Assignments
There are three main assignments in this class: 1) create a dataset, 2) oral exam, and 3) final media analysis project. You must complete all assignments in order to successfully complete this class. There are 160 points available (+3 additional bonus points) across the semester.
| Assignment | Points | Due date |
|---|---|---|
| Syllabus quiz | 1 point | Sep 11 in class |
| Reading responses (about one per class, 19 total): for each set of readings, you will have an opportunity to write a ~3-5 sentence response to a given prompt. (This may be during class or at the end of class.) | All responses are graded on a ✔️+ (1.5 points), ✔️ (1 pt), ✔️- (0.5 pt) basis = 19 points | In class |
| Attendance and participation: you must speak at least once in class per session in order to receive attendance and participation points (one per class). | 25 class session = 25 points | N/A |
| Assignment 1, Create a dataset (500 words): submit a new dataset, a write-up about the data collection process / what the data shows, and a data visualization of your choice. | 20 points | 9 am on Oct 16 (submit to Canvas) |
| Assignment 2, Midterm oral exam (30 minutes): bring a 1 page handout (guidelines below) and have a conversation about the course material. | 25 points | Sign up for a 30 minute slot Nov 9–17 (calendar link TBD). One-page handout is due online 24 hours before your slot; submit PDF to Canvas, bring hard copy to exam. |
| Assignment 3, Media analysis project: choose a media phenomenon, topic, controversy, etc. and systematically gather data about, code/categorize the data in some way, visualize the data, and analyze your findings. | ||
| (3.1) Project brainstorm (1 slide): add no more than 3 ideas to shared deck. Be prepared to speak for ~3 min. | 3 points | Oct 7 or 9 (date assigned in advance, slide deck link TBD) |
| (3.2) Project proposal and annotated bibliography (1000 words): submit a 600 word proposal about what you will study and how you propose to do so. Attach a 400 word annotated bibliography with at least 7 sources. | 10 points | 9 am on Oct 23; submit on Canvas |
| (3.3) Research progress meeting (30 min): discuss your project proposal, bibliography, and how the themes in class relate to your project. Booking link TBD. | 5 points | Sign up for a 30-minute slot Oct 28–Nov 6 |
| (3.4) First draft (at least 2000 words): submit the written first draft of your final project. | 10 points | 9 am on Nov 13 |
| (3.5) Peer review of first draft (oral): present draft of the video/demo portions of the assignment. Critique 2 of your colleagues’ work. | 5 points | In class on Nov 13 or 18 (assigned in advance) |
| (3.6) Two peer review memos (written, 350 words each): after reading all of the materials, write a review memo for each person about the project’s strengths and points of improvement. | 5 points | 9 am, Nov 25 (submit on Canvas) |
| (3.7) Personal review (at least 350 words): read the peer reviews (and AI reviews, if applicable) and write a response. What will you change (or not change) based on the comments? | 2 points | 9 am, Dec 4 (submit on Canvas) |
| (3.8) Written final draft (at least 2500 words) | 15 points | 9 am, Dec 4 (submit on Canvas) |
| (3.9) Oral presentation (5-minute video or PechaKucha) | 15 points | In class on Dec 4 or 9 (date assigned in advance) |
| Bonus assignments: make an appointment at the writing center or during my office hours. Submit screenshots of the confirmation emails to this Google Form. | 1 point each (3 point cap) | 9 am, Dec 4 |
| TOTAL AVAILABLE POINTS | 160 points (+3 bonus) = 163 |
Grading schema: A ≥ 140 · B ≥ 124 · C ≥ 108 · D ≥ 92 · F < 92 (out of 160)