SYLLABUS (GREEN SHEET)  Mass Comm 285: Spring 2009 New Media Technologies Tuesday 6:00-8:45 p.m.  DBH 107

Dr. Richard Craig, Associate Professor  Office: DBH 108; 924-3240  E-mail: profcraig@profcraig.com  Office Hours:   Tuesday 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. & by appointment

Prof. Craig's home page: http://www.profcraig.com

Class home page: http://www.profcraig.com/285s09.html

SYLLABUS SUPPLEMENT:
You are required to read all information on this syllabus and on the syllabus supplement, which lists policies that apply to all my classes.  A copy should be attached to this document; if it is missing or you need another copy, it is available on the Web at http://www.profcraig.com/syllsup.html.

CONTENT:
This course provides an introduction to new media technologies for mass communication students.  The course examines these technologies and the ways they influence and converge with traditional media, particularly in the specialty fields represented by the students in the program.  The social, political and regulatory ramifications of the emerging technologies are also covered.

TEXTS:
Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 4th Edition.
Roger Fidler, Mediamorphosis: Understanding New Media.
Richard Craig, Online Journalism: Reporting, Writing, and Editing for New Media.
Jakob Nielsen, Prioritizing Web Usability.
Dan Gillmor, We the Media.
Lawrence Lessig, Code, Version 2.0.

Textbooks are available at the Spartan Bookstore.  Please note that other outside readings (most often handouts or Web articles) may be assigned periodically throughout the semester, and that you will be responsible for these readings in addition to the texts.

LAPTOPS:
This course is part of the SJSU Laptop Initiative, which means that all students are required to have a laptop computer and bring it to class.  Many assignments will depend on this, so if you don't already have a laptop, you'll need to get one ASAP.  It can be either a PC or Mac, as long as it has Microsoft Word, Adobe Photoshop and Adobe GoLive installed.  A wireless card is also recommended to take advantage of the building's wireless network.  The Spartan Bookstore has laptops available at student rates, and both Microsoft Office and the Adobe programs available.  For more information on the Laptop Initiative, go to the JMC school's page about the project or the SJSU Laptop Initiative Web site. Check out this article on Apple's Web site about our participation in the project.

OBJECTIVES:

1. To learn about the evolution, characteristics and uses of media technology.
2. To demonstrate this knowledge by contributing to discussions of technology-related issues in class.
3. To develop skills in assessing the utilization of new media technology.
4. To demonstrate those skills by writing critiques of books and articles on technology.
5. To refine hands-on skills using new media technologies.
6. To combine these skills and knowledge by producing in-class presentations and creative projects.

STRUCTURE:
MC285 is a graduate seminar.  Graduate students are expected to think critically and to contribute to the body of knowledge in the various sub-fields of mass communications.  In a seminar the instructor tries to minimize lecturing and maximize the contribution of students.  Students are expected to complete their assignments and readings before the date listed, and to be prepared to contribute to an informed discussion.  Students should ask questions about the readings and what they are hearing from the instructor, and challenge that material when appropriate. 

Assignments are weighted as follows:

 
See syllabus supplement for other grading policies.

CHAPTER CRITIQUES:
Students will submit four 3-5 page critiques of individual chapters from the readings.  You may select the chapters you wish to critique, but you should cover chapters from four different books.  These critiques should briefly summarize the chapter within the context of the book, then discuss the chapter's strengths and weaknesses in terms of subject matter, clarity and effectiveness of writing, or any other areas of importance.  You may also relate the chapter to current topics and technologies, but don't go too far afield from the book's topic.

MIDTERM PRESENTATION:
Students will choose a topic from the readings or other outside sources and make a 5- to 7-minute presentation using Powerpoint about "where theory meets practice in new media technologies," applying it to a subject of your choice.  We spend much of the semester discussing the currency and relevance of various authors' ideas; your job here is to apply some of those ideas to current issues and technologies.

FINAL PAPER/CREATIVE PROJECT:
For the final project in this class, students may choose to (1) write a 15-20 page research paper on a topic related to the course readings, (2) create a comprehensive, multi-page Web site about some aspect of communication and present it to the class, or (3) complete a new media technology project, such as a detailed Powerpoint presentation or comprehensive newsletter using InDesign or other software, and present it to the class.  For either of the latter two types of project, you will be expected to do research similar to a term paper.  You will be expected to have settled on at least a general topic and be able to discuss it in class by April 7.  The assignment is due May 12, the last regular day of class.  Presentations will take place May 12 (and May 19, if necessary).  The assignment counts for 40% of the course grade..

OUTSIDE READINGS AND SCHEDULE CHANGES:
Given that I like to keep reading material as up-to-date as possible, I will periodically assign additional readings that are not listed on the syllabus. These will either be photocopied and handed out in class or assigned for reading at a specific Internet site. You are responsible for all readings listed in the syllabus and all readings assigned in class. Also note that, if changes to the schedule need to be made, I will let you know as soon as possible and a revised reading schedule will be passed out in class and posted on my web page.

See syllabus supplement for information about deadlines, academic honesty and any other issues not covered here.

SCHEDULE: (Subject to change, with notice):
    Subject matter of each day's class is in plain type, assigned readings are italicized.  Readings are subject to change and are frequently supplemented with handouts and/or Web assignments.  
    You are expected to complete each day's assigned readings before coming to class.

Week	Activity
Jan. 27	Introduction and overview
Feb. 3	Evolution of new media, "Mediamorphosis" Reading: Fidler , Ch. 1-5
Feb. 10	Domains of communication Reading: Fidler , Ch. 6-10
Feb. 17	Online journalism I Reading: Craig , Ch. 1-4, 6
Feb. 24	Online journalism II Reading: Craig, Ch. 12-17
Mar. 3	Evolution of media culture  Reading: Gillmor , Ch. 1-6
Mar. 10	Present and future of media  Reading: Gillmor , Ch. 7-12
Mar. 17	MIDTERM PRESENTATIONS
Mar. 24	SPRING BREAK - NO CLASS
Mar. 31	CESAR CHAVEZ DAY - NO CLASS
Apr. 7	The ergonomics and technology of Web pages; Final paper/project ideas Reading: Nielsen, Preface, Ch. 1-3, 6-8
Apr. 14	Intro to laws and regulations  Reading: Lessig, Intro and Part I (Ch. 1-5)
Apr. 21	Politics and policies Reading: Lessig, Part II (Ch. 6-8)
Apr. 28	Implications and applications  Reading: Lessig, Part III (Ch. 9-13)
May 5	Problems and responses  Reading: Lessig, Part IV (Ch. 14-18)
May 12	Summary and discussion ALL PAPERS AND PROJECTS DUE Project  presentations

May 19
    Final exam date (final presentations if necessary).  Tuesday, 6:00-9:15 p.m. in regular classroom.