This course facilitates understanding of historical and current use of communication technologies. In particular, this course will provide an overview of media and networks used for entertainment and information distribution, storage, and retrieval. Emphasis is placed on the interrelationships among technology, economics, policy, society, and culture. An equally important function of this class is to foster students' insight into the technologies used for mediating communication so that students are able to apply course-related concepts to the development of communication strategies.

Lectures, discussion, classroom exercises, written assignments, oral presentations, and in-class and out-of-class observations will be used to aid the development of knowledge and skills relating to the study of communication technology.

The aim is to merge theory and practice throughout the classroom experience. To this end, we will maintain a stimulating, interactive, open, and friendly classroom environment that fosters self and other insight, critical thinking, intellectual growth and communicative competence. The following objectives are core to the course:

• Developing critical thinking and analytical skills related to use of communication technologies,
• Developing specific skills and competencies needed by communication professionals, and
• Developing a good understanding of the fundamental principles of communication technologies.

Bucy, E. P. (2005). Living in the information age: A new media reader (2nd ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth.

Cheating, plagiarism and collusion will not be tolerated. All work submitted must be the original work of the student, for this course only (no submitting the same assignment in more than one class). The penalty for plagiarism, cheating or collusion may include failing the assignment, failing the course, or expulsion from the University depending on the severity of the infraction. Please see the University's Student Code of Conduct for information regarding this policy.

Course requirements must be fulfilled in order to successfully pass the course. Late assignments will not be accepted. Incompletes will be given only in very limited cases and only when they meet the Policy for Incompletes on file in the Department of Communication office, as well as the University requirements for Incompletes as specified in the Information Guide and the Handbook of Operating Procedures. Please see your Course Materials Handbook for further information on assignments, grading criteria and course schedule. All other University policies will be followed.

In order for this course to be a successful learning experience for you, active and committed participation on your part is crucial; therefore, as specified in the Information Guide, students are expected to attend class. All assignments are due according to the Schedule of Assignments listed in the Course Materials Handbook. Students are expected to take examinations and turn in assignments at the scheduled time. Students who may miss an examination or assignment deadline due to an authorized University activity should make arrangements to complete the assignment in advance, which includes approval from the student's Dean. Late assignments or examinations will not be accepted. Please also see the Handbook of Operating Procedures for policies regarding attendance.

The Americans With Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973: If you have a disability that may have some impact on your work in this class and for which you may require special accommodations, please see a coordinator at Disability Services (MS 2.03.18) so that such accommodations may be arranged. After you receive your accommodation letters, please meet with me to discuss the provisions of those accommodations as soon as possible.

Examinations: Students will be assessed on knowledge of course material through examination. Two exams will cover approximately one half of the course each and will consist of a variety of types of questions: multiple choice, true-false, and identification (100 points each).

Communication Technology Design: Students will investigate and design a technology for the distribution, storage or retrieval of information. Students will be required to prepare and electronically submit a written document describing the communication technology as well as a schematic drawing indicating the process (100 points).

Informative Presentation: Students will prepare and present a 3 minute informative speech about their communication technology design utilizing technological tools such as computer software. Students will be required to electronically submit an outline of the speech as well as a PowerPoint slide presentation (100 points).

Quizzes: Students will be quizzed four times during the semester. Quizzes will not be announced in advance and will comprise material from the reading and/or from class lectures (25 points each).

A full description of each of these assignments can be found in the Course Materials Handbook, which is located in WebCT, or through the Student Section at http://www.hpleblanc.com/.

Grades are earned and will be calculated on a cumulative scale. Grades can be calculated by dividing the raw score of the assignment by the total points possible for the assignment. Grades are calculated using a 500 point scale. For example, if the total number of points that can be achieved on the Debate is 100, then the assignment is worth 20% of the final grade. However, a raw score of 85 on the Debate will yield only 17% rather than the 20% of the final grade possible for that assignment. Likewise, a raw score of 70 on Test I is 14% of the final grade. Extra credit will not be assigned for any student due to poor performance or missed assignment. Grades are not rounded. You may use the Grade Monitoring Form located in the Course Materials Handbook to calculate your grade average in the course at any time. Furthermore, you may obtain your current grade for assignments in WebCT for this course.

A       Exceptionally well-prepared completion of assignment indicating effort, individualized style, and impact expected of effective communication.

B       Unusually well-prepared completion of assignment indicating original application of course materials and individual imagination distinctly superior to average effort.

C       Satisfactory completion of assignment indicating effort normally expected of the majority of students (basic preparation, correct procedure, and disciplined technique.)

D       Unsatisfactory completion of assignment indicating technical irregularity, misperceived objectives, and methods, and unorganized effort.

F       Failure to complete assignment during the scheduled time through lack of evident effort.

All students will be expected to follow the instructions as they are presented, meet the grading criteria, and turn in each assignment by the due date in order to earn a "B." All course requirements and deadlines are explicitly written in the Course Materials Handbook.