Syllabus & Policies

Syllabus

Multimedia authoring tools provide communicators with some of the most powerful and effective storytelling options available. Understanding these tools is essential for anyone who plans a successful career in the media industry. However, the ability to resourcefully and proficiently use these tools is an even greater asset. The goal of this class, therefore, is to help you gain knowledge of both these aspects. You will examine and understand the value of multimedia in the journalism industry and begin to develop the skills to execute your ideas.

Course Description:

This course will introduce you to basic journalistic multimedia design and production concepts and train you in Web production and animation techniques.

Producing effective multimedia projects requires extensive and detailed skill sets, including:

expertise in Web site layout using html, CSS, a Web editing program (such as Dreamweaver) and a CMS
effective use of photography, graphics, artwork, audio, video and the written word
solid, ethical journalistic decision-making

This class provides the first steps to help you become an effective multimedia producer.

Class Time Organization

Each class will consist of lecture/demonstration and lab time. In most cases students will use lab time to begin work on an assignment that is related to the class material and sometimes due the next class period. Students should plan on spending additional lab time outside of class to complete these assignments.

Software and Skills

Layout and Design using Photoshop
HTML and CSS using Dreamweaver
Maintaining a hosted website via FTP (Fetch, Cyber Duck or Dreamweaver)

Grading

There are basic expectations that any supervisor or project manager would have for a project undertaken by a multimedia design specialist. All of your assignments must meet the following minimum basic standards to be considered for a grade of “B” or better. The project must be:

completed according to the assignment specifications.
completed on time.
free of typographical, grammatical and mechanical errors.
completed so as to evidence a clear grasp of multimedia production standards and design concepts.

When appropriate your multimedia work also will be evaluated for:

news value
presentation editing decisions
architecture of information presentation
aesthetic design choices
creativity and innovation

Your overall grade for this course will be based on the following components.

Daily Lab Assignments (20-100 points each)
Weekly Quizzes (10-50 points each)
Multimedia Review (100 points)
3 major projects (100 points each)
Final Project (400 points)

Your end-of-semester grade will be calculated as follows. Please note that the instructor does reserve the right to curve class grades at the end of the semester.

Point range

Grade

930-1000 | A

900-929 | A-

885-899 | B+

830-884 | B

800-829 | B-

785-799 | C+

730-784 | C

700-729 | C-

685-699 | D+

630-684 | D

600-629 | D-

599 and below F

Projects

On three occasions during the semester you will be assigned projects that will require you to create an original Web site or animation. More information about these projects will be provided during class.

In class Exercises and Quizes

In-class exercises will cover the reading assignments and issues pertaining to the particular week’s lessons. You always will be able to use your notes and textbook to complete the exercises, so be sure to bring them to class everyday. Some of these assignments may count as a quiz grade.

You also will have unannounced more traditional quizzes on reading assignments throughout the semester. If you keep up with the reading assignments, the quizzes will be easy to complete.

Multimedia Review

At least once during the semester you be asked to present a professional multimedia project of your choosing to the class and lead a discussion about it. More specifics about the requirements this presentation will be provided during the second week of class.

Final Project

The final project should demonstrate a comprehensive menu of Web design and multimedia production skills commensurate with what you learned during this course. The same grading criteria used for exams and other assignments submitted during the semester will be used when evaluating your final project. Additional information about required elements will be provided during class.

Policies

uncseal

Attendance is required, participation is expected and deadlines are absolute. Each student will be allowed one unexcused absence. After the first unexcused absence, each additional absence will result in a 2% reduction in the student’s final grade. All assignments are due at the beginning of class on the specified dates unless otherwise specified.
NO LATE ASSIGNMENTS WILL BE ACCEPTED.

It is expected that each student in this course will conduct himself or herself within the guidelines of the UNC honor code. All academic work should be done with the high level of honesty and integrity this university demands.