CM100: Introduction to Computer-Mediated Communication
Spring 2008

Prerequisites: Students do not need to have any previous experience in web development, however, the course catalogue requires that they must have a basic knowledge of computer editing and file management. A skills test will be administered early in the semester to determine each student's level of computer literacy.  Those who do not pass the test the first time will be pointed to tutorials and/or classes to help them acquire the necessary skills and should arrange to take the test again before the midterm of the semester.

Required Texts: To immerse students in the study of hypertext and the web most texts for this course will only be available online through the links in the "Schedule" section of this syllabus.  Students will gain firsthand understanding of both the advantages and disadvantages of online texts through the experience of using a "digital textbook." There is no charge to view any of these texts, and the texts may be downloaded or printed for class reference. The sole exception to this is for William Gibson's book Neuromancer, which is available through the University bookstore.

Grading Scale: The university's normal grading scale for introductory courses will be used (90-100 is an A, 80-89 is a B, 70-79 is a C, 60-69 is a D, and below 60 is a "no pass").

A Note About the Course: There are three main phases to the course that are related, yet contain vastly different and challenging material. The first part of the course focuses on html coding, the second on the history of computing that led to networked communication, and the third on theories underpinning contemporary computer-mediated communications technologies.

Each of these sections of the course may be maddening for you (or quite easy) in fundamentally different ways. The first section of the course will be a snap if you already are familiar with html, but will require far more work if you are not. The history section of the course will be impossible to complete without the notes from class, as I am giving a particular history and there are many others out there which could result in conflict between what you find and what I rely on for class. The final section of the class will require a substantial amount of reading and critical thought, which should tie the class together if you thoroughly engage the material. Not recognizing what is stressed in each segment of the course and applying yourself in that regard will make it quite difficult to complete the course successfully.

These three segments are interwoven throughout the course based on student feedback, but it would be to your advantage to figure out which sections you are best at and which are your weak points and budget your time and effort accordingly.

Grading Scale: The University's normal grading scale for introductory courses will be used although pluses and minuses will be given (90-100 is an A, but x0-x2 is a minus and x8-x9 is a plus).

As adapted with clarification from the Undergraduate Handbook on page 59:

As are indicative of superior achievement
Bs are indicative of above average achievement
Cs are indicative of average achievement
Ds are indicative of passing work
NCs/Fs are indicative of failing work that does not deserve credit for the course

Students are not in direct competition for grades in this course, although students who achieve As and Bs are likely to show consistently superior or above average work throughout the semester. There is a difference between successfully completing the assignments in the course and that of mastering the concepts of the course. Students who complete all required assignments in an "acceptable" manner are most likely to receive a C, while those who consistently demonstrate mastery are likely to receive an A or a B. Every student is capable of attaining an A or a B, but doing so will require regularly executed superior performance.

Attendance: Students are expected to attend every class. You will be tested over lecture material that is not readily available in the course readings, and there will be several in-class exercises throughout the semester. If you are unable to attend every class in a timely manner it would be surprising for you to get better than a C in the course.

Please keep in mind that there are computers in the class and coming to class and playing with them, whether it be on games, Facebook, Myspace, or anything else is arguably worse than not attending class in the first place as you are providing a distraction to those that are coming to class to learn. Computers are wonderful things, but there's a clear difference in typing being done for note taking and that being done in non-class related activities. I've taught this class for long enough to notice more often than not and frequent offenders will likely suffer in terms of test grades, but also in participation and active engagement grading.

Much of the material is only available in class and failure to attend will dramatically affect your grade. Should the class as a whole have issues with attendance I reserve the right to administer pop quizzes which would become the determining factor of the participation grade. Participation and active engagement in the course constitutes 10% of your grade.

Policies: Unless special permission is arranged before its due date, no late assignments will be accepted.  This includes papers, presentations, Web sites, exercises, exams and other activities. 

Scholastic Honesty: Plagiarism or cheating in other forms will destroy your credibility. If there is a case of scholastic dishonesty it will be processed through the manner outline by the college and pursued to the fullest extent of University policies, entailing an F for the class and possible academic probation, suspension or expulsion. For all coding projects in this course students are expected to produce their own code. Copying the code of another person will fall under the scholastic honesty provision of the syllabus. Appropriately crediting content for your site, for which you generated the code, is perfectly accepted for the sites submitted in the course.

Class (mis)conduct: Talking and group discussions are a natural part of classroom learning and I encourage an engaging environment. However, if you engage in any behavior which I find to be disruptive (excessive talking, abusive language, etc.), you will be asked to leave the classroom and will not be allowed to return for the rest of that class period. Additionally, please make certain that all cell phones, pagers, and other technologically advanced mechanisms you carry are turned off in class. 

Writing Center: The writing center is an important resource for communicators - it gives you the chance to test your paper or speech on an interested audience before you turn it in to be graded. I encourage you to take advantage of this resource. One writing consultation could make the world of difference in the feedback you receive on a graded assignment. The writing center is located in MH 228. You may contact them for an appointment at: 824-2363.