Course Norms (a starting point)

Here’s a starting point for our class community norms. We can revise or add to these norms, please bring up your suggestions in class, and we’ll discuss as a group.

How to Work in this Course

• Communicate consistently
• Keep a specific schedule, but be flexible
• Show up to class on time and ready to work
• Not speaking over people: wait for a pause and then speak, raise your hand during lively discussions, and heed a hand raised and allow that person to speak if you have the floor.
• Take notes after viewings, during readings, and in class, and review your notes after every class meeting. Note: I suggest traditional handwritten notes in a notebook because studies have shown handwritten notes are more effective than typing on a computer. However, you are free to do whatever works best for you as long as your typing is not distracting other students during class.
• Step back/step forward to ensure all voices are heard
• Make-up missed work as soon as possible

How to Have Productive Discussions

• Remember, the goal is to help others and yourself
• Be non-judgmental and constructive 
• Keep an open mind
• Ask each other questions
• Accept other people’s opinions

How to Have Helpful Critiques

• Be specific and detailed
• Make criticism constructive
• Ask questions for clarification
• Make suggestions based on the media maker’s intentions
• Don’t be rude/mean
• Avoid blanket praise - no “liking”
• Follow the guidelines outlined in Some Notes on Critique

How to Learn in General

• Stay current with the syllabus, weekly modules, the discussion forum, and resources on Canvas. 
• Stay organized
• Read through the syllabus and ask questions about anything unclear to you.
• Ask questions and share knowledge using the discussion forum (for personal matters, contact your instructor directly).
• Utilize homework activities, handouts, videos, readings, and your notes to prepare for classes, assignments, and production projects.
• Read the guidelines, specifications, and assessment criteria for assignments and projects carefully.
• Turn to your peers for feedback and skill-sharing using our discussion forum.
• Stay healthy and practice self-care, take breaks, and get sufficient sleep.

Specifications Grading

• Ensure you understand how specifications grading is being implemented in this course.
• Remember that late work will not receive credit (except under extenuating circumstances). However, incomplete work may be reworked as described in the syllabus.
• If your project work is evaluated as being incomplete, read through the critique from your peers and instructor to make a plan to revise the work
• Save your coupons for when you might really need them