Course Syllabus

San José State University
Communication Studies
Comm 181F, New Media/New World, Section 80, Spring 2014                              Area: Foundations                           

Instructor:	Ted M. Coopman
Office location:	HGH 216
Telephone:	408-924-5865
Email:	ted.coopman@sjsu.edu
Office hours:	Online by appointment via Skype (tmcoopman); ask a general question in Ted's Office, or on campus by arrangement.
Class days/time:	Online
Classroom:	online
Prerequisites:	Completion of GE oral communication

Catalog Description

Explores impact of internet-based communication on social action, corporate environments and interpersonal relationships. Formation and management of online identities discussed. Introduction to online media construction and analysis with particular emphasis on the world wide web.

Succeeding in a Four-Unit Course

Success in this course is based on the expectation that students will spend, for each unit of credit, a minimum of forty-five hours over the length of the course (normally 3 hours per unit per week with 1 of the hours used for lecture) for instruction or preparation/studying or course related activities including but not limited to internships, labs, clinical practica. Other course structures will have equivalent workload expectations as described in the syllabus. Because this is a four unit online class, you can expect to spend on average 12 hours per week during a regular semester in class and on scheduled tutorials or activities. Careful time management will help you keep up with readings and assignments and enable you to be successful in all of your courses.

Engagement Unit

All 4-unit courses in Communication studies include a unit of engagement. This unit of engagement is designed to enrich students’ learning experiences and to facilitate student achievement of course learning objectives. Students enrolled in 4-unit courses are expected to spend on average 45 hours (or 3 hours per week over the course of a regular semester) outside of the classroom to complete engagement activities. This unit is worth 25% of the overall grade. For this class, the main project elements are the engagement unit.

FOUNDATIONS, Inquiry, Practice

Each course in the Department of Communication Studies primarily focuses on one of three areas: Foundations (theoretical underpinnings of the discipline), Inquiry (research in the discipline), or Practice (application of communication theories and concepts to real world contexts). COMM 181F is a Foundations course. Although the course addresses research (inquiry), and practice (application), the primary purpose of COMM 181F is to expose students to and increase their understanding of the complex and evolving nature of new media networks.

Foundation Area Objectives

This course satisfies the FOUNDATIONS area of Communication Studies learning objectives. All FOUNDATIONS courses, including COMM 181F, share these learning objectives:

• Theories of Communication: Demonstrate understanding of the major theories that have shaped the communication field.
• Ethics: Demonstrate understanding of ethical responsibilities in communicating with others in interpersonal, organizational, small group, intercultural, mediated, and public settings.

Course Goals

Within the FOUNDATION area, The goal of Comm 181 is to develop a critical and working understanding on how the Internet and “new media” operate in both the technical and theoretical sense as well as the current and possible future impacts of communication technology on society and individuals. ethnography, and textual analysis. The course pays particular attention to legal and ethical issues associated with internet research. In addition, this course provides an opportunity to “enrich the student experience” in research methods by engaging you in assessing and reflecting upon your learning through a semester-long ePortfolio project.

Student Learning Objectives

After successfully completing this course, you will:

1. Discuss the scope and nature of Internet communication (Theory)
2. Identify, define, and apply the concepts and theories associated with Internet communication to your own and others' experiences (Theory and Ethics)
3. Identify and discuss the ethical issues associated with Internet communication (Ethics)
4. Better participate in, critique and evaluate online communication (Theory and Ethics)
5. Demonstrate communication skills necessary for presenting concepts and theories associated with internet communication (Theory and Ethics)

Required Text

Textbook

Media Convergence: Networked Digital Media in Everyday Life (paperback)
Graham Meikle and Sherman Young
Palgrave Macmillan
ISBN: 978-0-230-22894-8, ISBN10: 0-230-22894-1

This text is available in electronic and paper formats. A paper version can be purchased from Spartan Books, so buy it if it is in stock. DO NOT order the text from Spartan Books, they are not dependable. If you order online make sure you provide enough time for your book to get here by the first day of class! With so many options, not having the text when needed is not considered a valid excuse.

 Other Readings

There are a variety of readings either linked to online resources or PDFs to download.

Additional reading will be assigned as needed and will be provided electronically as pdfs, via library databases, or as links to websites.

Library Liaison

The Communication Studies Department encourages vigorous and ethical research as part of information literacy for all of its students. For assistance contact Crystal Goldman our Academic Liaison Librarian <Crystal.Goldman@sjsu.edu>, in the library go to the King Library Reference Desk (2^nd floor; 408-808-2100) and/or utilize the Communication Research Guide available at http://libguides.sjsu.edu/communication.

Classroom Protocol

Don’t be a jerk. Show respect for your peers, the course, and myself. Keep discussions friendly and topical.

Course material developed by the instructor is the intellectual property of the instructor and cannot be shared publicly without his/her approval.  You may not publicly share or upload instructor generated material for this course such as (but not limited to) quiz questions, lecture notes, workshop slides, or homework solutions without instructor consent.

Your peers, just like yourself, have a reasonable expectation of privacy and that materials produced by students and discussions that take place online are intended for the consumption of classmates and the instructor only. Please do not audio or video record, or forward discussion posts, assignments, or other student generated with the expressed permission of those involved.

 

Assignment Policy

Deadlines for assignments are required for several important reasons. First, deadlines keep students together and moving forward at the same rate. This allows enough time to cover all course material over the semester. Moreover, deadlines help students to distribute their workload and ensure enough time and attention to successfully complete assignments. Second, instructors usually teach between 3 and 5 classes (or more) per term. Designing a course is complex and requires a tight schedule. These classes, in turn, must be scheduled so that they do not conflict with each other and there is enough time for the instructor to assist students and grade assignments. Late assignments complicate this schedule and need to be made-up within specific framework to lessen their negative impact.

SJSU Athletes must submit away-game schedules and supporting paperwork at the start of term, identify any conflicts, and make arrangements PRIOR to missing classes or assignments.

I may be able or willing to accommodate non-school related scheduled or unscheduled events.

For detailed description of the Late/Missed Assignment Policy and instructions on submitting requests for accommodation visit the Late/Missed Assignment Policy page.

Requests to make-up assignments at the end of the term will not be accepted.

 

Dropping and Adding

You are responsible for understanding the policies and procedures about add/drops, academic renewal, and similar topics found at sa.sjsu.edu/student_conduct.

Assignments and Grading Policy

For more information on assignments, go to the assignments page. See the course schedule or weekly schedule pages for the assignment of the week. For information on late assignments and missing quizzes please see the Missed Quiz and Late Paper Policy Page.  and Go here for information on grade review requests.

Discussion (10)

Discussion posts on the Canvas Discussion Board are worth 5 or 10 points each. There are 4 required discussion posts per week.

The discussion board is designed to keep students engaged in the course, to exchange information, understanding, and support among student and between students and the instructor. This is a critical part of the course.

For complete details, instructions, and posting rules see the Discussions Directions. (LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5).

Workshops (7)

Workshops are basic slide presentations (in pdf) on theory and perspectives in New Media  that provide critical information to help you understand the text, the subject, and prepare for your assignments. These workshops also provide good information sources that you may revisit for your course work. See the Assignment List for details (LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5).

APA Workshop

There is a workshop on APA and source credibility. Unlike other workshops, this is assessed via a quiz.

Topic Interviews and Research Project

See the Assignments Instruction Page for details (LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5).

See the Assignments Instruction Page for details.

Quizzes (10 + 1 for APA workshop)

Readings will be assessed though regular quizzes. All quizzes are multiple choice, open book and note, and are timed.Administered weekly via Canvas, they consist of 15 multiple-choice questions, are open book/note, and timed (20 minutes) (15x1=15x11 = 165). Quiz questions are randomly drawn from a pool of questions, so every quiz is different. All quizzes open at the beginning of the semester and close as we finish covering the material (Sunday at 11:59 pm)). See the assignments page for details and the course schedule for closing dates (LO2, LO5).

Final 

The final consists of an opportunity to retake OR make-up ONE online quiz.

Extra Credit

• Discussion Week 1 (10 points max)

• Early Concept posts on Discussion Board (22 points max)

• Orientation Workshop Quiz (15 points max)

• Discussion Course Review (10 points)

• Every student gets a five-point-bump at the end of the course in case you are close to that next grade

 

Grading

Your final grade will be based on the following point system:

Quizzes (11)(10 +APA)	11x15	165
Discussion (11)	11x30	330
Workshops (8)	8x25	200
Research Project Workshop + Proposal		25
Revised Proposal		25 (4th)
Peer (text) submission and Review		25 (4th)
Instructor project (text) submission and checklist		100 (4th)
Final Project Post+PDF submission		100 (4th)
Q&A Discussion		30
Total		1000

 

NOTE: TO CALCULATE YOUR GRADE ONLY REFER TO POINTS AND THEIR POSITION ON THE POINTS CHART. THE PERCENTAGE FUNCTION MAY NOT ACCURATELY DEPICT YOUR GRADE.

Grading Scale  (points = letter grade>)

990-1000+	A+	840-869	B	700-739	C-
950-990	A	800-839	B-	670-699	D+
900-949	A-	770-799	C+	640-669	D
870-899	B+	740-769	C	600-639	D-
				> 600	F

 

University Policies

Academic integrity

You must be familiar with the University’s Academic Integrity Policy available at sa.sjsu.edu/student_conduct. “Your own commitment to learning, as evidenced by your enrollment at San Jose State University and the University’s integrity policy, require you to be honest in all your academic course work. Faculty members are required to report all infractions to the office of Student Conduct and Ethical development.”

I will not tolerate instances of academic dishonesty. Cheating on quizzes or plagiarism (presenting the work of another as your own, or the use of another person’s ideas without giving proper credit) will result in a failing grade and sanctions by the University. For this class, all assignments are to be completed by the individual student unless otherwise specified. “If you would like to include in your assignment any material you have submitted, or plan to submit for another class, please note that SJSU’s Academic Policy F06-1 requires approval of instructors.”

Campus Policy in Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act

If you need course adaptations or accommodations because of a disability, or if you need to make special arrangements in case the building must be evacuated, please make an appointment with me as soon as possible, or see me during office hours. Presidential Directive 97-03 requires that students with disabilities requesting accommodations must register with the DRC (Disability Resource Center) to establish a record of their disability.

Student Technology Resources

Computer labs for student use are available in the new Academic Success Center located on the 1^st floor of Clark Hall and on the 2^nd floor of the Student Union. In addition, computers are available in the Martin Luther King Library. The COMM Lab, located in Clark Hall 240, also has a few computers available for student use.

A wide variety of audio-visual equipment is available for student checkout from Media Services located in IRC 112. These items include digital and VHS camcorders, VHS and Beta video players, 16 mm, slide, overhead, DVD, CD, and audiotape players, sound systems, wireless microphones, screens and monitors.

The Communication Center

The Communication Center is located in Hugh Gillis Hall 229 and is open Monday - Thursday 10:30AM - 4:30PM February 10th - May 8th. The Center provides support for all students interested in developing their personal and professional communication skills, and offers specialized support for those enrolled in Communication Studies courses.  Services include in-person workshops and self-paced online modules via Canvas.  Upper-division Communication Studies students staff the Center and are trained in coaching students on a variety of topics related to our department courses.  Need a quiet place in HGH to study or meet? HGH 241-253 may be reserved (during COMM Center hours), email sjsucommcenter@gmail.com to reserve or drop-in to 229, 233, or 235. Enrollment in COMM 80 provides support for the Center.  More information can be found through the website http://commcenter.sjsu.edu/.

 

Learning Assistance Resource Center

The Learning Assistance Resource Center is designed to assist students in the development of their full academic potential and to motivate them to become self-directed learners. The center provides support services, such as skills assessment, individual or group tutorials, subject advising, learning assistance, summer academic preparation and basic skills development. The Learning Assistance Resource Center is located in Room 600 in the Student Services Center.

SJSU Writing Center

The SJSU Writing Center in Clark Hall 126 is staffed by professional instructors and upper-division or graduate-level writing specialists from each of the seven SJSU colleges. The writing specialists have met a rigorous GPA requirement, and they are well trained to assist all students at all levels within all disciplines to become better writers. More information available at sjsu.edu/writingcenter.