Each week, the schedule lists a series of readings, accompanied by study questions; you should do at least a first pass through those readings before they are do, so you can post to the discussion list about them and contribute to class discussions. Other assignments include the following:
Recommended:
- You should read or watch a serious newspaper, website, or newscast at least five times a week during the semester; make it a habit. Otherwise, you won't be able to appreciate what everyone is talking about in this course. (Besides, the news is interesting and dramatic, and knowing what's going on in the world will make your life better. Trust me.)
- Listen to On the Media every week, an interesting show about the insides of the media business, with a focus on news. It is downloadable here, or via iTunes. You can listen to it on your iPod when you're out for a jog.
- Class attendance is expected and counts for 10% of your grade.
- You are required to post to the class electronic discussion list at least once a week; 10% of your grade.
- There will be a writing assignment due on Feb. 6th, 10% of your grade.
- There will be two hourly exams, on Feb. 18th and March 27th; 15% of your grade, each.
- You are required to do a group research project and presentation; 20% of your grade.
- The final exam (3:30 to 6:30, Friday, May 1), is worth 20% of your grade; half of it will be cumulative, and the other half will cover material since the previous hourly.
- Note: the final exam for this course will be at the time assigned by UVM. There will be no exceptions to this time except for illness or unplanned emergencies that are clearly beyond the student's control.
- All graded assignments must be completed to pass the course.