Course Title: Writing New Media (a.k.a. Writing Across Media)
Course Code: 50:989:312
Time: Tuesday and Thursday, 9:35-10:55
Location: Digital Commons, Room 102
Professor: Dr. James Brown
Email: jim.brown@rutgers.edu
Office Location: Digital Commons, Room 104
Office Hours: Tuesday 11:00-12:30 (or by appointment)
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this class, students will be able to:
- Effectively explore and experiment with media technologies
- Understand the constraints and affordances of media technologies
- Compose with various media technologies in medium-appropriate ways
- Articulate an approach to writing and design processes
- Reflect on learning processes and strategies
Required Texts
Readings for this class will be distributed as paper copies in class.
Course Work
Our work in this class will involve in-class workshops and exercises, writing assignments that involve reflecting on those activities, and a final project and presentation during which you will expand upon something you learned during those workshops and exercises. We will also have readings and weekly writing activities. All of this work will be evaluated using the Learning Record (LR), which is detailed on the course website.
Most work in this class happens in the classroom, during class meetings. That work cannot be made up, so missing class will be a major detriment. In addition, this class will not make much use of Canvas, except as a tool for communication (I will send you messages via Canvas, but that's about it.) If you are looking for a class that provides you with a checklist of tasks that you can complete outside of class or if you plan to miss many class sessions, this is likely not the right class for you.
Evaluation
Grades in this class will be determined by the Learning Record (LR). The LR will require you to observe your own learning and construct an argument for your grade based on evidence that you accumulate throughout the semester. You will record weekly observations, you will document your work during in-class activities (by taking notes and/or taking pictures of things you are making), and you will synthesize draw upon your recorded observations and your work samples to build an argument for your grade. You will construct this argument twice - once at the midterm and once at the end of the course. We will be discussing the LR at length during the first weeks of class.
Attendance Policy
Attendance is required and is crucial for success in this class. Most of our work happens in class with workshops and exercises, and most of this kind of work can't be made up. We have workshops that are focused on specific tools, and we will also have open workshop days where you'll be able to work on your final presentations and projects. These open workshop days are mandatory.
When you complete your midterm and final portfolio, your attendance record will be part of the evidence you draw upon to make an argument for your grade. If you don't attend class regularly, you will not be able to argue for a high grade in this class (see grade criteria in the Learning Record section of the syllabus).
Content Warnings
If we will be reading and discussing material that addresses sensitive topics, I will do my best to let you know in advance. If there are certain specific topics you would like me to provide warnings about, please let me know. I will do my best to flag content based on your requests.
Cell Phone Policy
Phones must be put away during class. If you are on your phone during class, I will ask you to leave.
University policies and resources
Academic Integrity
My assumption is that any work you turn in for this course has been completed by you. If you ever have questions about proper attribution or citation, please don't hesitate to ask.
Code of Conduct
Rutgers University-Camden seeks a community that is free from violence, threats, and intimidation; that is respectful of the rights, opportunities, and welfare of students, faculty, staff, and guests of the University; and that does not threaten the physical or mental health or safety of members of the University community and includes classroom space. As a student at the University, you are expected adhere to Student Code of Conduct: https://deanofstudents.camden.rutgers.edu/student-conduct
RaptorCares
Rutgers-Camden has a wide range of resources to help you stay on track both personally and academically. The Raptor Cares Report (https://deanofstudents.camden.rutgers.edu/reporting) connects you to our Dean of Students Office and they can assist you with a variety of concerns: medical, financial, mental health, or any life issue that impacts your academic performance. You can share a concern for yourself, a classmate or a friend.
Office of Disability Services
The Office of Disability Services (ODS) provides students with confidential accommodation services in order to allow students with documented physical, mental, and learning disabilities to successfully complete their course of study at Rutgers University – Camden. ODS provides for the confidential documentation and verification of student accommodations, and communicates with faculty regarding disabilities and accommodations. The ODS provides accommodation services, which can include readers, interpreters, alternate text, special equipment, and note takers. The ODS also works with students, faculty, staff and administrators to enforce the American with Disabilities Act of 1990. https://success.camden.rutgers.edu/success-services/disability-services/
Office of Military and Veterans Affairs
The Office of Military and Veterans Affairs can assist our military and veteran students with benefits, deployment issues and much more. Contact: Fred Davis 856-225-2791 frdavis@camden.rutgers.edu
Support for Undocumented and Immigrant Students
In an ongoing effort to support all students on campus, Rutgers University has established two offices to support undocumented and immigrant students with questions or concerns related to immigration status. The Rutgers Immigrant Community Assistance Project (RICAP) provides free and confidential immigration legal consultations and direct representation to currently enrolled students. For more information or an appointment, contact Jason Hernandez, Esq., at 856-225-2302 or jason.c.hernandez@rutgers.edu. The Rutgers Office of Undocumented Student Services provides one-on-one case management to assist undocumented students and help them access campus resources including financial aid, career services, health services, etc.
https://undocumented.camden.rutgers.edu/
