Blogging Class Syllabus

Bloggng Class Syllabus

Course Rationale:
Online Publishing is offered as an elective in Communication. In a rapidly changing world where communication is critical, the class offers insight into changes in the presentation of news, information, and data as well as the impact of new technology on individuals and society.

Learning Outcomes:
Students completing Online Publication will:

1. Be able to articulate (verbally and/or in writing) the history of online content.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the changes over time in presenting information online and the current standards and emerging trends in online publication.
3. Reflect a basic understanding of the underlying technology and the ability to use simple tools for publishing online.
4. Grasp the safety and moral issues involved with publishing online and reflect sound judgment in selecting, packaging, and presenting data and ideas online.
5. Demonstrate an awareness of the power of medium on society and the implications of publishing in a global forum.

Methods of Instruction:
1. Lectures and discussion of relevant materials and issues from texts, handouts, research, classroom experiences, and hands on applications.
2. Guest speakers from the industry covering various topics of interest and importance in the field of online publishing.
3. Hands on learning in publishing online including (but not limited to) posting written materials and/or photos in various forums including personal student blogs.

Assignments:
1. Write and post an online review including a photo on a basic online review site.
2. Develop a blog concept and implement the idea including weekly maintenance of the personal blog.
3. Find a publication avenue and publish a minimum of one article/photo in an area of interest.
4. Provide appropriate and insightful online feedback on work produced by peers once per week (interacting at least once with several fellow class members).
5. Three tests total including a comprehensive final.
6. Two page paper overview of class experiences in online publishing.
7. Verbal overview of blog project with peer feedback.
8. Class participation with specific assignments noted on class day hand out.

Grading:
Blog - 200 points (divided between mid semester 50 points and the end of the semester 150 points – includes blog, paper, and presentation)
Test 1 – 100 points
Test 2 – 100 points
Final – 100 points
Class Participation - 100 points (see class schedule for details)

Total Points = 600

Divide final point total by 6. Use the 10-point scale to determine grade. For example, if you have 520 points at the end of class, you divide that by 6 and get 86. Your grade would be B (assuming you did not lose points for missed classes or tardy days). The plus/minus system is applied, so a grade of 82 would be a B- while an 89 would be a B+.

Penalties for excessive absences are charged at minus 2 points for every absence after three (3) subtracted from the final grade on a 100 point scale. Tardies are charged at 1 point off for every tardy after 3 – also on the 100 point scale.

Students missing ¼ (11) of scheduled classes will receive an automatic F per the faculty handbook.

Textbook and Study Materials:

Baehr, Craig & Schaller, Bob. (2010) Writing for the Internet: A Guide to Real Communication in Virtual Space. Greenwood Press: CA.

Class handouts

Online readings