Course Requirements

Providence Academy Journey AR Environment created in spring 2018 for The Historic Trust

The focus of this course is to professionalize students planning to work in digital technology or attend a graduate program in digital media or a related field. Thus, attention is given to providing students with a hands on experience with directing and participating in a large digital media project; teaching students how to engage in a critique of digital work; and helping students prepare requisite materials, such as a proposal, portfolio, resume, and writing sample, needed for their professional career. In brief, this course offers students a kind of literacy of digital media aimed at enhancing their success in the field.

Course Materials

  • Class Website:  http://dtc-wsuv.org/wp/497
  • This course requires no textbook; however, students are expected to prepare a Legacy Notebook for their Capstone Project, which will entail printing costs. Students are also expected to have access to an external drive to hold data.

Projects and Methodology

There are 15 different media objects that are associated with digital media. You have, during the course of your experience in the program, produced and/or have been exposed to many of them. These include videos, websites, animation, interactive installations, multimedia performances, video games, internet radio, internet television, virtual reality, human-computer interfaces, virtual environments, digital photography, electronic music, digital cinema, and apps. A Capstone Project will entail one of these.

Generally in the Senior Seminar students are asked to create a media object for a particular organization. This opportunity provides you with working in and with teams, managing large projects, and interacting with clients and audiences. Thus, this course focuses on methods and practices derived from multimedia design and pertinent activities and terminology.

Assignments

All but one of these projects––the Self-Reflective Essay––are public projects. This means that you are expected to share your work with your teammates, the class at large, your mentor, and in the case of the Capstone Project and the Proposal/Project Research, your client(s). The list below includes all components of the class and designates who is expected to see your work either in draft and/or final format.

  • Capstone Project: You will be presented an opportunity or multiple opportunities for a project. You will work on a team creating a particular media object for an organization. The point of this project is to show that you have attained the critical/creative thinking skills and technical “chops” needed for producing an effective media object. You will also be required to demonstrate that you can work on a team and collaborate collegially with others. Finally, you must put in no less than 150 hours into this project, logging your time for me in a weekly timesheet. You will share your work with your team, the class at large, and the client(s).
  • Project Research: You will work in teams to develop a proposal or engage in project research that will be presented to the client. You will share your work with your team, the class at large, and the client(s).
  • Two Presentations: All students will give two formal 20-minute presentations in which teams discuss project information with members of the class, the client, and other interested parties (other students, alums, and visitors). The point of the presentations is to share the methods and processes by which you have developed the Capstone Project. You will share your work with your team, the class at large, and the client(s).
  • Self-Reflective Essay: At the end of the course, you will produce a 10-15 page essay that reflects on your competency with the 10 CMDC Learning Goals, stated above. This is a formal paper in which you discuss each goal in conjunction to the many projects, assignments, and readings undertaken in the program. The point of the reflection essay is to allow you to explain in detail what you have learned during the preparation of the major.  It also ensures that you have learned to communicate at the college level. Seen only by me, your professor. It is recommended that you workshop your drafts with others.
  • Resume: By the end of the course, you will have produced a formal resume that can be used for submission to a graduate program or for application for a job. The point of this assignment is to prepare you for life beyond the program. You will share your work with your team, the class at large, and your mentor before sharing it with me, your professor.
  • Electronic Portfolio: Also at the end of the course, you will have produced an online portfolio that can be used for submission to graduate school or for application for a job. The point of this assignment is to prepare students for life beyond the program. You will share your work with your team, the class at large, and your mentor before sharing it with me, your professor.

Collegiality & Community Building

You will also be graded on Collegiality and Community Building since so much of what we do in our field involves working collaboratively with others in teams or in an ecosystem. Learning to be collegial, resolve differences amicably, function responsively are important skills that will help to ensure continued success in life. Because this course aims to prepare you for the world outside of academe, it requires that you gain this knowledge. Thus, in this course you are graded on the following: 1)  participating in a productive and collegial way in all critiques relating to your work as well as the work of those on your team and class, 2) attending all classes, tutorials, and workshops, and team meetings, 3) showing respect and support to other students and staff in public venues online and in class. Know that a full 15% of your grade focuses on this area. I am the only person who assigns this grade, but note I will elicit information from various parties about your contributions and participation in the class.

Assessment

Work will be assessed for its professional quality. Other factors include being turned in on time, uniqueness, and, of course, content. Components that will be assessed are:

Capstone Project: 25%
Project Research:  10%
Presentations: (2 @) 10%
Self-Reflective Essay: 10%
Resume: 10%
Portfolio: 10%
Collegiality & Community Building: 15% (3 @ 5% each)

Items turned in late will be penalized a letter grade per day (not class day but each day) late. Frankly, by the Senior Seminar, it is silly for students to think they can turn in work late unless there is an emergency.  And students know by this point what constitutes a viable emergency.  If we have to explain this information, students are not ready for the Senior Seminar. Final grades will be calculated in this way:

94-100:  A
90-93:  A-
84-89:  B
80-83: B-
74-79:  C
70-73:  C-
>69:  F

A grade lower than a C in this course is unacceptable.  Students who are in danger of making below a C in the Senior Seminar will be advised to withdraw from the course until they are better able to show competency with the material.  Keep in mind that I do not write recommendation letters for students who perform at a C or below level in this course.

Course Instructional Methods

This course is taught primarily synchronously. This means you are expected to attend class at the time it is scheduled. We will use Zoom for our virtual class experience. Additionally, we will use Slack for communicating on the fly with one another outside of class and while we are working in Zoom Break Out rooms during class. Basecamp will be the site where you can find documents you need for the course and where you can upload and access projects.

Attendance Policy

This class meets once a week; this means that one absence amounts to two class meetings in a normal schedule. For this reason, you should plan to attend all classes. Keep in mind that the definition of an excused absence follows within the guidelines of the university. Absences due to a vacation, wedding, a family reunion, and a special “gig” do not count as excused absences. You will see your grade drop one letter grade per two classes missed. If you miss more than three course meetings, for any reason, you will be asked to withdraw from the course and retake it when you are better able to participate.  You are also expected to be in class on the first and last class day.

If you are ill and cannot to come class, then it is assumed you are not well enough to participate via Zoom. This means that we will not be offering a hybrid component for this class. Students must participate Face to Face if they are not ill.

If you have received permission for flex-time consideration, know that you are still responsible for all class assignments on the due date and time. You are also responsible for your portion of your team’s contribution to the project at the due date and time. To be considered for flex-time, you must receive permission from the Access Center.

If you are absent for any reason, you must contact the professors in advance of class first. You should also let your team leader know.

In sum, this is how absences are handled in this course:

  • An unexcused absence = cannot make up work
  • An excused absence = you should make up work within a week of your absence
  • Two unexcused absences = you will see your final grade drop one letter grade
  • Three unexcused absences = you will be asked to drop the course

CMDC Program’s Best Practices for Using Zoom

If we hold a class meeting via Zoom, students are expected to

  • Keep their cameras on
  • Be able to respond when called upon, and participate fully in the class activity
  • Not be in  motion—driving a car or walking for exercise

We ask you to pay attention and treat your classes as you would any class in “normal” times. Know that CMDC faculty teach because they want to make a positive difference in their students’ lives, so please know that they will approach any conversation about Zoom in that spirit.

For anyone missing class for any reason, you are always responsible for the work that is due. 

Tardies count as missing a portion of a class.  Students coming to class late more than two class days will see their grades drop one letter grade per every two days of tardiness.

Keep in mind that one of the questions potential employers generally ask me when inquiring about hiring a DTC grad is if he or she completes work on time and shows up to class.  I cannot recommend you for a job if you have not conducted yourself responsibly in my class.

Leaving class early without notifying the professors in advance and receiving permission will count as full unexcused absence.

Learning Goals for This Course

See the Learning Goals page on this website.

Part 2. University Policies

COVID-19 Policy
Students are expected to abide by all current COVID-19 related university policies and public health directives at https://wsu.edu/covid-19/. Students who do not comply with these directives may be required to leave the classroom; in egregious or repetitive cases, students may be referred to the Center for Community Standards for university disciplinary action. Please note the updated COVID-19 syllabus statement for the Fall semester.

Student Wellness Center 
Student can receive help at the Wellness Center with self-determination, self-advocacy and self-care. To contact or schedule with staff in Counseling Services or Health Services, students can leave a detailed voicemail message at 360-546-9238 or email the center at van.counseling@wsu.edu or van.health@wsu.edu. The Access Center office is located in VCLS 110, however, the Access Center Testing Classroom is still in VCLS 160A, adjacent to the Student Wellness Center Lobby. 

Early Academic Referrals Program (EARS)
The first three weeks of the semester are a critical window for student persistence at the university. Students who miss class, fail to turn in work, or fail assignments are at academic risk. Research has shown that a “nudge” or “early intervention” can help students succeed in the course and persist in the university.

At WSU Vancouver we use two methods to request assistance for students.

  • The Student Care Network (former AWARE Network) should be used if students are in severe distress and/or may cause harm to self or others. https://www.studentcare.wsu.edu/home/
  • The Academic Alert System is available for students struggling academically and would benefit from additional support.  The Student Care Network’s Guide to Helping Students in Distress can be found at:
    https://studentaffairs.vancouver.wsu.edu/student-affairs/academic-alert-form
  • Students facing financial hardships, food security needs, home security needs, or other fundamental need can be referred for assistance through the Student Care Network.

Reasonable Accommodation Statement 
Students with Disabilities: Reasonable accommodations are available for students with disabilities or chronic medical or psychological conditions. If students have a disability and need accommodations to fully participate in this class, it is important that they contact the Access Center as soon as possible. Accommodations must be approved through the Access Center, located in VCLS 110, however, the Access Center Testing Classroom is still in VCLS 160A, adjacent to the Student Wellness Center Lobby. Phone: 360-546-9739; E-mail: van.access.center@wsu.edu; Website: https://studentaffairs.vancouver.wsu.edu/access-center

Accommodation for Religious Observances or Activities
The university reasonably accommodates absences allowing for students to take holidays for reasons of faith or conscience or organized activities conducted under the auspices of a religious denomination, church, or religious organization. Reasonable accommodation requires the student to coordinate with the instructor on scheduling examinations or other activities necessary for course completion. Students requesting accommodation must provide written notification within the first two weeks of the beginning of the course and include specific dates for absences. Approved accommodations for absences will not adversely impact student grades. Absence from classes or examinations for religious reasons does not relieve students from responsibility for any part of the course work required during the period of absence. Students who feel they have been treated unfairly in terms of this accommodation may refer to Academic Regulation 104 – Academic Complaint Procedures. 

Academic Integrity Statement
Academic integrity is the cornerstone of higher education. As such, all members of the university community share responsibility for maintaining and promoting the principles of integrity in all activities, including academic integrity and honest scholarship. Academic integrity will be strongly enforced in this course. Students who violate WSU’s Academic Integrity Policy (identified in Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 504-26-010(3) and -404) will receive [insert academic sanction (e.g., fail the course, fail the assignment, etc.)], will not have the option to withdraw from the course pending an appeal, and will be reported to the Center for Community Standards. Cheating includes, but is not limited to, plagiarism and unauthorized collaboration as defined in the Standards of Conduct for Students, WAC 504-26-010(3).

Students can read the definitions of cheating at: http://app.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=504-26-010. If students have any questions about what is and is not allowed in this course, they should ask course instructors before proceeding. If students wish to appeal a faculty member’s decision relating to academic integrity, please use the form available at https://studentaffairs.vancouver.wsu.edu/community-standards. Further questions about the process on the Vancouver campus can be answered by Eric Scott at 360-546-9530.

Policy Prohibiting Discrimination and Harassment (Executive Policy 15)
This policy expresses WSU’s commitment to maintaining an environment free from discrimination, including sexual harassment. This policy applies to all students, faculty, staff, or others having an association with the University.

Discrimination, including discriminatory harassment, sexual harassment, and sexual misconduct (including stalking, intimate partner violence, and sexual violence) is prohibited at WSU (See WSU Policy Prohibiting Discrimination and Harassment (Executive Policy 15) and WSU Standards of Conduct for Students).

If a student feels they have experienced or have witnessed discriminatory conduct, they can contact the WSU Office of Civil Rights Compliance & Investigation (CRCI) and/or the WSU Title IX Coordinator at 509-335-8288 to discuss resources, including confidential resources, and reporting options. (Visit crci.wsu.edu for more information).

Most WSU employees, including faculty, who have information regarding sexual harassment or sexual misconduct are required to report the information to CRCI or a designated Title IX Coordinator or Liaison. Visit https://ccr.wsu.edu/ for more information

Emergency Notification System
“WSU has made an emergency notification system available for faculty, students, and staff. Please register at myWSU with emergency contact information (cell, email, text, etc.). You may have been prompted to complete emergency contact information when registering for classes at myWSU. In the event of a building evacuation, a map at each classroom entrance shows the evacuation point for each building. Please refer to it. Finally, in case of class cancellation campus-wide, please check local media, the WSU Vancouver web page (https://www.vancouver.wsu.edu) and/or http://www.flashalert.net/. Individual class cancellations may be made at the discretion of the instructor.

Inclement Weather Policy
In the event that an adverse weather event (e.g., snow or ice) or natural hazard that poses a safety risk occurs, you should take personal safety into account when deciding whether you can travel safely to and from campus, taking local conditions into account. If campus remains open and your instructor decides to cancel the face-to-face meeting and substitute an alternative learning activity, you will be notified by your instructor via email or through Blackboard within a reasonable time after the decision to open or close campus has been made. Instructions regarding any alternative learning options or assignments will be communicated in a timely manner. If travel to campus is not possible due to adverse regional conditions, allowances to course attendance policy and scheduled assignments, including exams and quizzes, will be made. Students who attempt to gain advantage through abuse of this policy (e.g., by providing an instructor with false information) may be referred to the Center for Community Standards for disciplinary action. If a student encounters an issue with an instructor, the student should first talk with the instructor. If the issue cannot be resolved, the student should follow the reporting violations of policies outlined on the student affairs website.

WSU Vancouver Campus Emergency Links:

  • Campus Lock Down – Exterior doors will lock.
  • Apply “RUN-HIDE-FIGHT” personal safety protocol.
  • If sheltered or hiding; silence electronics, turn out lights, stay away from windows, barricade or lock doors, make a plan to fight if necessary.
  • Active Shooter Training links:

https://oem.wsu.edu/emergency-procedures/active-shooter/

https://oem.wsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/1081/2015/10/active-shooter-training-2016.mp4?_=1

Additional Student Support Resources Cougar Food Pantry:
We know that it can be hard for students to make ends meet when paying for college and living on a tight budget. The Cougar Food Pantry can help. The pantry provides free, nonperishable food items for WSU Vancouver students in need. The process is simple, anonymous and judgement-free. Learn more and request food at https://studentaffairs.vancouver.wsu.edu/cougar-food-pantry

Learning Services for Students

https://studentaffairs.vancouver.wsu.edu/engaged-learning-career-action-center/learning-services#workshops

The Writing Center and Math and Science Skills Center will offer both face-to-face and remote academic tutoring and assistance options this Fall semester.

https://cas.vancouver.wsu.edu/neuroscience/student-research-professional-development

https://undergraduateresearch.wsu.edu/

Student Tech Ready Checklist
If instructors wish to help their students be tech ready at the beginning of the semester, any or all parts of the following checklist could be copied and provided to students through Canvas, email, or other communication channel.

  • Zoom is WSU’s video-conference classroom app, and has features that can help you virtually interact with your instructors, advisor, and fellow classmates. View WSU’s YouTube video that shows you how Zoom works.
  • Set up your WSU MFA account before classes start. Outlook, Zoom, Canvas, MyWSU require multi-factor authentication (MFA), WSU’s added security authentication step. To protect you online, it requires a user to enter their network ID (NID) and password, followed by a code received through one of several options. WSU has a web page to provide more information including how to set up your account. There’s also a YouTube video.
  • Make sure your computer meets the minimum requirements and has an adequate internet connection.
  • Need help to afford required technology or course materials (computer, text books)?
  • Students may apply for grant assistance to cover technology or COVID-19 related educational costs through the Student Emergency Funding request form:
    https://studentaffairs.vancouver.wsu.edu/financial-aid

Check your WSU Outlook emails frequently (anysender@wsu.edu and notices in myWSU) — advisers, professors, departments, events, and activities use email to communicate essential information. Don’t miss important course information!

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