Course Description

In this Social Media at Work, we'll focus on the implications of social media and multimedia in professional practice. Media is changing rapidly, and you will not only be working with social and online tools, you'll be developing innovative strategies for the future usage. We will spend time discussing the history and background of the Internet and Web, then address issues related to browsers, search engines and social media companies. The course method is lecture and discussion. You will have regular readings and assignments, a final paper, as well as midterm and final exams.

 

Objectives

Upon completing this course, students can expect:

Email

You must use an active Texas State email account. Communication via Blackboard and/or TRACS uses your Texas State email, and the university is required to send grade information out only through the Texas State email system.   Contact the instructor, if you have questions. Make sure you check your email on a regular basis, as schedule changes will be communicated there as well as on our course site.

 

Course Requirements

Required Textbook

Required: Journalism Next by Mark Briggs, CQ Press 2010. You should be able to get at the bookstore or via an online site like Amazon.com. Get it asap as we will begin reading it right away.

 

There will also be other online and handouts for readings.

 

Attendance and Late Assignments

You must attend class during the scheduled time each week. We will be discussing topics and watching videos that are unavailable elsewhere, and it will be difficult to catch up on your own. Some lectures and assignments may be delivered online.

 

This class moves very quickly, so you will not want to fall behind by missing any assignments. Missed assignments will receive a grade of F. A student may turn in one (1) assignment late during the semester, if there is an excused reason with prior arrangement with professor. Any other late assignments will receive a grade of F.

 

Students (and teachers, too) often learn best from one another, so an open environment is encouraged. Ask questions and help each other.

 

We will start class at the designated time. It is important that you show up on time, as announcements tend to be made early, and you could miss valuable information. If you arrive later than 5 minutes after the designated time, you will be marked as late. This can effect your participation grade, as well as your ultimate course grade.

 

Supplies and Equipment

You will need a USB storage device (Flash drive) to save a backup of your files for some of the projects you work on in class. You may need to visit a computer lab on campus to complete some of the projects, if you do not have access to certain technologies at home. More on this in class.

 

Students should also have a TX State email account that they check frequently. This will be the main method of course communication.

 

Equipment Checkout - You may need to check out a camera or camcorder from the instructor to complete an assignmen, if you do not have access to your own. On the day you return a still camera, you must download your photos/videos and delete them from the memory stick and return the camera to the Instructor. To reserve a camera for a specific date, email me.

 

You MUST return the camera(s) in full working order on the following class period. It is important to respect other classmates' needs to use the equipment. No Excuses will be accepted. Failure to return the equipment on the next class period will result in an automatic reduction of 10% from your final course grade, and your equipment checkout privilege will be revoked for the remainder of the semester. You are responsible for the equipment that you checkout. Failure to return any equipment due to loss, damage, theft or any other reason will result in the replacement value of that equipment being charged to your TX State account.

 

Student Conduct

In this class, you should feel comfortable to participate and express opinions and ideas. Please respect the opinions of others and be considerate of their need to contribute and learn. Turn off cell phones before entering class, and do not take calls during class. Do not use your phone for text messaging during class.   Browsing the Web, checking email, Twitter, Facebook, IMing or other non-related activities during class are not acceptable. Please do not have private conversations with your neighbors during class time, whether the instructor or other students are talking.  

 

Any student who does not adhere to these conduct policies will be asked to leave the classroom. In general, please be respectful of others desire to learn and help to create a fun and beneficial classroom environment.

 

Dropping a Course

Texas State has a new course drop policy. You can drop this or any course by March 25 and receive an automatic W. After that date you cannot drop a single course. You must withdraw from all courses. This drop date is much earlier than in the past.

 

Academic Honesty

The School of Journalism and Mass Communication commits itself to the preparation of mass media professionals and scholars.   Such a mission demands the highest standards of academic honesty and integrity.   Violations of academic honesty, including but not limited to plagiarism, unauthorized collaboration, collusion, deception, conflict of interest and theft, are not tolerated and can lead to severe penalties. Disciplinary actions for violations of the standards for academic honesty are outlined in the Texas State Academic Honesty Statement, printed each year in the Student Handbook. The policy is also available at http://www.mrp.txstate.edu/studenthandbook/rules.html#academic.

 

Note to Students with Disabilities

Texas State University seeks to provide reasonable accommodations for all qualified individuals with disabilities.   This university will adhere to all applicable federal, state, and local laws.   Students with disabilities who need special accommodations should contact the Office of Disability Services (ODS) at (512) 245-3451, and register with that office. ODS is located in Suite 5-5.1 at the LBJ Student Center.   If you are a student with a disability certified by ODS and you require accommodations in this class, it is your responsibility to notify the professor no later than the fifth class day of this semester so that accommodations can be discussed and promptly provided.

Instructor may notify you of changes or updates to policies in this syllabus throughout the semester.