This document outlines the syllabus for a Multimedia Communication course taught in the fall 2014 semester. The course will introduce students to critical thinking, writing and media skills for effective communication across different platforms like radio, television and the internet. Over the course of the semester students will complete in-class projects, a midterm photo essay project, a final data-driven story project, and presentations. Grading will be based on these projects, class participation, and a final exam. The course aims to help students understand multimedia storytelling and apply communication theory and skills to reach target audiences.

1. Fall 2014
D’ANGELO CENTER 406
COM1002
Multimedia Communication
Instructor: Karina Greenberg
E-Mail: vasquezk@stjohns.edu
Mailbox: Bent Hall, 2nd Floor
Overview
This course is designed to introduce students to the critical thinking, writing,
and media skills necessary for effective communication. This is a multimedia
survey/lab course which integrates writing with the sounds & images of media
platforms such as radio, TV, and the internet. Students will apply theory &
skills to effectively reach their target audience.
Goals
While you are expected to have an understanding of the technical applications of
multimedia (ie basic editing skills, photography/videography skills, writing for
journalism, etc.), the goal of the class is not to learn software or equipment. The
goal is to understand the theoretical implications of multimedia storytelling in
today’s 24/7 news cycle. Ideally, the projects completed in this class will serve as
additions to your portfolios.
Required Texts
- The News: A User's Manual
by Alain de Botton
- Supplementary reading will
be assigned throughout the
semester
Assignments/Grading
40%
Class Projects
25%
Midterm Project
25%
Final Project
10%
Final Exam
Evaluation
A (93-100): Outstanding performance in mastering of the subject.
A- (90-92):
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2. B+ (87-89):
B (84-86): Consistent performance in achievement beyond the usual requirements of the course.
B- (80-83):
C+ (77-79):
C (74-76): Performance of a satisfactory nature. Achievement demonstrating an understanding of the subject sufficient for
continued study in the discipline.
C- (70-73):
D+ (67-69):
D (60-66): Minimally acceptable performance; achievement demonstrating below average understanding of the basic elements of
the course.
F (0-59): Achievement at a level insufficient to demonstrate understanding of the basic elements of the course.
Class Rules
Participation: This class requires that you participate in lesson related discourse. Participating isn’t just showing up to class,
sitting in your chair and updating your Facebook status or catching up on sleep. You need to be alert and involved.
Attendance: Two unexcused absences will result in a deduction of half a grade. If you know you are going to be absent or late,
please email me prior to class.
Assignments: All projects are expected to be submitted the date they are due. You will receive a deduction of half a grade each
day it is late. After three days past due, I will not accept your assignment.
Eating/Drinking: St. John’s University does not allow food in the classroom, however because this is an early class, I will allow a
light breakfast (e.g.: fruit, oatmeal, pastry, etc.) and beverages (e.g.: coffee, water, juice). Please do bring anything with a strong
odor or that makes a ton of noise.
Cellphones: Make sure to turn your phones to vibrate before entering the classroom.
Laptops: You may take notes on your laptop. Please bring your laptops to every class, as you will need to use them.
Plagiarism and Cheating: Plagiarism (which arises when written materials are used without due credit to the author) and
cheating (which takes on too many forms to list here!) will not be tolerated. Such behavior amounts to academic misconduct and
will result in severe penalties (see University guidelines).
Academic Honor Pledge (as quoted from the University’s Student Handbook): “St. John’s University is a diverse community of
teachers and scholars committed to the principles of truth, love, respect, opportunity, excellence and service. Members of the St.
John’s University community strive to create an atmosphere, which embodies the University’s Vincentian mission. Students and
faculty commit themselves to the pursuit of wisdom and academic excellence, while fostering a responsibility of serving others.
As members of this community, students are expected to maintain the principles of compassion and the values of honesty and
academic integrity.
In accordance with this pledge, students acknowledge their commitment to the values and principles of the mission of St. John’s
University.
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3. I will not tolerate or participate in any form of academic fraud by cheating, lying or stealing, nor will I accept the actions
of those who choose to violate this code.
I will conduct myself both honorably and responsibly in all my activities as a St. John’s University student, both
academically and non-academically.”
Assignments
In Class Projects (40%): You will have 4 in class assignments.
Midterm Project (25%): Your midterm project will consist of a feature length photo essay.
Final Project (25%): Your final project will consist of a feature length data driven story including visuals.
Final Exam (10%): Your final exam will consist of multiple choice, fill-in and essay questions. We will review thoroughly before
the exam.
Applications/Equipment Required for this Course:
- Microsoft Word or your preferred word processing application
- iMovie or your preferred video editing application
- iPhoto or your preferred photo editing application
- A digital camera with video capability
- A digital audio recorder
Class Schedule (Tuesdays/Fridays)*
9/5: Introduction to Class; Syllabus Review; Work on Introductory Assignment
9/9: Equipment Bootcamp; Work on Introductory Assignment
9/12: Editing Bootcamp; Present Introductory Assignment
9/16: Capturing the Story and Not Getting Arrested
9/19: Writing for Broadcast; Work on Project #1
9/23: Project #1 Due; Present Project #1; Review Project #1
9/26: Audio Storytelling; Work on Project #2
9/30: Project #2 Due; Present Project #2; Review Project #2
10/3: Telling a Story with Photography; Midterm Project is assigned
10/7: Telling a Story with Photography; Work on Midterm Project in Class
10/10: Telling a Story with Photography; Work on Midterm Project in Class
10/14: MIDTERM PROJECT DUE
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4. 10/17: Telling a Story with Video; Project #3 Assigned
10/21: Telling a Story with Video; Work on Project #3 in Class
10/24: GUEST SPEAKER
10/28: GUEST SPEAKER
10/31: Project #3 Due; Present Project #3; Review Project #3
11/4: The Dreaded Assignment for Purists: Sponsored Content, Project #4 Assigned
11/7: Advertising and Journalism; Work on Project #4 in Class
11/11: Project #4 Due; Present Project #4; Review Project #4
11/14: Telling a Story with Data; Final Project Assigned
11/18: The Infographic; Work on Final Project in Class
11/21: The Videographic; Work on Final Project in Class
11/25: CLASS CANCELLED FOR THANKSGIVING
11/28: CLASS CANCELLED FOR THANKSGIVING
12/2: FINAL PROJECT PRESENTATIONS
12/5: FINAL PROJECT PRESENTATIONS; Final Exam Review
12/11-12/17: Final Exam Week
*Course Outline is Subject to Change
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