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
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