Instructor: Assistant Professor Dan Fergus
Office: Stewart Hall 130
Phone: 320-308-3074 [note that e-mail is a better way to get hold of me]
E-mail : (or) (or) use this handy form

Course Description

This course will introduce various forms of multi-media and their applications to the mass communications industry. Primarily we will explore the use of digital video editing software and the basics of Web design. Students will learn how to use of Final Cut and Dreamweaver and use them to create professional-level projects. In addition, students will be introduced to HTML and CSS.

• Credits: 2

Student Leaning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Employ digital video cameras, editing software, and techniques to create video packages appropriate to television and/or other commercial use;
• Apply the building blocks of Web design—HTML and CSS, and and other applicable tools—to the creation of simple Web pages;
• Communicate information to, and/or about, diverse cultures with a sensitivity to their cultural beliefs and value systems.

Required Texts

• None

Course Structure

This course will consist largely of hands-on use of various media programs. Most weeks I will lecture/demonstrate new tools and techniques and students will follow along and complete exercises. In addition there will be several larger projects that span multiple weeks. Although there may be some class given to these projects, it is expected that students will have to work several hours outside of class to complete them.

Attendance Policy

It is a student’s responsibility to attend class every day. Regular class attendance and participation are two of the most significant factors, which promote the success of students. Due to the wealth of (largely technical) material to be covered in this course, it is extremely important that you attend every scheduled class. Absences will count against your class participation score; however given that there are legitimate reasons for occasionally missing class, the first absence will not count against you. After that the participation score will be based on the percentage of time you attended class. Note that laterness will also count against your participation score.

Students are responsible for all material discussed in class whether or not they attended that day. A student who is absent is expected to get any missed notes, handouts, or assignments from fellow students, and/or on-line resources as soon as he/she returns to class. I would also appreciate an e-mail indicating the reason for your absence as soon as possible.

Diversity

The SCSU Department of Mass Communications is committed to preserving and fostering diversity and complying with the equity guidelines set up by the university. We recognize diversity in the faculty, staff and students, and strive to enhance the richness offered by this variety. It is important to be respectful of one another's thoughts and ideas. It is expected that students, professor, and guests treat everyone fairly, regardless of gender, class, ethnicity, religion, disability, nationality, or sexual orientation (or anything else for that matter). This is not to say that students should refrain from offering their opinions, defending their beliefs, or arguing against ideas they disagree with; however, it is expected that any such discussions be thoughtful and respectful, as outlined above.

In addition, one or more projects in this class will have a very specific diversity-related focus. Students will be expected to research the subject and use the information to create sensitive, informed, and compelling pieces. Knowledge, insight, and appropriate use of the material will be considered when grading these projects (see below for details on the projects).

Web Resources

I will make every effort to post copies of class syllabi, assignments, study guides, and other handouts on the web, both at www.danfergusdesign.com/classfiles/ as well as D2L. If you miss class, or lose a handout, you should be able to download a new copy from this site. If you need to get hold of me and you have no access to e-mail, you may contact me via a form from this site (www.danfergusdesign.com/contact.html). Grades will be posted on D2L.

The Internet

The Internet is a very useful tool for research and in this class in particular we will be referring to it quite a bit. However, it should not be used as entertainment while in class. Students are not be permitted to surf the net, play games, or use e-mail during class time.

Cell Phones

Cell Phones will not be allowed in my classroom unless they are silent. Students are not permitted to talk on cell phones in class.

Headphones

In multimedia classes such as this we often make use of video and audio files. When 20 people are working with files with sound it can get quite noisy. Students are encouraged to bring headphones or earbuds for those portions of the class that deal with audio.

Plagiarism Policy

To plagiarize is “to steal and pass off the ideas or words of another as one’s own” (Webster’s Dictionary). Students found plagiarizing material from any secondary source will receive a failing grade on the assignment, and may be subject to further disciplinary action. Students should consult with me to verify the proper citation style to be used for specific assignments.

Grades

Project grades and comments (where applicable) will be posted to D2L. It is the student's responsibility to check the D2L and review his/her grades. If D2L lists a project grade as "missing," it is most likely because I did not received the project, or it is incomplete. It is the student's responsibility to make sure his/her work has been completed and received by the instructor.

Students may redo and resubmit work at any point during the semester. If the resubmitted piece improves on the original project, a new (better) grade will be posted in place of the old grade. Redone work that is of equal or lesser quality will not be penalized (the grade will remain the same).

Due Dates

Projects, papers, presentations, and exercises with a stated deadline (due date) are due on the date and at the time specified and no later. Assignments turned-in late will lose 10% of their total possible value for each week they are late. All work must be turned in by the end of the final scheduled regular class (finals week excluded).

Projects

Projects handed-in without all required material will not be accepted, and will be considered late until all required parts of the project are supplied. All projects must be submitted as digital files. Print-outs (when required) should be to the instructor when the digital file is submitted.

Below is a list of the major projects and a brief description of each. Further details will follow—later in the term—as the projects are assigned.