ABOUT COURSEWORK SCHEDULE

About the course

This course examines the technologies and methods for online news production in the United States and around the world through the use of an applied newsroom. Let's make one thing clear from the outset: This is not an "easy" course. I expect a lot from my students; that's how you learn. It is likely this class will consume more of your time than you anticipate.

Required Books

  1. Weynand, D. (2007). Final Cut Pro 6: Professional Editing in Final Cut Studio 2. Berkeley, CA: Peachpit Press. ISBN: 0-321-50265-5
  2. Associated Press Stylebook. 2006 or later.

Quizzes cover assigned AP Stylebook sections and required readings. The AP Style book is sold in most stores, though I assume you already own it. Amazon.com has one of the lowest prices for the required text.

Objectives

  1. Demonstrate skills in a critical, decision-making role in a newsroom.
  2. Understand the process of working within a content management system (CMS).
  3. Better understand a variety of skills including audio, photo, and video capturing and editing.
  4. Develop self-learning strategies to help with continuing education.

Attendance and Attitude

Students are expected to show respect for one another and for the instructor. Attendance and punctuality are essential. Any absence without prior clearance or medical proof will result in a 5-point reduction of a student’s final grade. We only meet once a week, so this policy in non-negotiable. Quizzes will be administered at the beginning of the class periods. You cannot make quizzes up if you are late or absent. All attendance and grading questions will be answered during the instructor’s office hours. Do not bring these topics up during class or via e-mail. The instructor will not respond.

Deadlines

Late assignments will not be accepted. Assignments will only be accepted at the beginning of the class periods unless otherwise requested by the instructor. As with attendance, advance notice and documentation of illness or personal emergency is the only exception to the deadline policy.

Academic Honesty

Dishonesty of any kind will not be tolerated. Cheating hurts you, hurts our college and hurts the industry. Any dishonesty will be reported to Student Judicial Affairs, and the student will receive a failing grade for the course. The university’s Academic Honesty Guidelines provide additional details. You are expected to know and understand these guidelines completely. You are encouraged to ask the instructor for clarification if you are in doubt.

Students with Disabilities

Reasonable accommodations will be made for any students with disabilities. If you have a disability, the Dean of Students Office will give you official documentation. You must provide this to the instructor. More information is available at the Dean of Students Office’s Disability Resources page.

Your instructors and contact information

Dave Carlson, professor
Dave is a pioneer in online publishing. In 1990 at the Albuquerque Tribune, he created one of two newspaper-operated electronic systems in the world when it was launched, and it is believed to have been the first interactive newspaper in the world housed on a personal computer.
Office: 3219B Weimer Hall
Office phone: 846-0171
Home phone: 377-8650 (emergencies only, please)
E-mail: dcarlson (at) jou.ufl.edu

Dave Stanton, instructor
The other Dave is a third-year doctoral student focusing on print and online publications. He serves as the managing editor for Newszine, the official publication of the Interactive Media Lab.
E-mail: dstanton_uf (at) yahoo.com
Cell phone: 352-226-4888