Grading: All assignments will be graded on a 13-point scale. Grading criteria include: quality of written work, demonstrated initiative, ability to meet deadlines, and the quality of participation in class discussions. Assignments will be weighted according to the following percentages:
|
Final project (total of all parts) |
40% |
|
Analysis report |
10% |
|
CAR tools exercises |
30% |
|
Project story report |
10% |
|
Class participation |
10% |
|
TOTAL |
100% |
Readings: The tentative schedule shows when readings are assigned. One book is assigned: Computer-Assisted Reporting: A Practical Guide, by Brant Houston (NY: St. Martin's Press, 1996). It is available at the IMU Bookstore. Other readings are on reserve in the Journalism Resource Center. Complete readings by the dates shown so that you can discuss them in class and ask questions about them.
Attendance: Because software tutorials continue across several class periods, it is important that you attend all scheduled class meetings. Your full and regular participation in class discussions will help bring maximum personal benefits. In addition, a portion of your grade comes from class participation.
Integrity: All work for this class is expected to be your own. Anyone caught cheating will get a failing grade for the class, and this information will be entered in a student's permanent record. This includes fabricating data or other story information, as well as any other misrepresentation of work.
Grading Policy: No late papers will be accepted without a very good reason. Students unable to turn in an assignment because of serious, unavoidable circumstances should let me know before the due date. My mailbox is in W603 Seashore Hall-do not put papers under my office door...the floor is swept regularly. Incompletes will be given only in accordance with University policy (that is, where work remaining is small and reasons are acceptable to the instructor). Students should be aware that penalties for cheating or plagiarism in the College of Liberal Arts range from a reduction in grade to expulsion from the University.
Office Hours: My office hours are Tuesday, 10-12 and Friday, 1:30-3:30. Other hours by appointment only.
Complaint Procedure: If any student has a complaint concerning the oral communication competence of the instructor, the student should take the complaint to the instructor or to the School's director, whoever seems most appropriate in the estimation of the student.