MCOM 230: Course Description
An overview of recent technological developments and their impact in the field of mass communication. Students will be introduced to new communication technologies and applications including desktop publishing, multimedia, desktop video, presentation software and Web page design. Three credits.
A note of caution: This is a practical overview course. The aim of this course is not to make you an “expert” in any of the specialized areas of Web site production. Instead, we want you to experience and practice the basic skills in each area. We have time in class to cover each of them sufficiently for you to practice, but not to master them. You will need to devote extensive time outside class practicing your skills before you can become really comfortable using them.
Text & Materials
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Required Media (This list will expand)
- Textbook? In a class on new communication technologies? Ah, no.
But we do have a wiki.
And some readings (see below).
- Textbook? In a class on new communication technologies? Ah, no.
Meetings
- MW(F) Noon-12:50 pm
- Fall 2009
General guide for the semester
This class may mark the beginning or the end of an intensive degree program, one made more so by the fact that everyone in the room has a real life (job, family, friends, hobbies, shopping, etc.) to maintain.
In my own experience with higher education and "executive education" (that's what they call adult learning at UNC Chapel Hill), I found it helpful to maintain steady contact with my classmates and professor, and to have a pair of regularly scheduled work evenings. One night is nice. Two (for me) allowed for error correction.
Error correction can be very important.
One other thing - I found it helpful to adopt a certain mental attitude. Rather than pursuing a series of projects in a series of courses, I determined to take advantage of the time investment and learn everything I could from each professor in the program.
Just a thought.
In any case, there are projects. We will attempt to do much of the work in class. Homework, unfortunately, is a bit like the classic pair, death and taxes - not entirely avoidable.
Good luck!
Weekly Links & Grading
| Week | Dates | To Do | Points (/X?) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 08/24-28 | Intro Week - Binary, Hex & WikisMonday
A: 90-100%
B: 80-89.x% C: 70-79.x% D: 60-69.x% F: below 60%
BTW, empirical evidence shows that most grades in this class range from B to C.
A's tend to be sacrificed to the quizzes and final exam. Beware, the final is quite comprehensive. Hint: This might make an interesting first wiki entry. Wiki-WednesdayWhat's a wiki & our wiki.Homework for WednesdayPrior to class, please head over to the wiki and request access.Use whatever e-mail address you prefer. Your SUID is not necessary. However, I will not provide access to anyone who does not provide a real name with the access request. Also, please learn about wikis
Math FridayA bit of math (binary & hex) to enhance the weekend. |
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| 2 | 08/31-09/04 | Wikis & BlogsHomework/Friday-work:
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| 3 | 09/09-11 | Monday / Labor DayNo classWednesday & FridayAll Twitter, all the time |
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| 4 | 09/14-18 | Web-office apps, open source software, free (libre) software, Opera (browser)Blackboard Friday (9/18)
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| 5 | 09/21-25 | Still Image CaptureBb Monday
Wednesday
Bb Friday |
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| 6 | 09/28-10/02 | Old Comm. Tech., News & a RecessionMonday: Old-school news takes a bulletHearst Closing Seattle P-I Print Edition, Going Online OnlySeattle Post-Intelligencer closes print operation The End of the News Craigslist: Stopping the Presses? Pew: Newspaper closures won't hurt On the Media on Newspapers (There's a lot here) Our troubled newspapers The New York Times' financial situation continues to grow more dire Sun-Times Files for Bankruptcy Wednesday: News in the New Media AgeBullish on JournalismA Dubious Benefactor A Costly Mistake Endangered I-Teams Gannett profit tumbles on ad declines, shares up Media Bistro - Job listings Time Inc. Warns Mine Subscribers 'Computer Error' May Have Screwed Up 'Personalized' Content Friday: Other Articles of Interest (TBA by Friday)Click this link, then find the video player on the right and click on “LA Files: Gay TV”Sony, Lionsgate Included in YouTube Deal Twitter, from poor man's email to innovation leader Speculation: Will Microsoft's ZuneHD Include an eBook Reader? |
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| 7 | 10/05-09 |
Digital Presentation Software (Katie Brown)Monday -- PowerPoint History and Commentaries
Wednesday
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| 8 | 10/14-16 | iMovie (Felt/Bundrick)MondayFall BreakWednesday/Friday“Hey everyone, Here is a list of the websites and videos to check out for our iMovie presentation. Make sure you check out all three videos listed for the last web page. If you have any questions let Chris or myself know.“Remember, don't forget the wiki!!” Kate |
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| 9 | 10/19-23 | Second Life |
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| 10 | 10/26-30 | Motion Images IIVideography (Konsin/?)Final Cut Pro (Jao/Hasbun) |
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| 11 | 11/02-06 | The World of VideoPreparatory Video
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| 12 | 11/09-13 | Social Networking: Elections, Marketing & PrivacyMondayIran Election 2009
US Election 2008
Wednesday - Live!Friday
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| 14 | 11/23 | Photoshop & Alternatives (Motiryo Samuel)Website readings
VideosPhotoshop in the MediaPhotoshop Alternatives |
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| 15 | 11/30-12/04 |
Photoshop & Alternatives
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| 12/07 | Review?Final Day of Regular Classes |
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| Final Exam | xx/xx | Final Exam |
Assignments
You will be graded on the following. Explanations follow.
- Quizzes -- 20%
- Homework -- 20%
- Presentation -- 20%
- Wiki -- 20%
- Final Exam: Q&A -- 10%
- Final Exam: Practical -- 10%
- Total -- 100%
Presentations
- PowerPoint
- Photoshop
- Photoshop Alternatives
- “Rules” of video
- iMovie
- Final Cut Pro
- Social Networking: Services
- Social Networking: The Candidates
- Social Networking: Privacy
- Mapping
On Monday of the assigned week, each presentation group will present a short class on the assigned subject matter. I will follow on Wednesday with additional material. In preparation for each presentation, the class will be given a Friday reading assignment. Each group is responsible for chosing appropriate readings.
Academic Integrity at SU
It should go without saying that all work must be your own, original effort. However, we seem to live in an age in which dishonesty of all types is rampant (even some journalists and professors can't resist the temptation, it seems). Any form of academic dishonesty will be dealt with severely. You should assume there is a “zero tolerance” policy for any violations of the academic integrity code: That is, bluntly, your first short-cutting “mistake” will be your last, as well.
I should probably mention that I serve as an academic integrity representative, judging cases of academic integrity, for the College of Arts & Sciences.
Research has shown that lapses in academic integrity often occur when a student is pressed for time. One lesson from that is to not leave assignments to the last minute. Carefully budget your time. In journalism, of course, deadlines are a way of life. They are not an excuse for shortcuts or sloppy work or ethical lapses. Among the common types of academic integrity issues that you should be aware of and avoid:
Plagiarism: Plagiarism consists of (but it not limited to) such things as taking quotes or other material from another published source without attribution, having another person conduct your interviews or write your stories. Be especially careful when you “cut and paste” material from Lexis-Nexis or a Web site; it is very easy to forget the quote marks or to omit proper attribution.
Fabrication: I never expected to have to tell journalism students not to make up stories, quotes, sources and other material. However, based on recent, events in the profession, I feel compelled to comment. We deal in facts, not fiction. If you make up a source, event, quote, or story and I catch you, you will flunk this class and face something akin to academic doom. There is no wiggle room here, no interpretation. It is flat wrong and I won't tolerate it under any circumstances.
Inappropriate collaboration: Increasingly, the professional world relies on collaboration between partners on particular assignments. In this class, you will be solely responsible for graded assignments. However, in some cases you may be assigned to work in teams or in other types of collaboration; if those cases arise, the professor will clearly define the acceptable limits of that collaboration. Of course, you may study together or ask a classmate to help you understand a particular assignment.
Copyright and intellectual property issues: In this class, it is especially important to understand that material on the Internet is protected by the same ethical and legal standards as other published information. The general rule: The creator of the information has the right to decide how it is used. Others who want to use another's work (including design, text, images, etc.) must seek permission and give credit. If you are unsure what this means in a particular context, seek guidance from the professor. One major exception to this rule is that, generally speaking, information on government-owned and controlled Web sites is in the public domain, so that permission to use the material is not required. However, it is still imperative to give credit.
Note: I expect that each member of our class has the highest ethical standards. Please prove me right. Ethical violations will result in extreme measures. In my academic career I have never advocated any less than the most extreme penalties in cases of academic integrity violation. In my previous teaching post, that meant expulsion from the entire state university system. One student, whose plagiarism was caught on the day prior to her graduation, didn't. Another, whose class was being paid for by an employer, found himself footing the bill for his F. I would prefer for everyone to earn an A.
FAQ
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