Professional Expectations
IU Journalism is accredited by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC), which reviews its program every six years. Receiving accredited status is an indication that the School’s courses for journalism majors are addressing the values and competencies (Links to an external site.) established by the ACEJMC.
The list of twelve values and competencies can generally be applied in total to V334, however the following five are particularly important to achieve for the course:
- Understand concepts and apply theories in the use and presentation of images and information;
- Think critically, creatively and independently;
- Write correctly and clearly in forms and styles appropriate for the communications professions, audiences and purposes they serve;
- Critically evaluate their own work and that of others for accuracy and fairness, clarity, appropriate style and grammatical correctness;
- Apply tools and technologies appropriate for the communications professions in which they work.
Goalsetting
Some great portfolios convey dominance in a particular area and others showcase the power of fusing talents together. In our first week, I would like you to think about your academic and professional career up to this very moment, assess where you are, and where you want to go. How will your portfolio get you there? Who is your target audience and what do you want to convey?
My Goals for You
In this course, I hope to assist you in building a portfolio that brings you pride. I don't require you to come into this course as an expert in code and I don't expect you to leave an expert either. My goals for you are flexible enough to teach you as much as you can absorb in one semester. If you love or even have a developing interest in code, ask me lots of questions! At the very least, I hope to ease your anxiety level around code and increase your aptitude for it.
Questions?
My inbox is always open. One great thing about WordPress that I'd like you to learn in this course is that it is very open. The code is publicly available and, therefore, there is a large community of people working on and using the software. Most of the questions you can dream up have already been answered on forums (easily found through a Google search) and in the WordPress codex (Links to an external site.).
In addition to the WordPress codex and assigned screencast videos, I have a site (koop.ws/code (Links to an external site.)) containing theme code examples to supplement your learning. These examples are theme-specific, but the modifications made are typically fairly theme independent. This means that while an example may not be written directly addressing your theme of choice, the modifications will likely work in your theme as well. Your biggest challenge in application will be finding out which corresponding file in your theme to edit.
Assignments
Your assignments are listed below. They are all due on the date listed at 11:59pm. Make certain to read each assignment carefully to see whether or not classmate feedback is required.
Turn in your assignments on time. We all make mistakes sometimes. You can receive half credit for your first late assignment, but you will not receive credit for subsequent late assignments. I have exceptions for family emergencies and illnesses, but be sure to scan and email documentation.
You are taking the compressed version of this course, which means you'll have less time in-between assignments. I recommend checking Canvas each day to make sure that you don't miss any deadlines.
Feedback assignments are an especially critical element in this course. The strict policy on assignment deadlines aims to ensure that each student receives equal feedback and an excellent chance of producing a quality portfolio. Missed assignments not only hurt your grade, but also your classmates' ability to develop a portfolio website.
Final Thoughts
An inquisitive mind and attention to detail will take you far in this course. I believe that if you work hard on customizing your portfolio, provide valuable feedback to your classmates, and turn in your assignments on time, you will find this course enjoyable and rewarding. This course aims to teach you how to create and manage an online portfolio, but I also aim to help you refine your problem solving and communication (feedback) skills.
Please speak your mind in this course. Help your classmates create a high quality portfolio. I challenge you to provide suggestions for your classmates while knowing that you don't come into this course as experts. Ask questions of your instructor and your classmates when you don't understand something. If you are having a hard time articulating your questions, set up a time to discuss in depth. Your questions will often inspire growth producing follow-up questions from your classmates as well as notifying your instructor when more clarification might be needed that can be brought out into the open for the whole course. This circle of feedback helps ensure our shared success this semester and onward.