Communication 499, "Multimedia on the Internet," is designed to study and apply the tools of multimedia on the World Wide Web. Students will learn about the various types of multimedia applications (e.g. Adobe Photoshop and Premiere) and how to construct effective interactive multimedia messages. The class will also involve utilizing the Internet (email, newsgroups, ftp, gopher, the World Wide Web and other Internet applications) for class projects and communication. Special emphasis will be placed on using multimedia in a world wide network delivery system (the World Wide Web). Students will learn how to use hypertext markup language to create their own web pages as part of a final project. Although this is a class about utilizing and creating online resources, the class meets regularly and good attendance is a requirement.

Texts, Required Reading and Online Resources:

There are no required text books. Readings are all online and are available via the World Wide Web. A listing of class readings is available in the course outline.

Academic Honesty Policy:

The Department of Communication observes a "one-strike-and-you're-out" policy regarding any kind of academic dishonesty, which is particularly heinous among journalists and communicators upon whom the society depends for its true and correct information. Students shown to have cheated in any way will be summarily dropped from this course, and a full report made to the Vice President for Student Affairs. Communication majors shown to have violated this policy will be expelled from the major. See the university's policy on academic dishonesty for further details.

Online Resources:

Requirements:

1.) Participation/Labs: You have a significant responsibility to keep up with class readings, contribute to class discussion and ask questions to clarify material. This portion of your grade will also take into account your participation in our class Newsgroups. I would especially like to see everyone take part in discussion on the usu.comm.499.discussion newsgroup. Most importantly, you are required to show up for graphics application (Photoshop) instruction in our computer lab. The particular times and days will be worked out during class. If you are unable to participate in these instructional labs, you should drop the class now. Stay tuned for more information.

2.) Attendance: You are expected to take responsibility for class attendance. Poor attendance will affect the assessment of your participation in the class. This means not only showing up for class, but arriving on time and staying until the end. I consider it extremely rude to have students arrive late. Important material will be covered at the beginning of class and I can't keep repeating it to new arrivals.

3.) Materials: You will need to bring a box of 3-1/2" high density diskettes to class with you every day. You will also need to purchase a poster board and some "stickies" (or Post-Its) for the creation of a "navigation map." You will need to have the diskettes by the next class session.

4.) Exam: There will be a final exam. More information on the exam format and date will be provided during the semester. I do not give make-up exams after the test date, but if you have a legitimate conflict or problem, I will consider giving you the exam one day early.

5.) Email Assignments: You will be required to send email to me about certain matters. Three assignments have specific (and early) due dates. The rest of this assignment involves a regular on-going email correspondence with the professor.

6.) Final Project: You will be required to conceptualize, structure and create an original interactive multimedia project for the World Wide Web. The project must include text, graphics, sound and moving video.

Grade Calculation:

* Participation/Friday Lab: 10%
* Exam: 15%
* Email Assignments: 5%
* Final Project: 70%

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