebookRECOMMENDED Readings as assigned (via Moodle)School of Communications Professional Standards Policies

The School of Communications has adopted the following minimum policies

to provide students with a clear understanding and consistent application ofcourse expectations, since journalism and communications are disciplines

with rigorous professional standards. Teachers may designate morestringent policies on their course syllabi.

Attendance Policy: Students in the School of Communications are

expected to attend all classes. Just as professionals go to work each day, we

expect students in a professional school to come to class on time and beprepared to work. A student who misses more than 20 percent of scheduled

classes in a term (more than eight absences for classes meeting three times

a week, more than five absences for classes meeting twice a week)automatically receives an F because the student has missed too much

content and participation to pass a course in a professional school. Teachers

will lower the final grade in a class for each absence beyond the equivalent

of one week of class (three absences for classes meeting three times a

week, two absences for classes meeting twice a week, and one absenceduring winter term or a summer session) as indicated in the course syllabus.

An exception may exist for a student who misses more than a week ofclasses for a sanctioned university activity, such as presenting research at a

national forum, class travel or university athletic travel. Studentsparticipating in such events must submit a written request in advance to the

professor.

Coursework: If students miss a class because of illness, participation in auniversity-sponsored activity, job interview or other causes, they have


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missed valuable content and engaged learning. In this sense, excused and

unexcused absences are no different. To ensure that students avoid gaps inthe progression of a course, professors may assign additional work. Forexample, a professor may require a student to write a 400-word summary ofmaterial covered in a missed class session or complete an additional lab

assignment that demonstrates comprehension of material covered.

Tests and Examinations: If students miss a quiz, test or examination they

must submit a written request for a makeup to the professor. Students who

miss a final examination must secure permission for a makeup from the

department chair. As indicated in the Elon University Faculty Handbook,students are not guaranteed permission to make up examinations and have

no guarantees about the impact of the absence on their final grade for the

course.

Assignments: Professionals meet deadlines. All assignments should be

submitted on time, and they are due on the assigned date, even if the

student is absent from class. A teacher may choose not to accept late work

or to lower a grade by one letter for each weekday it is late.

What Say I?

There are course requirements specific to this section of Multimedia

Journalism. I have outlined them below.

Course Requirements

To accomplish the goals laid out for this course, you must demonstrate

proficiency in and completion of the following tasks.

Weekly Quizzes: You will take a quiz almost every week (typically on, butnot always, Mondays) during the semester to test your knowledge of

assigned readings and current events.

Reading Assignments: This course is writing, reading and production

intensive. The information you get from the assigned readings will be

relevant to your work and the changing field of journalism. All readingsshould be completed before you come to class. Be prepared to absorb a

great deal of information, all of it enriching and foundational. You will be

tested on your readings through the weekly quizzes and the final

examination. So dont think once you finish a quiz youll never see the

material again. It will show up on the final. Be prepared.


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Reporting Assignments: Multimedia journalism accurately implies that you

will learn how to report across multiple media platforms. In this class, youwill compose full storieswhat well call multimedia storytelling packagesthat may incorporate audio, photography, infographics, database reportingand social media integration. The only way for you to become competent in

all these forms is to report often. You will be expected to completeassignments both in and outside of class. Deadlines are firm and final.You are preparing for a career in which late work could cost you your job. In

this course, late work will cost you your grade. Late work will not be

accepted. Anything that comes in past deadline receives a zero. (Please be

aware that it is not ethical to report on something in which you areinvolved or to report on your friends and family and any organization in

which you or they are involved.)

Reporting Project Updates: The individual, pairs and team reportingprojects will all require progress reports and completed portions to be turned

in by specific deadlines. Progress reports will be worth 20 points, and

completed portions will be worth 50 points. These point totals are

separate from the final grade you earn on the projects.Final Exam: The exam will consist of true/false, multiple choice, short essayand comprehensive reporting components. It will test you on what you

learned throughout the ENTIRE semester. We will take time during the last

class session before the final to review. You are required to take the finalexam at the scheduled time. You will know far in advance the date and time

of the final. Theres rarely an excuse for missing a final. Students who know

they will miss a final exam must secure permission for a makeup from thedepartment chair of the School of Communications.

Homework: Obviously, your reading assignments are homework. But

occasionally, I will ask you to do work in addition to the readings. You are

expected to complete the homework and turn it in the next class. These are

short, but important, assignments.

Participation: I expect you to participate in classroom activities. Many

times students provide unique insights into class material that have lasting

impressions on the other students taking the course. While this is not aseminar, there will still be opportunities to engage in class discussions, and Iwill expect you to participate actively. Participation and homework combine

to form 10 percent of your final grade.


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Grading Procedures

The university defines grades as follows:

A indicates distinguishedperformance,

B indicates above-average performance,

C indicates an average performance, in which a basic understanding ofthe subject has been demonstrated,D indicates a passing performance despite some deficiencies, andF indicates failure.

In this course, the grading works like this:

Reporting assignments (individual & team) 30 percentFinal group reporting assignment 25 percent

Quizzes/In-class work/Other homework 10 percent

Participation 10 percentFinal examination 25 percent

Number grades translate into these letter grades:

A: 93-100 A-: 91-92 B+: 89-90 B: 85-88 B-: 83-84 C+: 81-82 C: 77-80 C-: 75-76 D: 70-74 F: less than 70

Grading Template:

Accuracy and truth are the core principles of all journalists. Factual errorsand misspelled names in your reporting work will cost you half an

assignments points, forcing an automatic failure. Triple check all factual

claims and names in your reporting projects before you turn them in.

As the old journalism standard goes, If your mother says she loves you,check it out. You will also lose points for other spelling, grammar,

punctuation and AP Style mistakes. And remember, missing a deadline will

result in a zero.Your reporting assignments will be graded based on the following criteria:


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1.Accuracy: All your work must present factual matter correctly. Allnames must be spelled correctly. All stories should not present a bias,but rather should be an accurate portrayal of events. Again,misrepresenting false information as factual and spelling names wrongwill cost you 50 points.

2.Clarity: You may have done some of the finest reporting work knownto man, but if you cant present your information in a clear andcoherent manner, then it will have no effect on your audience. Word

choice, story/package organization, simplicity, multimedia tools all

contribute to clarity.

3.Completeness: You must cover completely any event or reportingassignment that you cover. Include all pertinent information. A cursory

examination of a topic will leave readers questioning your credibility

and your ability.

4.Online Options: The multimedia, social media, online tools youchoose to use will impact your grade. Think clearly and intelligently

about the extra elements you add to your story. They must be

strategically chosen and well executed. Theyre not last-minute add-

ons. Theyre enhancements to your reporting.Classroom and Course Policies

Attendance Policy: You are required to be in class every day. Mediaprofessionals are expected to be at work every daythe news doesnt stop

and you will be treated no differently. You will be completing graded

assignments and writings during class, so if you miss a session, it will have a

negative impact on your grade. The School of Communications attendancepolicy is attached above, but to reiterate, it says: A student who misses

more than 20 percent of scheduled classes in a term (more than eight

absences for classes meeting three times a week, more than five absences

for classes meeting twice a week) automatically receives an F because thestudent has missed too much content and participation to pass a course in a

professional school. Teachers will lower the final grade in a class for eachabsence beyond the equivalent of one week of class (three absences for

classes meeting three times a week, two absences for classes meeting twice

a week, and one absence during winter term or a summer session) asindicated in the course syllabus. An exception may exist for a student who

misses more than a week of classes for a sanctioned university activity, such

as presenting research at a national forum, class travel or university athletic

travel. Students participating in such events must submit a written requestin advance to the professor.Please note, as well, that arriving late to

class is unacceptable. Every two times youre late will count as an

absence, so be on time.


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Coursework: This includes all in- and out-of-class assignments and

examinations. If you miss a class because of illness, participation in auniversity-sponsored activity, job interview or other causes, I may assignadditional work. If you have an excused absence, you may be allowed tomake up the work you missed on the same deadlines. You may not,

however, make up work if you have an unexcused absence.

Preparation: Follow the syllabus closely. Be sure to complete all

assignments before you come to class. Be sure not to miss your deadlines,

which are rigid for a reason. You are training to become a professional

communicator. You will be expected to turn in assignments on time in theprofessional working world. I expect the same from you in class.

Honor Code: All work done in this class is expected to be your own. DO

NOT PLAGIARIZE OR FABRICATE! I will spot-check your work periodicallythroughout the semester to ensure that all work is original and not lifted or

completely made up. You may not recycle someone elses work or your own.

You may not lift material from another source without proper attribution. If

you plan to paraphrase material, the words you write must be substantiallydifferent from the material from which youre working. Even in that instance,though, give credit where credit is due. Attribution is key. If you are caughtplagiarizing or fabricating or simply masquerading someone elses ideas as

your own, you will receive a failing grade for that assignment. If you

deliberately fabricate a story, I will fail you for the course.

All students are expected to uphold the four fundamental values of the Elon

Honor Code:

Honesty Integrity Responsibility Respect

Breaches of these values will result in an academic or social honor code

violation report. Honor code violations include: plagiarism, lying, cheating,

stealing or vandalism, and facilitating academic dishonesty. These violations

may result in the lowering of a grade or failure of a class. While intentmay be considered in assigning sanctions, it is not a factor in determiningresponsibility for an offense. Students should consult with their professor if

they are uncertain about whether specific activities are violations of the

honor code.

Definitions and examples of each of the Honor Code violations above may be

found at http://www.elon.edu/e-web/students/handbook/honor.xhtml.


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Students with Challenges: Students with challenges, including physical

challenges, learning disabilities or serious health concerns, should discusstheir needs with me and provide me with the Elon documentation available

to students with special needs. If you have a concern, and you do not have

documentation, contact Susan Wise for more information. Office phone:336-278-6500. E-mail: [email protected]. Necessary accommodations canbe arranged.


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COM 450 Multimedia Journalism Fall Course Schedule

Wk# Day Date Topic Readings Notes

1 Tue 8/27 Welcome and

Introduction

- Using Social

Media/Multimedia for

#com450 Multimedia

Journalism (linkavailable on Moodle)

In-Class Writing

Th 8/29 Course

expectations,

individual and

team project

pitches +

multimedia tools

Multimedia

Journalism: What Is

It? (link found under

Introduction heading)

Bring individual

reporting project and

team reporting

project pitches to

class

2 Tue 9/3 Audio - Quiz 1:

Audio/Multimedia/Tools

(under REQUIREDREADINGS topic)

Tuesday Quiz

Bring pairs reportingproject pitch to class

Th 9/5 Audio

3 Tue 9/10 Video interview

set up, lighting

- Quiz 2:

Videos/Blogs/Remixing

the News

Tuesday Quiz

Th 9/12 Video interview

set up, lighting

DUE: 2-Week

Reporting Project

DUE: Individual

Reporting Project

Update

4 Tue 9/17 HTML & CSS (w/

SEO)

- Quiz 3:

HTML/CSS/SEO

Tuesday Quiz

Th 9/19 HTML & CSS DUE: PairsReporting Project

Update

5 Tue 9/24 Project Work - Quiz 4: Audience

Engagement

Tuesday Quiz

DUE: Team

Reporting Project

Update

Th 9/26 Project Work DUE: Completed

Portion ofIndividual

Reporting Project6 Tue 10/1 Database

Reporting

- Quiz 5: Database

Reporting

Tuesday Quiz

Th 10/3 Database

Reporting

Database Reporting

Project

7 Tue 10/8 Breaking News No Quiz

In-Class Writing


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DUE: Completed

Portion of Pairs

Reporting Project

Th 10/10 Final touches on

individual project

DUE: Individual

Reporting Project

DUE: CompletedPortion No. 1 of

Team Reporting

Project

8 Tue 10/15 No class No class

Th 10/17 Careers - Multimedia

Journalism CareerAdvice (link found

under Careers

heading)

No Quiz

9 Tue 10/22 Infographics - Quiz 6: Infographics Tuesday QuizTh 10/24 Infographics Infographic Project

10 Tue 10/29 Pairs Reporting

Project

Presentations

DUE: PAIRS

REPORTING

PROJECT

Th 10/31 Project Work

11 Tue 11/5 Team Reporting

Project Update

Presentations

Project Work

DUE: Completed

Portion No. 2 of

Team Reporting

Project

Th 11/7 Breaking News In-Class Writing12 Tue 11/12 Archiving the

News

Th 11/14 Peer Editing +

Project Work

13 Tue 11/19 Project Work

Th 11/21 Group Project

Presentations

DUE: Group

Reporting Project

14 Tue 11/26 EthicsTh 11/28 No class No class

15 Tue 12/3 Final Review

FinalExam

Sat 12/7 FINAL forMultimedia

Journalism

COM450

1 p.m. starting time 4 p.m. ending time

Documents

COM450 Multimedia Journalism Fall 2013 Syllabus