COURSE SYLLABUS

College Name: Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

Department Name: Journalism and Mass Communication
Course Name: Interactive Communication in a Digital World

COURSE INFORMATION

 Course Number/Section: JOMC 102 - 03A / 202110

 Term: Fall 2020
 Semester Credit Hours: 3
 Class Location: Blackboard

INSTRUCTOR CONTACT INFORMATION

 Instructor: Tira J. Murray, M.A.

 Office Location: Crosby Hall 121
 Office Phone: 336-285-3461
 Email Address: tjmurray1@ncat.edu

If there’s a graduate teaching assistant assigned to work with this course, please include their names also.

STUDENT HOURS

NOTE: All Student Hours are virtual. Students are responsible for reading, understanding and following the
syllabus.

10:00 AM / PM – 5:00 AM / PM

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

(Zoom Meetings by Appointment Only)

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Course Syllabus (rev 05-15-20 by the Extended Campus)
COURSE PREREQUISITES

Course or Test: SPCH 116 Minimum Grade of C May not be taken concurrently, 
and GPE 2. May not be taken concurrently.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course presents the basic production elements of converged media content. This course develops an
understanding of the ethics and application of audio and video production, still photography and the
Internet. This course involves the practical application of basic techniques and methodology of audio and
video production on the Web.

STUDENT LEARNING OBJECTIVES/OUTCOMES (SLO)

The JOMC department adopts the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass
Communications (ACEJMC) values and competencies and the Southern Association of Colleges
and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS COC) Student Learning Goals found in their
complete form near the end of the syllabus. The ACEJMC values and competencies and the SACS
Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) for the continuous improvement of teaching effectiveness are
referenced here.

The following ACEJMC values and competencies appear on the JOMC Department Curriculum Map
for Mass Media Production Sequence, Multimedia Journalism Sequence, and the Public Relations
Sequence to reflect the outline of the learning objectives for this course that are assessed for
continuous improvement of student learning outcomes.

After completing this course, the students are expected to master specific, measurable, and focused
learning outcomes to the degree listed below:

Application (primary objective of the course)

Students will be able to write and disseminate information on different multimedia platforms
by practicing these skills numerous times during the semester (ACEJMC Competencies 9 and
12).
Understanding (explored and practiced in the course)
Students will be able to think critically and creatively to develop interviewing
communication skills through numerous exercises and assignments (ACEJMC Competency
7).
Awareness (introduced in the course)
Students will be able to improve media presentation skills by constructing a WordPress site
that will house the multimedia content (ACEJMC Competency 9). Students will be able to use AP
Style rules, grammar, mechanics and rules for writing for the Web through the exercises and
assignments (ACEJMC Competencies 9 and 12).

REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS AND MATERIALS

Any course-level subscriptions and tools linked in Blackboard Learn learning management system (LMS) should
be listed here. The Blackboard LMS must have links to their student data privacy statement.

REQUIRED TEXTS:
Converging Media: A New Introduction to Mass Communication 6th Edition by John V. Pavlik

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Course Syllabus (rev 05-15-20 by the Extended Campus)
REQUIRED MATERIALS:
Student must have access to a laptop and Google Drive

SUGGESTED COURSE MATERIALS

SUGGESTED READINGS/TEXTS:

Suggested Readings/Texts:
Handouts and PPts

SUGGESTED MATERIALS:

A personal laptop. Many of the assignments that you will do can be produced outside of class and
can be e-mailed or posted on your blog, Website.

GRADING POLICY

ASSIGNMENTS AND GRADING POLICY

94% and above A 76% - 74% C

93% - 90% A- 73% - 70% C-
89% - 87% B+ 69% - 67% D+
86% - 84% B 66% - 64% D
83% - 80% B- 63% - 0% F
79% - 77% C+

GRADING ALLOCATION

Course grades are based on a weighted grading scale of 100%. The breakdown for the course is
as follows: [Faculty, please adjust according to your course.]

 Assignments - 30%
 Participation – 10%
 Discussion Boards – 10%
 Final Presentation - 20%
 Final Exam - 30%

ELEMENT #1: Assignments: Students will be assigned assignments covering selected chapters
from the text.

ELEMENT #2: Participation: The grade will be given based on student virtual interaction.

ELEMENT #3: Presentation: Students will be assigned a chapter to cover and create a
presentation as a final study guide for the class.

ELEMENT #4: Final Exam: This exam will cover elements of each student presentation.

ELEMENT #5: Discussion Boards: The grade will reflect the student’s online interaction and
engagement with peers.

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Course Syllabus (rev 05-15-20 by the Extended Campus)
 All items that are late or not submitted to Blackboard will be zero credit. If the student
provides proof that he/she has an excused absences, then the student must schedule a meeting to
review missed assignments for consideration. If there is not valid proof, the assignment will not be
considered for acceptance.

Extra Credit will not be provided throughout the semester. Unless otherwise specified all margins
are 1-inch and the typeface is 12-point Times New Roman. Formal writings follow the APA
(American Psychology Association) Style Manual. Journalistic writings follow the Associated Press
Style Book. Failure to strictly follow these guidelines creates the risk of failure due to inappropriate
format.

Written assignments are subject to being analyzed for plagiarism using SafeAssign. Information
about can be found at https://help.blackboard.com/SafeAssign/Student and plagiarism at
https://www.plagiarism.org/ which are sponsored by SafeAssign.

COURSE POLICIES

USE OF BLACKBOARD AS THE LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

Blackboard is the primary online instructional and course communications platform. Students can
access the course syllabus, assignments, grades, and learner support resources. Students are
encouraged to protect their login credentials, complete a Blackboard orientation and log in daily to
course.

MAKE-UP EXAMS

See Fall 2020 Undergraduate Bulletin:

https://www.ncat.edu/provost/academic-affairs/bulletins/index.php

EXTRA CREDIT

No Extra Credit is given in this course.

LATE WORK

Unless given special provisions by the professor, all late work is not permitted or accepted.

SPECIAL ASSIGNMENTS

None

Students are expected to attend class and participate on a regular basis in order to successfully
achieve course learning outcomes and meet federal financial aid requirements (34 CFR 668.22).
Class attendance in online courses is defined as active participation in academically-related course
activities. Active participation may consist of course interactions with the content, classmates,
and/or the instructor. Examples of academically-related course activities include, but are not limited
to:

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Course Syllabus (rev 05-15-20 by the Extended Campus)
  Completing and submitting assignments, quizzes, exams, and other activities within Blackboard
or through Blackboard (3rd-party products).

 Participating in course-related synchronous online chats, discussions, or meeting platforms

such as Blackboard Collaborate in which participation is tracked.

CLASSROOM CITIZENSHIP

Courtesy, civility, and respect must be the hallmark of your interactions.

COMPLIANCE WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT

North Carolina A&T State University is committed to following the requirements of the Americans
with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
If you need an academic accommodation based on the impact of a disability, you must initiate the
request with the Office of Accessibility Resources (OARS) and provide documentation in
accordance with the Documentation Guidelines at N.C. A&T. Once documentation is received, it
will be reviewed. Once approved, you must attend a comprehensive meeting to receive appropriate
and reasonable accommodations. If you are a student registered with OARS, you must complete
the Accommodation Request Form to have accommodations sent to faculty.

OARS is located in Murphy Hall, Suite 01. We can be reached at 336-334-7765, or by email at
accessibilityresources@ncat.edu. Additional information and forms can be found on the web at
https://www.ncat.edu/provost/academic-affairs/accessibility-resources/index.php.

Please note: Accommodations are not retroactive and begin once the Disability Verification Form
is provided to faculty.

TITLE IX

North Carolina A&T State University is committed to providing a safe learning environment for all
students—free of all forms of discrimination and harassment. Sexual misconduct and relationship
violence in any form are inconsistent with the university’s mission and core values, violate
university policies, and may also violate federal and state law. Faculty members are considered
“Responsible Employees” and are required to report incidents of sexual misconduct and
relationship violence to the Title IX Coordinator. If you or someone you know has been impacted
by sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating or domestic violence, or stalking, please visit the Title
IX website to access information about university support and resources. If you would like to speak
with someone confidentially, please contact the Counseling Services 336-334-7727 or the Student
Health Center 336-334-7880.

TECHNICAL SUPPORT

If you experience any problems with your A&T account, you may call Client Technology Services
(formerly Aggie Tech Support and Help Desk) at 336-334-7195, or visit
https://hub.ncat.edu/administration/its/dept/ats/index.php.

FIELD TRIP POLICIES / OFF-CAMPUS INSTRUCTION AND COURSE ACTIVITIES

If applicable:

Off-campus, out-of-state and foreign instruction and activities are subject to state law and
university policies and procedures regarding travel and risk-related activities. Information

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Course Syllabus (rev 05-15-20 by the Extended Campus)
 regarding these rules and regulations may be found at https://www.ncat.edu/campus-
life/student-affairs/index.php.

STUDENT HANDBOOK

https://www.ncat.edu/campus-life/student-affairs/departments/dean-of-students/student-
handbook.php

STUDENT TRAVEL PROCEDURES AND STUDENT TRAVEL ACTIVITY WAIVER

https://hub.ncat.edu/administration/student-affairs/staff-resources/studen_activity_travel_waiver.pdf

OTHER POLICIES (e.g., Copyright Guidelines, Confidentiality, etc.)

STUDENT HANDBOOK

https://www.ncat.edu/campus-life/student-affairs/departments/dean-of-students/student-
handbook.php

Graduate Catalog

SEXUAL MISCONDUCT POLICY

https://www.ncat.edu/legal/title-ix/sexual-harassment-and-misconduct-policies/index.php

FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT (FERPA)

https://www.ncat.edu/registrar/ferpa.php

STUDENT COMPLAINT PROCEDURES

https://www.ncat.edu/current-students/student-complaint-form.php

STUDENT CONDUCT AND DISCIPLINE

North Carolina A&T State University has rules and regulations that govern student conduct and
discipline meant to ensure the orderly and efficient conduct of the educational enterprise. It is the
responsibility of each student to be knowledgeable about these rules and regulations.

Please consult the following about specific policies such as academic dishonesty, cell phones,
change of grade, disability services, disruptive behavior, general class attendance, grade appeal,
incomplete grades, make up work, student grievance procedures, withdrawal, etc.:

 Undergraduate Bulletin
https://www.ncat.edu/provost/academic-affairs/bulletins/index.php

 Graduate Catalog
https://www.ncat.edu/tgc/graduate-catalog/index.php

 Student Handbook
https://www.ncat.edu/campus-life/student-affairs/departments/dean-of-students/student-
handbook.php

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Course Syllabus (rev 05-15-20 by the Extended Campus)
 ACADEMIC DISHONESTY POLICY

Academic dishonesty includes but is not limited to the following:

1. Cheating or knowingly assisting another student in committing an act of cheating or

other academic dishonesty;
2. Plagiarism (unauthorized use of another’s words or ideas as one’s own), which includes
but is not limited to submitting exams, theses, reports, drawings, laboratory notes or
other materials as one’s own work when such work has been prepared by or copied
from another person;
3. Unauthorized possession of exams or reserved library materials; destroying or hiding
source, library or laboratory materials or experiments or any other similar actions;
4. Unauthorized changing of grades, or marking on an exam or in an instructor’s grade
book or such change of any grade record;
5. Aiding or abetting in the infraction of any of the provisions anticipated under the general
standards of student conduct;
6. Hacking into a computer and gaining access to a test or answer key prior to the test
being given. A&T reserves the right to search the emails and computers of any student
suspected of such computer hacking if a police report of the suspected hacking was
submitted prior to the search; and
7. Assisting another student in violating any of the above rules.

A student who has committed an act of academic dishonesty has failed to meet a basic
requirement of satisfactory academic performance. Thus, academic dishonesty is not only a basis
for disciplinary action but may also affect the evaluation of a student’s level of performance. Any
student who commits an act of academic dishonesty is subject to disciplinary action.

In instances where a student has clearly been identified as having committed an act of academic
dishonesty, an instructor may take appropriate disciplinary action, including a loss of credit for an
assignment, exam or project; or awarding a grade of “F” for the course, subject to review and
endorsement by the chairperson and dean.

ASSIGNMENTS AND ACADEMIC CALENDAR

Include topics, reading assignments, due dates, exam dates, withdrawal dates, pre-registration and
registration dates, all holidays, and convocations. *

READING IN
MONTH DAY SUBJECT TEXT, ACTIVITY,
HOMEWORK, EXAM
Aug 19 Mass Communication and its Digital Discussion Board Due
Transformation 8/26

Aug 26 Media Literacy in the Digital Age Assignment due 9/2

Sept 2 Mass-Communication Formats Discussion Board Due
9/9
Sept 9 The Recording Industry Discussion Board Due
9/16
Sept 16 Visual Media: Photography, Movies, and Discussion Board Due
Television 9/23
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Course Syllabus (rev 05-15-20 by the Extended Campus)
 READING IN
MONTH DAY SUBJECT TEXT, ACTIVITY,
HOMEWORK, EXAM
Sept 23 The Internet, Video Games, and Augmented Discussion Board Due
Reality 9/30
Sept 30 The Impact of Social Media Assignment Due 10/7
Oct 7 Journalism: From Information to Participation Discussion Board Due
10/14
Oct 14 Public Relations: Building Relationships with Discussion Board Due
Strategic Communications 10/21
Oct 21 Advertising: The Power of Persuasion Assignment Due 10/28
Oct 28 Media Ethics Discussion Board Due
11/4
Nov 4 Communication Law & Regulation in the Digital Discussion Board Due
Age Nov 11
Nov 11 Media Theory/Research: Writing to Text Final Project due Nov
Messaging 18

Discussion Board Due

11/18
Nov 18 Presentation Day: Via Zoom
Dec 8 Final Exam

* These descriptions and timelines are subject to change at the discretion of the instructor.

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Course Syllabus (rev 05-15-20 by the Extended Campus)
Department of Journalism and Mass Communication Cultural Diversity and Inclusiveness
Statement

It is vital that students in this course broaden their journalism/mass communications experiences,
with guidance from the instructor, by including in their course work people and subjects regarding
ethnic, gender, racial and religious minorities, persons with disabilities and sexual orientation.

This includes, but is not limited to, developing sensitivity to language and images that may create
an appearance of bias. The intent is to ensure that student work reflects the diversity of the
community, nation and the world, and that students are exposed to diverse ideas and perspectives.
In this class, it is the responsibility of the instructor and students to foster an environment that
supports free expression, while respecting the opinions of others.

The Department of Journalism and Mass Communication is committed to diversity in all aspects of
its program, including providing a climate of inclusion, as well as addressing student and faculty
hiring and retention, curriculum, research, scholarship, outreach and service. Students are

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Course Syllabus (rev 05-15-20 by the Extended Campus)
 encouraged to review the department's diversity plan, which is posted on the JOMC page of the
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences website.

Accreditation

The Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC)

is the agency responsible for the evaluation of professional journalism and mass communications
programs in colleges and universities. Find more information at http://www.acejmc.org to help
understand this valuable accreditation.

ACEJMC Values

ACEJMC 1. understand and apply the principles and laws of freedom of speech and press,
including the right to dissent, to monitor and criticize power, and to assemble and petition for
redress of grievances;

ACEJMC 2. demonstrate an understanding of the history and role of professionals and institutions
in shaping communications;

ACEJMC 3. demonstrate an understanding of gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation and, as

appropriate, other forms of diversity in domestic society in relation to mass communications;

ACEJMC 4. demonstrate an understanding of the diversity of peoples and cultures and the
significance and impact of mass communications in a global society;

ACEJMC 5. understand concepts and apply theories in the use and presentation of images and
information; and

ACEJMC 6. demonstrate an understanding of professional ethical principles and work ethically in

pursuit of truth, accuracy, fairness, and diversity.

ACEJMC Competencies

ACEJMC 7. Think critically, creatively and independently;

ACEJMC 8. conduct research and evaluate information by methods appropriate to the

communications professions in which they work;

ACEJMC 9. write correctly and clearly in forms and styles appropriate for the communications
professions, audiences and purposes they serve;

ACEJMC 10. critically evaluate their own work and that of others for accuracy and fairness, clarity,
appropriate style and grammatical correctness;

ACEJMC 11. apply basic numerical and statistical concepts; and

ACEJMC 12. apply tools and technologies appropriate for the communications professions in
which they work.

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS COC) is the
regional body for the accreditation of degree-granting higher education institutions in the Southern states.
Find more information at http://sacscoc.org/ to help understand this valuable accreditation.

University Student Learning Goal/Outcome 1: Communication Skills

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Course Syllabus (rev 05-15-20 by the Extended Campus)
 Students in the BS Journalism and Mass Communication program will be able to demonstrate
effective use of communication skills (written, oral, graphic and interpersonal) appropriate for
professionals in this field of study.

Effective Speaking Skills: Graduating students speak professionally in a clear, concise, and
accurate manner. The information is organized in a way to keep the audience engaged including
the analysis and delivery of broadcast copy across various digital platforms.

University Student Learning Goal/Outcome 2: Critical Thinking Skills

Students in the BS Journalism and Mass Communication program will be able to effectively
demonstrate the use of quantitative and/or qualitative analytical problem-solving skills appropriate
for professionals in this field of study.

University Student Learning Goal/Outcome 3: Disciplinary Expertise

Students in the BS Journalism and Mass Communication program will be able to demonstrate a
level or discipline-specific expertise (knowledge, skills, and professionalism) appropriate for
professionals in in this field of study.

University Student Learning Goal/Outcome 4: Research/Creative Engagement

Students in the BS Journalism and Mass Communication program demonstrate the ability to
engage productively in the review and conduct of disciplinary research and creative activity
appropriate for professionals in this field of study.

***If using Respondus for online exams, insert the following***

Respondus LockDown Browser

This course requires the use of Respondus LockDown Browser for online exams. Watch this short
video to get a basic understanding of LockDown Browser and the webcam feature. A student
Quick Start Guide is also available.

Download and install LockDown Browser from this link:

https://download.respondus.com/lockdown/download.php?id=922833142

When taking an online exam, follow these guidelines:

 Ensure you are in a location where you will not be interrupted.

 Turn off all mobile devices, phones, etc.
 Clear your desk of all external materials: books, papers, other computers, or devices
 Remain at your desk or workstation for the duration of the test
 LockDown Browser will prevent you from accessing other websites or applications; you will be
unable to exit the test until all questions are completed and submitted.
 Before starting the text, know how much time is available for it, and that you have allotted
sufficient time to complete it.
 Remember that LockDown Browser will prevent you from accessing other websites or
applications; you will be unable to exit the test until all questions are completed and submitted.

To ensure LockDown Browser is set up properly, do the following:

 Start LockDown Browser, log into Blackboard Learn and select this course.
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Course Syllabus (rev 05-15-20 by the Extended Campus)
  Select the Help Center button on the LockDown Browser toolbar and run the
System & Network Check. If a problem is indicated, see if a solution is provided in the Knowledge
Base. Troubleshooting information can also be emailed to our institution's help desk.
 Exit the Help Center and locate the practice quiz named [NOTE TO INSTRUCTOR:
CREATE A BRIEF PRACTICE QUIZ AND INSERT NAME/LOCATION OF QUIZ].
 Upon completing and submitting the practice quiz, exit LockDown Browser.

Respondus LockDown Browser and Respondus Monitor

When taking an online exam that requires LockDown Browser and Respondus Monitor a webcam is
required.

 Start LockDown Browser, log into Blackboard Learn and select this course.
 Select the Help Center and run the System & Network Check and Webcam Check in LockDown
Browser prior to starting the test.
 To produce a good webcam video, do the following:
o Avoid wearing baseball caps or hats with brims.
o Ensure your computer or tablet is on a firm surface (a desk or table). Do NOT have the
computer on your lap, a bed or other surface where the device (or you) are likely to move.
o If using a built-in webcam, avoid tilting the screen after the webcam setup is complete.
o Take the exam in a well-lit room and avoid backlighting, such as sitting with your back to a
window.

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Course Syllabus (rev 05-15-20 by the Extended Campus)