Course Syllabus

The Class

10:25 - 12:15, MWRF, Combs 349

The Instructor: Zach Whalen, Ph. D.

Office: Combs 308 Hours: MW, 1:00 – 4:00 
Online: www.zachwhalen.net 
E-Mail: zwhalen@umw.edu 
Twitter: @zachwhalen 
Phone (if you must): 5406542355 

Objectives

This class is designed to make you a better citizen of the web: a better writer, thinker, and critic when it comes to digital media and digital rhetoric. Through the assignments in this class, you will experiment with different rhetorical modes and concepts, all geared toward the differences made by doing things online. The readings in this class will support the experimentation of your assignments and will also introduce you to critical ideas and debates within and about digital media culture, particularl regarding open access, intellectual property, and personal liberty. By completing this writing seminar, the successful student will acquire or improve:

• experience in manipulating images to construct visual argument
• experience with basic web technologies, including HTML, CSS, and web hosting
• experience in crafting rhetorical situations to address a public audience
• engagement with issues in digital media cultures and contexts

Requirements

There are no required texts for you to purchase; assigned readings will be available to you for free via the Internet. In the first week of class, you will set up a basic webhosting account and domain registration, which will likewise be free to you. You should also come to class with an open mind and a willingness to experiment. I'll be asking you to try work on tasks that may take you out of your comfort zone, technologically speaking, and you should be ready and willing to grow your skills in this area. That's what this class is all about.

Grade Calculations

In cases where assignments are awarded a letter grade, the point value will calculate according to the chart on the left. At the end of the semester, the sum total of your points will determine your final grade, as delineated in the chart on the right. Please note that the numbers in the chart on the right are whole numbers. I will round to the nearest whole number when determining your grade, but that's the best I can do -- a 939/1000 will still earn an A-.

Policies and Expectations

Twitter

I am not requiring you to use Twitter for this class, but I strongly recommend it. When you tweet anything relevant to class, use the hashtag #engl202.

Attendance

Because this class depends heavily on class discussion and workshopping, you should be in class every day we meet, ready to contribute to the conversation. The work we do in class each day is a major part of how you demonstrate your learning in this course. Regardless of the reason, missing class will disqualify you from completing any work submitted in class that day (quizzes, exercises, etc.), and any student who misses an excessive number of classes will automatically fail the course. There is no way to make up missed credit due to an absence.

Use of Electronic Devices in Class

Students are allowed, even encouraged, to bring laptops or other electronic devices to class for the purpose of taking notes. Obviously, we already have computers in the classroom. However, activities such as browsing facebook, reading e-mail, or text-messaging are not allowed unless it's a specific course-related task. Also, turn off your cell phone ring, and -- unless there is an emergency -- please do not answer it if you forget and it rings . If you are browsing Facebook instead of participating in class, I will consider you absent for the day. Furthermore, if I determine that you are abusing this policy, I reserve the right to ban use of electronic devices either for you individually or for the class at large.

Academic Dishonesty

The UMW Honor System is in effect for our course. I may authorize specific exercises as collaborative work, but all other work must be your own, as per Article 1, Sections 1 and 2 of the University of Mary Washington Student Honor Code.

Late Work

Unless otherwise indicated, all assigned work is due at the beginning of class on the specified due date. Work that is submitted after this time will be considered late and will be subject to a significant grade penalty equivalent to a letter grade per day. Work that is later than four days after the due date will not be accepted under any circumstances.

Decorum

Students are expected to treat the instructor and fellow students with the appropriate degree of respect, both in class and in online discussions. Communication, either in person or through electronic media, that is deemed abusive, threatening, or harassing in nature will not be tolerated.

Students with Disabilities

The Office of Disability Resources has been designated by the University as the primary office to guide, counsel, and assist students with disabilities. If you already receive services through the Office of Disability Resources and require accommodations for this class, get in touch with me as soon as possible to discuss your approved accommodation needs. Please bring your accommodation letter with you to the appointment. I will hold any information you share with me in the strictest confidence unless you give me permission to do otherwise. If you have not contacted the Office of Disability Resources and need accommodations, (note taking assistance, extended time for tests, etc.), I will be happy to refer you. The office will require appropriate documentation of disability. Their phone number is 540-654-1266.