Syllabus

Course Description

In MC5316, we will examine the Internet and other digital technologies and discuss their relationship with the communication discipline. Issues discussed will include the role communication will play in the new media environment, legal issues, diffusion and other media theories, and the impact of new media technologies on society and culture.

The format of the class will consist of lecture and discussion, student presentations, video and other outside media sources, and guest speakers.

Objectives

Upon completing this course, students can expect:

  • Gain an appreciation of the vast realm of the digital media environment
  • Identify the issues of convergence and emerging media technologies
  • Analyze the social and cultural effects of new media and communication
  • Apply the relevant research and theoretical implications of digital media

Textbook

No textbook this semester. We’ll be doing online readings and accessing research through the Texas State Library online resources.

Email

You must use an active Texas State email account. Communication via 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. Forwarding your TXST email can result in lost communications, so best to check it directly. Email communication will be handled through TRACS (tracs.txstate.edu), as well as the gradebook, but all other information will be distributed through this website.

Course Requirements

See Assignments for details.

  • Posting Assignments (20%)
  • Topic Presentation (15%)
  • Quizzes (20%)
  • Participation & Attendance (10%)
  • News Presentation (5%)
  • Research Paper (20%)
  • Prospectus and Lit Review  (5%)
  • Research Presentation (5%)

Late Work

No late work will be accepted. If you have very unusual circumstances that deem you unable to turn in work, contact the instructor immediately.

Grade Scale

  • 90-100 A
  • 80-89   B
  • 70-79   C
  • 60-69   D
  • < 60    F

There is no extra credit available for this class. Please contact the instructor early in the semester if you are having problems with any of the course requirements.

Grades will be posted for this course on TRACS at http://tracs.txstate.edu .

Attendance

We’re a hybrid class, so that means we don’t meet in person very often. You are expected to attend every in-person session and participate as required in the online modules.

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. Web browsing, checking email, messaging, Snapchat, Facebook, Twitter, Pokemon Go 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. You may do these things at breaks or during work time, but please use your time wisely.

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.

Student work will be displayed on the Web, which means that it will be available to anyone with Internet access and a browser. Please see the instructor if you have any concerns about posting your projects to the Web.

Texas State provides the following guidelines for Student Conduct:

Our Mission

Texas State University is a doctoral-granting, student-centered institution dedicated to excellence and innovation in teaching, research, including creative expression, and service. The university strives to create new knowledge, to embrace a diversity of people and ideas, to foster cultural and economic development, and to prepare its graduates to participate fully and freely as citizens of Texas, the nation, and the world.

Our Shared Values

In pursuing our mission, we, the faculty, staff, and students of Texas State University, are guided by a shared collection of values:

  • Teaching and learning based on research, student involvement, and the free exchange of ideas in a supportive environment;
  • Research and creative activities that encompass the full range of academic disciplines—research with relevance, from the sciences to the arts, from the theoretical to the applied;
  • The cultivation of character, integrity, honesty, civility, compassion, fairness, respect, and ethical behavior in all members of our university community;
  • A diversity of people and ideas, a spirit of inclusiveness, a global perspective, and a sense of community as essential conditions for campus life;
  • A commitment to service and leadership for the public good;
  • Responsible stewardship of our resources and environment; and
  • Continued reflection and evaluation to ensure that our strengths as a community always benefit those we serve.

Dropping a Course

Please take note of Texas State’s drop policy. You can withdraw this or any course by Oct. 30 (Fall 2017) 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. See the Dropping/Withdrawing Policy.

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 and the Texas State Honor Code, printed each year in the Student Handbook.

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.