MEDIA LITERACY & PRODUCTION Course Syllabus, 2018-19          NOTES # 1      Date: 12/3/18

Mr. Hellman—Room E108 (Office:  D208)

e-mail:  greg.hellman@orecity.k12.or.us

website:  staff.orecity.k12.or.us/greg.hellman/Greg_Hellman/My_Course_Information.html

Welcome!  The following expectations are a few of the things I think are necessary for the smooth functioning of the class.

Materials

You will need to bring the following to class every time we meet:

     --Your DAILY PLANNER, or some form of assignment notebook;

     --a durable 8.5x11” folder or 3-ring binder with plenty of storage capacity;

     --plenty of 8.5x11” college-ruled writing paper for assignments;

     NO SPIRAL NOTEBOOK PAPER, PLEASE

     --pens (pencils are fine for prewriting and note-taking, but not for formal work);

--the relevant assigned written work and media files;

--Your curiosity about Media.

If you forget these things, don't expect much sympathy from me...

Areas of Study

Course Description

Media Literacy will teach the composition and purpose of the messages we receive through both audio and visual mass media.  The goal is to make students aware of what role mass media plays in our culture, and the effect it has on the individual in a free society, as well as requiring students to produce written work in media production.

Media Production focuses on audio and visual production based on the concepts introduced in Media Literacy.  The goal is to allow students to explore the content and style of audio and video broadcasting in the mass media through several short video productions.  Students will use Adobe Premier to edit audio and video projects.

Media Literacy (“A” term):                    Media Production (“B” term):

•Your media consumption;                •cinematography and the language of film;

•advertising and news                     •narrative arc in video production;

•radio and audio genres;                     •camera work, sound and video editing;

•Image and composition;                     •genres:  PSA, interview, and documentary;

•video imagery and editing;               •production strategies: pre- and post-production;

•cinematography and film study.               •broadcasting and reviewing finished work.

Curriculum Standards:  We will focus on the following Common Core Standards, although other standards will be addressed and assessed:

•11-12.L.1   Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar/usage when writing or speaking.

•11.12.L.2    Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.

•11-12.SL.1    Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grades 11-12 topics, texts, and issues, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.

•11-12.SL 4  Present information, findings, and supporting evidence clearly, so that listeners can follow.

•11-12.RL/I.1    Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text, including determining where the text leaves matters uncertain..

•11-12.W.1     Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts, using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence.

•11-12.W 5: Develop and strengthen writing by planning, revising, editing for conventions, and rewriting.

Technology Policies

1.  School Technology: You will be required to sign a Technology Agreement in order to use school equipment.  Misuse or abuse of school equipment will not be tolerated. ABSOLUTELY NO FOOD OR OPEN BEVERAGE CONTAINERS ON ANY DESK WHERE THERE IS A COMPUTER.  At the end of class, put away all technology you have used during class, and log off the Media Server (shut down laptop and return it to the correct slot in the cart).  This is a basic courtesy.

2.  My Policy Regarding Cell Phones:  While I understand the usefulness of phones, irresponsible use is a distraction to you and me. Using your phone or other electronic gaming/listening device in my classroom for personal use is distracting, potentially unethical, and (I think) disrespectful of my time.

•Personal use of phones and school equipment is not allowed without permission.  If you have an urgent need to use your phone, check in with me, and use it in the hall.  You are not allowed to game, social network, or shop online during class time.  Ever.  If you repeatedly violate this policy, you can expect me to take disciplinary action and it will affect your grade.

•Out of courtesy to me and others, please remove your ear buds and headphones during class, unless required for your work.  

•You may wish to use your own computers, cameras, applications, etc. to complete class assignments, but if you do, it is your responsibility to make sure they are compatible with school technology and they allow you to meet my assignment requirements.  •Please note that NO PHOTOGRAPHING OR VIDEO TAPING IS ALLOWED IN CLASS without my express permission and the permission of the subject. Evidence of disregard for these and other basic courtesies will result in parent communication and/or administrative referral.

FYI, this is the District's CELL PHONE Policy:  Students are permitted to carry cell phones while at school. However, cell phones must remain out of sight with no power, while in any classroom or during their class time in all academic areas, i.e. library, career center, counseling office. Cell phone use will not be permitted in the restrooms or locker rooms at any time.

•Use of a cell phone, iPod's [sic] or any electronic device during a test, i.e.: text messaging will be considered cheating (see Code of Conduct) and appropriate action will be taken.

•No use of cell phone cameras will be permitted during the school day.

•Cell phones may not be used in any manner that will cause disruption to the educational environment. If a cell phone is brought to school, it is at the individual's own risk and the school will not compensate a student for lost, stolen or damaged devices.

Sanctions:

·        First Offense: Verbal warning by teacher. Student will secure cell phone out of sight (i.e. immediately turn off and put in backpack/purse/locker).

·        Second Offense: Parent notification by teacher, referral to Vice-Principal for consequences.

·        Third Offense: In-school suspension.

·        Fourth Offense: Full range of sanctions.

Attendance

Please come to class every day, and arrive on time, ready to work.  See the white board for the day's agenda.

Tardy Policy:  I will adhere to the School Tardy Policy.  Repeated unexcused tardies will be cause for referral and parent contact.  If you are less than a minute late, please enter quietly.  Otherwise, GET A PASS!  

When Class Begins/Ends:  Check the board for instructions when you enter the room.  Take a seat and wait for my instructions if there are none on the board.  Class ends when I dismiss you.

Assignments

Grades:  65% of your grade is based on product (formal and Summative Assessments like video final cuts, tests, and essays); 35% of your grade is based on process (informal and Formative Assessments like daily activities, pre-production, editing tasks, and quizzes).  Note taking is also a requirement, and your notes will be used daily and may be checked for a grade.  Written and video assignments may be resubmitted for a better grade if they were originally complete and on-time, and you first meet with me about the assignment.  Make up all work you miss due to absence.  All video projects must be shared/exported as required in the assignment. All written assignments to be turned in must include your name, class period, the due date, and the title of the assignment.  Handwritten work must be legible and in pen.  Word Processed work must be in a clear 12-point font.  No Extra credit is offered; however, you are encouraged to engage in and share with us any activities related to the class work that enrich your/our learning experience.  

Grade Scale:  The grade scale for this course is the standard adopted by OCHS:

4.0     A     =     92-100%               2.3     C+     =     78-79%

3.7     A-     =     90-91%               2.0     C     =     72-77%

3.3     B+     =     88-89%               1.7     C-     =     70-71%

3.0     B     =     82-87%               1.3     D+     =     68-69%

2.7          B-           =     80-81%               1.0          D             =     60-67%

Outside Assignments:  You are expected to critically view/listen to mass media, TV genre programming, advertising, the internet, and documentary films.  There will be a number of formal viewing assignments, both small and large, that will require you to view them outside of class.  Additionally, your Media Literacy final will require you to view two feature films outside of class.

Using Technology:  Since many of the assignments in this class require you to use technology, it is part of your learning to know how to use it correctly, safely, and efficiently.  You should back up all or your digital work (documents, audio, and video files) on your own external drive, or your school Google Drive files.  If you lose your work, or it is not compatible with the school systems, software, or hardware, that is your problem to solve.  I do not accept technological ignorance or software incompatibility as a valid excuse for late, incomplete, or improperly formatted work.

Late Work Policy: Students with an excused absence have the number of days they were absent plus one from the day they return to school to turn in their work for full credit.  Unexcused absences and tardies do not excuse late work.  Students who pre-arranged absences are expected to turn in any past due work upon their return.  Any unexcused late work will receive be graded down one letter grade per day late.

Plagiarism is a Form of Cheating:  Students who plagiarize will receive an “F” on the assignment, and may be subject to school disciplinary action.  Plagiarism includes, but is not limited to,

o     copying and pasting information from the internet, without properly citing the source;

o     using another's words, or changing only a few words from the original;

o     copying the work of another student;

o     submitting work that has been completed by another individual.

Behavior Policy:  I like to think I'm a reasonable person.  I try to resolve any conflicts that occur in my classroom.  If you are uncooperative, disruptive, destructive, or discourteous, however, I will refer you to the administration or counseling, and I will notify your parent/guardian.  I am especially concerned with the care and use of our technology (computers, cameras, production equipment).  See the Technology Use Agreement that you are required to sign.