JOURN 475 – Convergent Media
Fall 2011
Fall 2011
Office: Murrow East 213
Office Hours: By arrangement, but I'm usually available before and/or after class in my office
Office phone: (509) 335-0113
The best way to reach me out of class is by e-mail at: BAtwood@wsu.edu
I check e-mail multiple times per day. If you require an immediate response, please put PLEASE RESPOND in the header of your e-mail. Otherwise, I will try to respond in a prompt, but less urgent, manner (usually within 24 hours). However, please note that there will be times that I may wait until class to address your inquiries.
Office Hours: By arrangement, but I'm usually available before and/or after class in my office
Office phone: (509) 335-0113
The best way to reach me out of class is by e-mail at: BAtwood@wsu.edu
I check e-mail multiple times per day. If you require an immediate response, please put PLEASE RESPOND in the header of your e-mail. Otherwise, I will try to respond in a prompt, but less urgent, manner (usually within 24 hours). However, please note that there will be times that I may wait until class to address your inquiries.
Our JOURN 475 blog (you can link to the blogs of your classmates from here): http://www.virtualjournalism.net/ . You can interact with other students on our Facebook page.
Please be sure I have your current email address, preferably a wsu.edu address, that you check regularly. I may use this e-mail to send some homework feedback, but I will also use it to inform students if there are any class cancellations.
Course Goals
This course is designed to enhance existing journalism skills and to apply reporting techniques to media delivered through the Internet and other new technologies. While this class is not meant to be a substitute for dedicated Web design and content development courses, it will expose you to some of the common online and multimedia publishing utilities.
At the conclusion of this course, each student should have increased his or her knowledge of online content development and storytelling techniques through various tools and techniques.
My teaching mission is to share and propagate the journalistic standards and ethics held by this school’s namesake – Edward R. Murrow. It is my goal to help instill a set of core values, ethics and skills that will help to immunize journalists against the inevitable temptations present in this industry. In journalism, credibility is earned. One poor choice can destroy an entire career. For this reason, you will need to operate at the highest standards of truth, fairness, balance and accuracy.
Required course resources:
• Access to a multimedia-ready computer for digital editing assignments (audio, video, blogging)
• Access to a computer microphone for recording your audio, a photo-taking digital device (camera, phone, camcorder) for digital photos and a camcorder or digital video device with the capacity for output to a computer (firewire or transfer cable, memory card or removable hard drive). There will be limited accessibility to these items for enrolled students in the class, but you may also use your own devices.
• 1 GB or higher flash-drive or portable hard drive for your ongoing work. (Bring to class on multimedia workshop days.)
Note: There is no textbook for this class, but we will be using numerous Web-based resources.
• Access to a computer microphone for recording your audio, a photo-taking digital device (camera, phone, camcorder) for digital photos and a camcorder or digital video device with the capacity for output to a computer (firewire or transfer cable, memory card or removable hard drive). There will be limited accessibility to these items for enrolled students in the class, but you may also use your own devices.
• 1 GB or higher flash-drive or portable hard drive for your ongoing work. (Bring to class on multimedia workshop days.)
Note: There is no textbook for this class, but we will be using numerous Web-based resources.
Projects and Scoring:
Item | Points | % |
Podcast Project | 30 | 13.5 |
SoundSlides Project | 30 | 13.5 |
Video Project | 35 | 17.5 |
Specialty Blog and Website Project | 50 | 20 |
Various In-Class Assignments | 25 | 12.5 |
Participation/Attendance | 30 | 13.5 |
| Exam (near end of semester) | 30 | 13.5 |
| TOTAL | 230 | 100 |
Grading
Grade | points total | Grade | Points total |
A | 215 - 230 | C+ | 140 - 154 |
A- | 200 - 214 | C | 125- 139 |
B+ | 185 - 199 | C- | 110 - 124 |
B | 170 - 184 | D+ | 95 - 109 |
| B- | 155 - 169 | D | 80 - 94 |
| F | 0 - 79 |
Online reporting portfolio:
Throughout the semester, you will be working on writing and multimedia assignments designed to show off your reporting and online content development skills. You will maintain an online blog for publishing your work that will be accessible by the instructor and classmates. Please be aware that any information posted on this blog will be publicly viewable and, thus, may be held to many of the same legal and ethical standards as writings published in traditional media. Please be prepared to share and discuss your work in class.
While we do plan to have a final in this class, the completion of all assigned writings and/or multimedia projects in your portfolio accounts for a large percentage of your grade. Any missed assignments will impact your final grade in the class.
We are tentatively planning at least one class test - a written response exam near the end of the semester.
This test may require that you reference the specifics of online publishing and/or technical skills learned in class, so it will be important that you understand how to work with each multimedia technology prior to the end of the semester.
Throughout the semester, you will be working on writing and multimedia assignments designed to show off your reporting and online content development skills. You will maintain an online blog for publishing your work that will be accessible by the instructor and classmates. Please be aware that any information posted on this blog will be publicly viewable and, thus, may be held to many of the same legal and ethical standards as writings published in traditional media. Please be prepared to share and discuss your work in class.
While we do plan to have a final in this class, the completion of all assigned writings and/or multimedia projects in your portfolio accounts for a large percentage of your grade. Any missed assignments will impact your final grade in the class.
We are tentatively planning at least one class test - a written response exam near the end of the semester.
This test may require that you reference the specifics of online publishing and/or technical skills learned in class, so it will be important that you understand how to work with each multimedia technology prior to the end of the semester.
In addition, there is the possibility for unannounced in-class quizzes or assignments that require attendance in order to complete.
Class schedule:
At this time, I am not providing a week-by-week calendar for each session. However, here are some notable dates:
- Sept. 5 - Holiday
- Sept. 14 - Web-based class (subject to change)
- Nov. 21 - Thanksgiving Break
- Nov. 23 - Thanksgiving Break
- Late Nov. (date TBD) - Exam
Attendance:
Class attendance is vital, as material will be introduced that is not covered in the text. Poor attendance will be reflected in your grade because of missed assignments or problems with completion. Assignments missed due to absence generally can't be made up. Do not ask unless there are exceptional circumstances for an excused absence. Consideration might be given if there is documented hospitalization, family death, university-sponsored travel (documented in advance) or extended individual sickness. You may lose participation points for every class session missed.
Computer use policy:
Since we are in a multimedia classroom, each student will have access to a computer that can be used to bring up your blog assignments. During some class sessions, there may be time to write in your blog or use the Internet to research a story. However, please do not use the Internet for other purposes during lecture and discussion. Students who use the Internet for any purpose not directly relating to class assignments or discussion may be asked to leave the classroom. In particular, please refrain from using class computers for social networking (i.e. Facebook), instant messaging, downloading or indiscriminate Web surfing.
Grading:
Projects and/or reporting assignments will be graded on a rigorous and fair system. Even though much of your work will be published on the Web, your content creations will still be evaluated according to traditional media reporting standards, including quality of the lead, use of language, economy of expression, readability, organization of material and content.
In evaluating mechanics, I will consider and review spelling, grammar, punctuation, syntax and Associated Press style. Do not misspell words or names. Errors can (and will) dramatically reduce your grade on that assignment (possibly less than passing). In evaluating story reporting, consideration will also include news judgment in gathering and selecting information, accuracy, story approach and fairness.
The following will also be considered in grading your multimedia stories:
• Does the lead (in writing or in your production) tell what the story is about? Is it creative, interesting and relevant?
• Is the story well reported? Does it have multiple sources? Is it balanced and objective? Are all of the reader or viewer questions answered? Are direct quotes informative and of high quality? Are all sides of a story represented with a diversity of voices? Is material organized in a logical fashion? Is the writing or production clear and concise?
Computer use policy:
Since we are in a multimedia classroom, each student will have access to a computer that can be used to bring up your blog assignments. During some class sessions, there may be time to write in your blog or use the Internet to research a story. However, please do not use the Internet for other purposes during lecture and discussion. Students who use the Internet for any purpose not directly relating to class assignments or discussion may be asked to leave the classroom. In particular, please refrain from using class computers for social networking (i.e. Facebook), instant messaging, downloading or indiscriminate Web surfing.
Grading:
Projects and/or reporting assignments will be graded on a rigorous and fair system. Even though much of your work will be published on the Web, your content creations will still be evaluated according to traditional media reporting standards, including quality of the lead, use of language, economy of expression, readability, organization of material and content.
In evaluating mechanics, I will consider and review spelling, grammar, punctuation, syntax and Associated Press style. Do not misspell words or names. Errors can (and will) dramatically reduce your grade on that assignment (possibly less than passing). In evaluating story reporting, consideration will also include news judgment in gathering and selecting information, accuracy, story approach and fairness.
The following will also be considered in grading your multimedia stories:
• Does the lead (in writing or in your production) tell what the story is about? Is it creative, interesting and relevant?
• Is the story well reported? Does it have multiple sources? Is it balanced and objective? Are all of the reader or viewer questions answered? Are direct quotes informative and of high quality? Are all sides of a story represented with a diversity of voices? Is material organized in a logical fashion? Is the writing or production clear and concise?
Since there will be an online component to some of the work you submit, I will also factor in the technical execution of your storytelling.
Extra credit:
Throughout the semester, there may be opportunities for extra credit. We will talk more about any possible opportunities as the semester continues. However, availability of extra credit is subject to change and, thus, you should not rely upon this option to reach a higher grade.
Anonymous sources:
In most cases, do not use anonymous sources. I must approve usage in advance or assignments will not be accepted.
Identification:
You must always identify yourself to sources as a reporting student whose work might be published on the Web. Do not make any pre-publication review promises. You must also double-check to ensure that your interview subjects consent to being included in your Web production prior to publication.
Other Housekeeping Items:
• Cell phones must be turned off in class.
• Surfing the Internet is not allowed during class unless it is related to a class project.
• Please be on time. Excessive tardiness may result in a lower grade.
Academic Dishonesty, Integrity and Plagiarism:
PLAGIARISM OR CHEATING OF ANY KIND ON ANY ASSIGNMENT OR EXAM WILL NOT BE TOLERATED AND WILL RESULT IN A FAILING GRADE IN THE COURSE. (Consult the WSU Student Handbook for further details). In other words, do your own work. If using the ideas, work or wording from another source in written assignments you must acknowledge the source.
Academic dishonesty includes cheating, plagiarism, and fabrication in the process of completing academic work. When a student enrolls in Washington State University
To maintain the academic integrity of the community, the University cannot tolerate acts of academic dishonesty including any forms of cheating, plagiarism, or fabrication.
• Academic Dishonesty: Academic dishonesty includes cheating, falsification, fabrication, multiple submission, plagiarism, abuse of academic materials, complicity, or misconduct in research, all of which are defined below.
• Cheating: Cheating is the intentional use of, or attempt to use, unauthorized material, information, or study aids in any academic activity to gain advantage. Cheating includes, but is not limited to, communicating improperly with others, especially other students, during tests or the preparation of assignments for classes; copying from books, notes, or other sources during a test when this is not permitted; copying from another student’s work (reports, laboratory work, computer programs, files, etc.); making improper use of calculators or other devices during a test; illegitimately procuring or using copies of current examinations; allowing a substitute to take an examination or write a paper for oneself.
• Falsification: Falsification is the intentional and unauthorized alteration of information in the course of an academic activity. Falsification includes, but is not limited to, altering the record of data, experimental procedures, or results; falsely describing the source of information (e.g., reproducing a quotation from a book review as if it had been obtained from the book itself); altering academic records; altering a returned examination paper and then seeking a higher grade based on the result.
• Fabrication: Fabrication is the intentional invention or counterfeiting of information in the course of an academic activity without proper authorization. Fabrication includes, but is not limited to, counterfeiting data, research results, information, or procedures with inadequate foundation in fact; counterfeiting a record of internship or practicum experiences; submitting a false excuse for absence or tardiness.
• Multiple Submission: Multiple submission includes, but is not limited to, submitting the same paper or oral report for credit in two courses without the responsible instructor’s permission; making minor revisions in a paper or report for which credit has already been received and submitting it again as a new piece of work.
• Plagiarism: Plagiarism is knowingly representing the work of another as one’s own, without proper acknowledgment of the source. The only exceptions to the requirement that sources be acknowledged occur when the information, ideas, etc., are common knowledge. Plagiarism includes, but is not limited to, submitting as one’s own work the work of a “ghost writer” or work obtained from a commercial writing service; quoting directly or paraphrasing closely from a source without giving proper credit; using figures, graphs, charts, or other such material without identifying the sources. Identified cases of plagiarism will result in a grade of "F" for the work in question or for the whole course. Basically, there are two forms of plagiarism: (1) the unintentional or careless use of other writers' words and ideas as though they were your own, and (2) the intentional submission of another's work as your own. The important issue is that published material, whether in print, electronic, or other media format, must be cited and not presented as your own.
For example, material obtained from the Internet is still subject to academic integrity guidelines, and even may be identified more easily by special online search engines used to evaluate suspect material. If you commit the first type of plagiarism, you might be asked to rewrite part or all of your paper so your sources are properly acknowledged.
If you knowingly turn in a paper written by someone else and claim it as your own, or copy sections of a book or article without proper documentation, even though you understand how to document, you have cheated and thus violated WSU's academic integrity policies. Creating quotes or inventing sources will result in an "F" on the assignment, possibly an "F" in the course.
For example, material obtained from the Internet is still subject to academic integrity guidelines, and even may be identified more easily by special online search engines used to evaluate suspect material. If you commit the first type of plagiarism, you might be asked to rewrite part or all of your paper so your sources are properly acknowledged.
If you knowingly turn in a paper written by someone else and claim it as your own, or copy sections of a book or article without proper documentation, even though you understand how to document, you have cheated and thus violated WSU's academic integrity policies. Creating quotes or inventing sources will result in an "F" on the assignment, possibly an "F" in the course.
• Abuse of Academic Materials: Abuse of academic materials occurs when a student intentionally or knowingly destroys, steals, mutilates, or otherwise makes inaccessible library or other academic resource material that does not belong to him or her. Abuse of academic materials includes, but is not limited to, stealing, destroying, or mutilating library materials; stealing or intentionally destroying another student’s notes or laboratory data; hiding resource materials so others may not use them; destroying computer programs or files needed in others’ academic work; copying computer software in ways that violate the terms of the licensing agreement that comes with the software.
• Complicity in Academic Dishonesty. A student is guilty of complicity in academic dishonesty if he or she intentionally or knowingly helps or attempts to help another or others to commit an act of academic dishonesty of any of the types defined herein. Complicity in academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, knowingly allowing another to copy from one’s paper during an examination or test; distributing test questions before the time scheduled for the test; collaborating on academic projects when students are expected to work independently; taking a test for another student; or signing a false name on a piece of academic work.
• Misconduct in Research: Graduate and undergraduate students on research appointments for the University are responsible for compliance with the University’s Policy and Procedural Guidelines for Misconduct in Research and Scholarship found in the Faculty Manual. Misconduct in research is treated as academic dishonesty.
• Responsible Instructor: The responsible instructor in the academic integrity process is the person who assigns the grades, supervises students’ work, or is responsible for teaching operations in the course of study in which the alleged violation occurred. The term “responsible instructor” can include, but is not limited to, instructors, graduate assistants, another instructor, and clinical supervisors. If the conduct does not relate to a particular course, the role of instructor for these procedures may be a department chair or academic advisor.
Reasonable accommodations are available for students with a documented disability. If you have a disability and may need accommodations to participate fully in this class, please visit the Access Center (Washington Building, Room 217) to schedule an appointment with an Access Advisor. All accommodations MUST be approved through the Access Center.
Reasonable Accommodation Statement:
Reasonable accommodations are available for students with a documented disability. If you have a disability and may need accommodations to participate fully in this class, please visit the Access Center (Washington Building, Room 217) to schedule an appointment with an Access Advisor. All accommodations MUST be approved through the Access Center.
