Upper-division Writing Requirement Review Form (12/1/08)
I. General Education Review – Upper-division Writing Requirement
Dept/Program
Course # (i.e. ANTH
RTV
494
Subject
455) or sequence
Course(s) Title
Senior Seminar
Description of the requirement if it is not a single course
II. Endorsement/Approvals
Complete the form and obtain signatures before submitting to Faculty Senate Office.
Please type / print name Signature
Date
Instructor
2/2/2009
Denise Dowling
Phone / Email
Denise.dowling@umontana.ed
406-243-4143
u
Program Chair
Ray Ekness
III Overview of the Course Purpose/ Description
Exploration of the current and historic broadcasting in American society, including current
business, editorial, production and ethical issues in the industry. Each student completes a
major research paper as part of the course.
IV Learning Outcomes: Explain how each of the following learning outcomes will be achieved.
Choose an area of ethical and current events
Student learning outcomes :
and delve deeply into research and writing
Identify and pursue more sophisticated
on the topic of choice within journalism
questions for academic inquiry
including radio, television, print, photo or
online.
Learn about other ethical and current events
through class presentations and speakers.
Read and write questions for guest speakers
Find, evaluate, analyze, and synthesize
and class presentations. Read and write on
information effectively from diverse sources
(see http://www.lib.umt.edu/informationliteracy/) class blog on topics of current interest.
Identify and interview multiple sources for
final research paper, weeding out those
inappropriate for topic and evaluating
validity of information gathered from each.
Create multiple drafts of research paper
Manage multiple perspectives as appropriate
using at least six diverse sources.
Create a formal class presentation on the
Recognize the purposes and needs of
research using appropriate methods
discipline-specific audiences and adopt the
including but not limited to Powerpoint,
academic voice necessary for the chosen
audio, video, web sites. Engage classmates in
discipline
a discussion of your ethics topic.
Use multiple drafts, revision, and editing in
conducting inquiry and preparing written work
Follow the conventions of citation,
documentation, and formal presentation
appropriate to that discipline
Develop competence in information
technology and digital literacy
First draft of research paper due at midterm. Instructor comments should be
incorporated into the revision for final
paper.
Follow APA style in the writing of the final
paper. Properly cite sources using the
citation guide given in class.
Use appropriate technological tools in make
a class presentation on research topic.
Those tools may include audio, video, skype,
web, powerpoint, etc.
V. Writing Course Requirements Check list
Is enrollment capped at 25 students?
If not, list maximum course enrollment.
Explain how outcomes will be adequately met
for this number of students. Justify the request
for variance.
Are outcomes listed in the course syllabus? If
not, how will students be informed of course
expectations?
Are detailed requirements for all written
assignments including criteria for evaluation in the
course syllabus? If not how and when will students
be informed of written assignments?
Briefly explain how students are provided with
tools and strategies for effective writing and editing
in the major.
x Yes † No
x Yes † No
x Yes † No
Students are required to write extensively
in the junior level courses. In this course
they are given instruction and feedback
in formal research paper writing.
Will written assignments include an opportunity for x Yes † No
revision? If not, then explain how students will
receive and use feedback to improve their writing
ability.
Are expectations for Information Literacy listed in
xYes † No
the course syllabus? If not, how will students be
informed of course expectations?
VI. Writing Assignments: Please describe course assignments. Students should be required to
individually compose at least 20 pages of writing for assessment. At least 50% of the course grade
should be based on students’ performance on writing assignments. Clear expression, quality, and
accuracy of content are considered an integral part of the grade on any writing assignment.
Formal Graded Assignments
Write auto-biography
Research and write first draft of research
paper.
Research and write final research paper.
Research, create and present information
on topic are in class presentation.
Write weekly on class blog on various
areas of current industry and ethical
Informal Ungraded Assignments
issues.
Create written resume for evaluation by
professional in the field.
Write questions for guest speakers.
VII. Syllabus: Paste syllabus below or attach and send digital copy with form. ⇓ The syllabus
should clearly describe how the above criteria are satisfied. For assistance on syllabus preparation
see: http://teaching.berkeley.edu/bgd/syllabus.html
RTV 494-Senior Seminar
Autumn 2008-3 Credits
Scope-This course will concentrate on current industry practices and ethical issues in
electronic media. You are expected to keep up on current events in the local community,
region, country and world as well as current trends and issues in the media. One day per
week will be devoted to guest speakers from all aspects of electronic journalism and
production. The second weekly meeting will be given over to student groups for a
presentation and discussion on a current issue/trend in the media.
General Education/Journalism Credits: This course is required for your BA degree in
journalism (broadcast option) or in radio-television (production option). It is an upperdivision writing course toward your general education requirements. It does NOT fulfill
a general education ethics requirement.
Frequency of Offering: This course is offered each fall semester. It is to be taken in the
student’s final fall semester in residence.
Class Meets: Mondays and Wednesdays from 2:10-3:30 in DAH 316. Any changes to
class meeting times or locations will be announced in class.
Instructor: Denise Dowling, assistant professor, Department of Radio-Television.
Office: Anderson Hall Room 407
Office Hours: Monday & Tuesday 10-11, Tuesday & Thurs. 3-4. Other times by
appointment.
Office Phone: 243-4143 Home Phone:251-0357
Email: denise.dowling@umontana.edu
Required Textbooks: There is no required textbook for this class. However, I do expect
you will do a significant amount of reading as you research your papers and class topics.
E-mail: Each student must have a working e-mail address that can be provided to the
instructor and fellow students. You will also be placed in an email group containing all
seniors in the Radio-Television Department.
Attendance: You will be allowed one unexcused absence. If you must miss a class due
to illness or university business, you MUST notify me in advance. A message on my
voice mail will suffice. If you have two unexcused absences, your final grade will drop
one letter grade. If you miss three or more classes, you will fail the course. Please arrive
on time as we will often have guests and late arrivals are distracting. If you are late three
times, it will be considered an absence. Please note that shooting/reporting/production
work, etc. for RTV 450/460 is NOT considered an excused absence. Those tasks must be
performed at times other than during class time.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is defined as using other people’s words, ideas, data or materials and
presenting them as your own. When in doubt, ASK! Be sure to include citations when
using other people’s writing, because plagiarism is a serious offense in any discipline, but
especially in journalism. It’s a firing offense in the professional world. In the
Department of Radio-Television, students face a range of penalties for plagiarism.
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a grade of “F” on the assignment
a request that the student drop the class
withdrawal of the student from the class, initiated by the professor
an “F” in the course
expulsion from the Radio-Television department and the School of Journalism
denial of the student’s degree
expulsion, suspension or probation from the university.
If you need more information or have questions about exactly what constitutes
plagiarism, ask me!! PLAGIARISM and all forms of cheating are treated with harsh
discipline in the journalism school and by the university. Don’t do it.
Academic Honesty
All students must practice academic honesty. Academic misconduct is subject to an
academic penalty by the course instructor and/or a disciplinary sanction by the
University. All students need to be familiar with the Student Conduct Code. The Code is
available for review online at http://www.umt.edu/SA/VPSA/index.cfm/page/1321.
Same Work for Multiple Classes in J-School
You may not submit for this course any assignment that has previously or will be
concurrently submitted for another class unless you receive prior approval from the
professor for this course. To do so without permission will result in an “F” for the
assignment and could result in an “F” for the course.
Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
This course is accessible to and usable by otherwise qualified students with disabilities.
To request reasonable program modifications, please consult with the instructor.
Disability Services for Students will assist the instructor and student in the
accommodation process. For more information, visit the Disability Services website at
www.umt.edu/dss/.
Learning Outcomes: The successful student in RTV 494 will demonstrate the following
skills upon completion of the course:
• Ability to conduct in-depth research on a topic of importance in the media
• Ability to identify meaningful sources, both written and personal, for inclusion in
research report
• Correct citation of sources
• Knowledge of proper way to write and present a research paper
• Ability to make a class presentation that demonstrates expert knowledge in at
least one area of the media
• Knowledge of ethical practices in the media and demonstrated ability to engage in
ethical decision-making
• Knowledge of current trends and issues in the media
• Ability to engage with guests brought to class by asking questions demonstrating
a knowledge of the guest’s area of expertise
• Participation in blog dialogue by adding information and opinion to the discussion
Grading:
Paper 1-Biography, Industry Interest, Ethics
Paper 2-First Draft Research Paper
Paper 3-Final Paper
Class Presentation
Resume/Tape/Interview
Blog Participation
Class Participation
TOTAL
50 points
200 points
400 points
150 points
50 points
50 points
100 points
1000 POINTS
A
100-93%
A-
92-90%
B+
89-88%
B
87-83%
B-
82-80%
C+
79-78%
C
77-73%
C-
72-70%
D+
69-68%
D
67-63%
F
Below 63%
RTV 494
Senior Seminar
Autumn 2008
*The first 20 minutes of each Monday class (2:10-2:30) will be devoted to
current events, trends, issues, ethics and history of journalism. The
remaining hour will be reserved for guests. *
**Due to the availability of guests, this schedule may change several times
over the course of the semester. **
Monday, August 25
Wednesday, August 27
Welcome & Class Overview
Making Ethical Decisions
Assignment: Write Biography
Diversity Issues in Journalism
Write: 3 Research Paper Ideas + 2
Biography Due
Guest or Topic Ideas
Research/Guest Ideas Due
September 1
Sept. 3
Writing a Research Paper
LABOR DAY NO CLASS
Research Paper Assignments Given
Presentation Schedule Given
Sept. 10
Sept. 8
Topic: The changing face of
Topic: On Line News
Guest: Courtney Lowery-New West journalism
Guest: Dean Peggy Kuhr
Assignment: Find sources for
research paper
Due: Research paper source list
Sept. 17
Sept. 15
Topic: You: The Millennials
Topic: The Innocence Project
Guest: Maurice Possley-formerly of Guest: Cindy Boies-Career Services
the Chicago Tribune
Sept. 24
Sept. 22
Topic: Promotion & Marketing
Topic: The future of news-Web
Guest: Jeremy White-Blue Shirt.com Guest: Kagan Yochim-ILF Media
Sept. 29
Topic: FOI
Guest: Sgt. Scott Hoffman-Missoula
Police PIO
Oct. 1
Oct. 6
Topic: Photojournalism Ethics
Guest: Rick Foley-KOB Television
Oct. 8
Oct. 13
Topic: Covering Trauma & Tragedy
Guest: Sherry Abel & Christa Slaten
Oct. 15
First Draft Paper Due
Oct. 20
Topic: Creeds & Codes
Guest: Winston Greely-Fish,
Wildlife & Parks
Writing a Research Paper II
Oct. 22
Oct. 27
Topic: Journalists under Fire
Frank Smyth-Committee to Protect
Journalists
Oct. 29
Nov. 3
Resumes & Resume Tapes
Contracts, Jobs & Interviewing
Nov. 5
Nov. 10
Topic: Event Coverage/Breaking
News
Guest: Peter AlexanderNBC/Olympics
Nov. 12
Student Presentations:
Jordan Treece
Holly Baker
Eddie Haver
Student Presentations:
Tyson Bierwag
Alison Scheel
Jon Denny
Caitlin Mallory
Student Presentations:
Marianne McCormack
Amanda Ferrucci
Sam Bury
Natalie Neumann
Student Presentations:
Russ Curry
Owen Brown
Stacy Gray
Ryan Widdekind
Student Presentations:
Dan Boyce
Noel Pederson
Greg McDonald
Lindsay Alvestad
First Draft Papers Returned
Student Presentations
Kris Hanson
Badria Al-Abdullah
Bre Roy
Liam Scholey
Student Presentations:
Amy McDonald
Ally Weller
Melissa Berry
Rob Norton
Rough Draft Resume Due
Nov. 17
Topic: Radio News, Sales,
Production
Guest: Sheila Callahan, Ryan
Corwin, Matt Mandell-Mountain
Broadcasting
Nov. 24
Student Presentations:
Teal Kenny
Kelly Hanson
Charlie Thomas
Crystal Bowling
Nov. 19
No Class-Denise in Ohio
Nov. 26
THANKSGIVING BREAK
NO CLASS
Final Papers Due
Dec. 3
Dec. 1
Topic: Tech Toys & News Producing Interviews w/Professionals
Guest: Dave Sirak & Tiffany
Resume and resume tapes due
Toepper-WFTV Orlando