Class Expectations
You will be evaluated based on your level of participation in class, your professionalism, the content, execution and creativity of your work, quizzes, pop quizzes and exams. However, simply fulfilling these requirements will not earn you an A. To get an A you need to do exemplary work, not just in your efforts, but also in the end product of your work.
Exemplary work means going the extra mile and taking ownership of your lessons and responsibilities; It means that you've taken the initiative to exert effort to produce work that represents strongly the standards of broadcast excellence. Many of you probably considered that the ultimate end point to this class is employment. But there are thousands of other students who want the same job that you want. Therefore, to be successful you need to spend time and energy, learning your craft. But let us agree on what constitutes this effort and how much of it is necessary to get an A.
- Showing up for class and participating in its activities is important to make the course work meaningful. Showing up regularly, and on time, doubly so. Attendance and course performance are highly correlated. Your presence in class gives me the chance to interact with you directly. Also, your attendance adds to your participation points especially since some of the activities involve demonstrations and hands-on learning experiences. But not showing up or being consistently late reflects poorly on your professionalism. It's also a distraction to other students. The bottom line is that you're responsible for your own education, but it's unlikely that you'll get a high grade if your attendance is poor or you don't show up for in-class assignments. I'm sympathetic to personal problems that sometimes get in the way of your studies and attendance. You can talk with me in confidence and we can try to arrange some form of accommodation.
- Be respectful of others. The students who are your peers today will be your work colleagues tomorrow. Don't burn your bridges before you even get started. Distracting students who take their education seriously will not be tolerated. Coming to class late, or not bothering to listen to the lecture while doing online shopping on your mobile device, chatting on Facebook or watching funny animal fails on YouTube - that's a distraction to others (and to me) and it's also disrespectful. When you work in group projects, make sure that you respond to e-mails and phone calls promptly, and that you don't keep your group waiting when they designate a time and place to meet. I know you're all busy with other classes and work schedules, but remember to take responsibility for your actions.
- Do the assignments and meet the deadlines. Assignments serve to help you develop your skills, but they also provide lessons in time management. The end product of your efforts is what the audience (and potential employers) will see. It's expected that you demonstrate not just knowledge of the course content, but also that you're acquiring competencies. Getting late starts on your assignments could result in halfhearted efforts that contribute to a lack of quality.
- Get to know your profession by monitoring what professionals are doing. Watch the news, watch documentaries and even go to movies. There are many videos on YouTube that will help you study your chosen craft.
DRESS CODE
In this class, I am trying to introduce you to what
working in journalism is really like. What you wear is part of this. On the
days that you are on camera, I ask that you are dressed up (this is part of
your grade). What does this mean? No hats, t-shirts, tank tops, sweatshirts,
etc. We will discuss this more on the first day so you have a clear idea of
what I’m looking for.
MISSING CLASS
I get it, there are days where you just don’t want
to be in class or life happens that requires you to miss class. Please keep in
mind this is your job and you are adults. I trust you to make the decisions
necessary for you to be successful. With this in mind, you are give 1 free day,
meaning you don’t have to show up for class and you will not be penalized for
it. This includes sick days. If there is an ongoing medical issue, all I need is a
note from a doctor. This is so I can weigh your absences appropriately at the
end of the semester.
ABOUT LATE WORK
Extensions are granted only if there is a compelling
reason. However, one of your learning objectives is that you develop efficient
time management skills. The quality of your work depends on whether you give
yourself enough time to do it. Your effort is considered in the grade, but the
end product shows whether you fully understand the material. I welcome your
questions and will gladly offer help if you ask for it. But for the most part,
late work will not be accepted.
USE OF LAPTOPS AND OTHER MOBILE
DEVICES
In
past semesters, students have abused the privilege of using computers and
mobile phones in class. Sometimes during video screenings and demonstrations
I've noticed students never once looking up from their laptops. I welcome
innovative ways to use mobile technology in the classroom, but only if it's
relevant to the course. If you can make a compelling argument that Facebook
chatting, online shopping or watching sports events are connected directly to
learning the necessary knowledge and skills that you need in the broadcast
profession, then maybe I'll allow it.