To pass with a C, all writing assigments, presentations, and projects must be completed on time (including revisions, as requested). Remember to meet with a writing consultant at the N.A.U. Writing Center.
Participation
Listening is a skill worth practicing and appreciating. Student comments are often most useful when individuals are capable of moving the thinking along by connecting thoughts during class, or when recalling previous discussions (from our class or other classes). Isolated comments are most useful when they are the result of careful listening and reflection. Also, it shows when students do not read. Read. Be prepared.
Constructive cristicism or putting some thought behind the critique is also a practice and a life skill. Make sure you have a purpose for the critique. Instead of simply disliking an idea, an image because of preconceived notions about a specific topic or specific people, I want you to engage in new ideas, and new experiences without letting your preconceived notions take over.
20 points total or 10% of the total grade
Although I do not grade separately for attendance, you cannot participate if you do not attendance class. Therefore consider these points for attendance.
Response Papers
If you read an article or chapter and find yourself thinking "That's not right." or maybe "That's exactly right!" Why? Why do you find a an idea boring or really cool. Practice contextualizing your thoughts, whether its through text-only, images-only, or a mix of media. The more you can explain your thinking or how you got to your conclusions, the better you will do in graduate school. Always avoid telling your professors "I conclude it is right because you said it was right." Response papers are academic responses and not personal private journal entries of how you feel about an idea. Feelings qualify, but remember that I need to grade your work. Do not set youself up for a poor grade on your innermost feelings.
4 Response Papers @ 10 points each or 20% of the total grade
2 Papers
These papers are meant for you to practice using theory (other people's ideas) as a way to explain your own idea(s). You are encouraged to develop your thinking from the response papers and to challenge yourself by walking through an idea you have. Both papers will require images as part of your text. Think of the image as language that helps you explain your thought(s).
2 Papers @ 15 points each or 15% of the total grade
2 Quizzes
Fun! Fun! Only two. Each quiz will ask you to recall terms and their definitions that are common in the field of visual literacy. You will be amazed how much thought is put behind an image. Great trivia to use at parties and at family reunions.
2 Quizzes @ 10 points each or 10% of the total grade
Projects
Three opportunities to try different media. You will have options. The learning curve depends on the amount of time you can put into the lab. The purpose is for you to put your thoughts into media. Ought to be fun. If you like tidy structured work, I am not the person you want to turn to. I am not as interested in completed functional work as I am interested in the ideas behind the attempts. You can always hire a design-geek or a technical-geek to make your project work. But, the geeks need your ideas to work with. Practice using storyboards, language, contexts that will show what your idea is.
3 projects @ 10 points each or 15% of the total grade
Presentations
You will present your projects in a professional manner. Practice if you dislike speaking to a crowd. Practice if you enjoy speaking to a crowd. You will have time limits per presentation.
3 presentations @ 10 points each or 15% of the total grade
1 Research Paper
Only one paper! You will use outside sources to write this traditional research paper that is directly linked to the group project (Vancouver Project).
1 paper @ 20 points or 10% of the total grade
Vancouver Project
You will work in pairs or groups (up to 4) on a multimedia project that will be submitted to the Peace Forum, Vancouver, B.C. You will consider your audience, yourselves as authors, and the larger current context. What images, language, sounds, media will you use to convey a concept?
1 project @ 10 points or 5% of the total grade
If you miss 2 days your grade will be lowered by 5%. 4 days +, 15%. Please plan to attend class especially during our final presentation weeks.
We may or may not have extra-curricular activities. You are not graded nor expected to attend. The activities are meant to provide experiences not possible in class. Your grade, however, will not be affected in any way.
We will have 2 conference sign-ups. You will sign up to meet with me for 10 minutes during our proposal week and our work-in-progress week.
We may have guest speakers. Please give them your attention and welcome. Practice looking attentive.