To be successful in this class, you will need to attend and participate in class discussions and activities. Come to class prepared to participate by having technology where you can research or share social media memes or posts to contribute to class discussions.
WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS (200 pts. - 27%)
Over the course of the semester there are several written essays where you will write 1-4 pages on different topics we discuss in class like media literacy, the field of communication, media usage, a movie analysis, a final "What I Know Now" paper and media bias. College-level writing is expected including appropriate spelling, punctuation, grammar and citations in the APA style where required.
SCREEN/MEDIA LOG (30pts - 4%)
This assignment requires that you monitor and track your screen/media time for at least four days (but a whole week would give you the best insight on your own media consumption). You will be given a chart to fill out about how many minutes each day you engage with all aspects of media consumption and screen time.
SCREEN/MEDIA LOG ANALYSIS PAPER (50 pts. - 7%)
After spending several days tracking your media usage, you will write an analysis paper on your experience. You will have several self-analysis questions to guide you through the process. The paper will need to be between 500-750 words.
Group Presentation: Media & Society Topic (85 pts. - 11% )
In small groups, you will research and present on a major topic from our course — such as media literacy, echo chambers, virtue signaling, media bias, technological determinism, identity politics, freedom of speech, or another approved theme. Your job is to teach the class about your topic in a way that is dynamic, entertaining and engaging.
CLASS DISCUSSIONS - Spill the Tea, Check the Receipts (50pts. - 7%)
For some chapter topics, there will be discussions based on current events. Your assignment is to lead the class in a discussion on a current event applying course concepts. To lead the discussion, you will need to submit a question to Prof. Fogg in advance and get it approved, or I will give you one.
QUIZZES - (150 pts - 20%)
There will be online quizzes for each chapter based on the lecture and reading. Some of the chapter quizzes will be combined based on timing. You may be given class time to take some quizzes.
MOVIE ANALYSES - (30pts. - 4%)By the end of the term you will need to watch two movies that deal with journalism/media and media literacy. One of the movies we may watch together in class and you will be given quiz questions at the end of class. So don't skip out on the movie day. The second movie is your choice. The movie must be from the list provided or should be a movie that obviously covers journalism or the media.
DAYS OF DISCONNECT - (75pts - 10%) - For this assignment, you must go without ALL ELECTRONICS for 2 days. Yep, that means no phones, no TV, no internet, no gaming, no movies, no iPad, no TikTok, no Instagram, no Apple Watch, no computer. Before you freak out and dismiss the idea, this is a unique assignment where you will experience what it was like "back in the day." It requires some preparation, like you need an alarm clock (or a roommate), and you need to tell your friends and family. If you use electronics for work, that's ok, you can exercise self-control and use only what is required for work. The point is to break your pattern and see what you can learn from going without for 2 days.
What I Know Now Paper (80 pts. - 11%)- This is your final. There's no final exam. This 2-3 page write-up is designed to demonstrate your understanding of course concepts and how they apply to your life. You will also be expected to make assessments about what you learned over the term. (80 pts.)