The information contained on this page is designed to give students a representative example of material covered in the course. Any information related to course assignments, dates, or course materials is illustrative only. For a definitive list of materials, please check the online catalog 3-4 weeks before the course start date.
COMM 230: Writing for Media (3 credits) The application of creativity to the practical concerns of narrative script and radio/television spot writing.
This course is an introduction to writing for various kinds of mass communication media. Students will practice writing public relations news releases, public information announcements, print, television and radio advertisements, as well as news stories and editorials. Students will be given weekly writing assignments, some of which will be re-writes of earlier submissions. In-class exercises will include various writing exercises designed to get students more comfortable with writing for media. Prerequisite: ENGL 015 and ENGL 202.
Through 15 weeks of writing, reading, and enthusiastic online discussion our class will establish a basic understanding of how to apply strategic communications to help meet public relations goals.
COMM 230 is designed to serve as a broad overview of writing styles, techniques and approaches for an individual interested in a career in various communications fields falling under the large umbrella of strategic communications.
We are going to wade into the shallow end of an enormously broad communications pool and explore the wide opportunities to do many different styles of writing and communications planning. Any one of the subject areas we will learn something about -- speechwriting, opinion page writing, news release writing, news story writing, performance training, crisis communications, social media -- could all be studied in-depth on their own.
Hopefully learning something about so many different kinds of communications options will spur those taking COMM 230 to seek more in-depth knowledge down the road in areas of specific interest.
People build entire careers around many of these different communications areas. A professional speechwriter can make a lucrative career toiling anonymously for corporate executives, for instance. Someone who can stage large-scale media events for clients willing to pay well to make sure every detail is taken care of just right may be in high demand in certain media markets.
At the same time, it is important to realize there are major changes going on in journalism and public relations and related communications fields. Traditional newspaper, magazine, and broadcast jobs are being eliminated or evolving and new opportunities are opening up for those ready to seize the moment.
Being a good writer -- having the ability to tell compelling stories quickly and accurately -- coupled with a strong understanding how to put those stories in front of many people will always be valued no matter what journalism and public relations looks like five or 10 years down the road.
During the four months we work together on COMM 230 the class will learn the basics of a dozen or so approaches to strategic communications and we will learn about tools that can be used to make decisions that have impact.
We will learn about the differences between old school approaches to strategic communications, such as earned and paid media, and new school techniques – owned and personal media. And we will learn to identify how to mix the four approaches in the 21st century for the best results.
Exhibit a better use of grammar and language. Students will be able to convey details accurately.
Write persuasively using op-ed articles, speeches, press releases and other writing approaches to generate public interest in a topic or issue.
Identify a communications problem or goal, select specific or multiple options to address the need, employ a variety of tactics and approaches, and then evaluate the success or develop additional alternatives if needed.
Distinguish the fundamental writing approaches employed for strategic communications including press (news) releases, pitch letters, opinion columns, and speechwriting.
Formulate a plan for working with the news media and other information providers to support a client or achieve communications goals.
Sketch a plan for staging a press conference or media event, and know how to prep a client for stepping in front of the news media.
Assess the best approach to pitch an idea to the media for news coverage or attention and to make the case for public support.
Design a strategy for employing various social media platforms as part of an overall communications plan.
Explain the concept of a personal brand, the importance of being aware of your own brand, and how to purposefully support your career goals.
Most World Campus courses require that students purchase materials (e.g., textbooks, specific software, etc.). To learn about how to order materials, please see the Course Materials page. You should check LionPATH approximately 3–4 weeks before the course begins for a list of required materials.
Using the Library
Many of the University Libraries resources can be utilized from a
distance. Through the Libraries website, you can
access magazine, journal, and newspaper articles online using library databases;
borrow materials and have them delivered to your doorstep—or even your desktop;
get research help via email, chat, or phone using the Ask a Librarian service; and
much more.
You must have an active Penn State Access Account to take full advantage of the Libraries' resources and service. The Off-Campus Users page has additional information about these free services.
One of the benefits of being a registered Penn State student is that you are eligible to receive educational discounts on many software titles. If you are interested in learning more about purchasing software through our affiliate vendor, please visit the Technology and Software page.
Technical Requirements
Operating System
Canvas, Penn State's Learning Management System (LMS), supports most recent versions of Microsoft Windows and Apple Mac operating systems.
Canvas supports the last two versions of every major browser release. It is highly recommended that you update to the newest version of whatever browser you are using.
Please note that Canvas does not support the use of Internet Explorer. Students and instructors should choose a different browser to use.
Note: Cookies must be enabled, and pop-up blockers should be configured to permit new windows from Penn State websites.
Additional Canvas Requirements
For a list of software, hardware, and computer settings specifically required by the Canvas LMS, please review Canvas' computer specifications.
Additional Software
All Penn State students have access to Microsoft Office 365, including Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Students will need a PDF reader, such as Adobe Reader.
Hardware
Monitor: Monitor capable of at least 1024 x 768 resolution Audio: Microphone, Speakers Camera (optional, recommended): Standard webcam - many courses may require a webcam for assignments or exam proctoring software.
Mobile Device (optional)
The Canvas mobile app is available for versions of iOS and Android. To determine if your device is capable of using the Canvas Mobile App, please review the Canvas Mobile App Requirements.
Student Education Experience Questionnaire (SEEQ)
During the semester you will receive information for completing the Student Education Experience Questionnaire (SEEQ). Your participation is an opportunity to provide anonymous feedback on your learning experience. Your feedback is important because it allows us to understand your experience in this course and make changes to improve the learning experiences of future students. Please monitor email and course communications for links and availability dates.
If you need technical assistance at any point during the course, please contact the Service Desk.
For registration, advising, disability services, help with materials, exams, general problem solving, visit World Campus Student Services!
This class will include 11 graded writing assignments and 6 open book quizzes based on the AP Stylebook. Additionally, participation and discussion on Yammer will be instrumental for your learning experience.
AP Stylebook Quizzes
6 Quizzes • 10 points each = 60 points
Writing Assignments
12 Writings • 25 points each = 300 points
Yammer Participation
50 points
TOTAL POINTS
410 Points
Semester letter grades will be determined by numerical averages:
No assignment will be accepted three weeks after its due date.
Lesson 1: Strategic Communications: Resources and Terms
Readings:
Shephard, J. (2008, December 22). Live Tweeting a Plane Crash. Buzz Feed News. Retrieved from http://www.buzzfeed.com/expresident/live-tweeting-a-plane-crash
Laird, S. (2012, November 13). NASCAR Driver Fined $25,000 for Tweeting From Car During Race. Mashable. Retrieved from http://mashable.com/2012/11/13/nascar-keselowski-fined/
Falkow, S. (2013, May 18). Paid, Owned and Earned Media in Digital PR. Business 2 Community. Retrieved from http://www.business2community.com/public-relations/paid-owned-and-earned-media-in-digital-pr-0491722?goback=%2Egde_82242_member_242186543
Chaffey, D. (2012, June 17). The difference between paid, owned and earned media-5 viewpoints. Smart Insights. Retrieved from http://www.smartinsights.com/digital-marketing-strategy/customer-acquisition-strategy/new-media-options/
Cheyfitz, K. (2010, October 27). Advertising’s Future is 3 Simple Words: Paid. Owned. Earned. HuffPost Media. Retrieved from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kirk-cheyfitz/advertisings-future-is-3_b_774821.html
Brito, M. (2013, June 25). Your Content Strategy: Defining Paid, Owned, and Earned Media. Hootsuite. Retrieved from http://blog.hootsuite.com/converged-media-brito-part-1/
Assignments:
Follow or subscibe to social media
Yammer Introductions
Participation activities on Yammer
Write a memo
Week 2
Lesson 2: Identifying the Problem or Goal
Readings:
Feifer, J. (2011, June 3). Rules of Engagement From the NBA Social War Room. FastCompany. Retrieved from http://www.fastcompany.com/1757355/rules-engagement-nba-social-media-war-room
Barbarao, M. (2005, November 1). A New Weapon for Walmart: A War Room. The New York Times. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2005/11/01/business/01walmart.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0
Crisis Management – 6 Tips for Writing a Holding Statement. Image Management. Originally Retrieved from http://imagemanagement.in/?p=2654 [Relocated to http://imagemanagement.in/2012/10/04/crisis-management-6-tips-for-writing-a-holding-statement/
Salvin, B. (2012, February 7). The Futility of Holding Statements. Signal Bridge. Retrieved from http://signalbridge.blogspot.com/2012/02/futility-of-holding-statements.html
Berry, T. (n.d.). How to Perform a SWOT Analysis. Mplans. Retrieved from http://www.mplans.com/articles/how-to-perform-a-swot-analysis/
Harrison, K. (n.d.) Make the Most of SWOT Analysis for Communications Projects. Cutting Edge PR. Retrieved from http://www.cuttingedgepr.com/articles/swot-analysis-communication-projects.asp
Goodrich, Ryan. (2015, January 1). SWOT Analysis: Examples, Templates & Definition. Business News Daily. Retrieved from http://www.businessnewsdaily.com/4245-swot-analysis.html
Hoover, C. (2010, August). FBI Strategic Communications Plan. FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin. Retrieved from https://leb.fbi.gov/2010/august/the-strategic-communication-plan
Communication Strategy: 9 Steps to Effective Strategic Planning. Melcrum. Retrieved from https://www.melcrum.com/research/strategy-planning-tactics/9-steps-effective-strategic-planning
Assignments:
SWOT Analysis
Participation activities on Yammer
Week 3
Lesson 3: Writing for the News
Readings:
Check out the websites listed for this section. These resources will help you understand the makings of a great news story.
Assignments:
Participation activities on Yammer
Write a News Story
Open book AP Stylebook Quiz #1
Week 4
Lesson 4: Press Releases
Readings:
Mahon, W. M. (2000). Perfect press release. State College, PA: author.
Perez, D. (2011, May 10). What makes one press release more successful than another? PR Newswire. Retrieved from http://blog.prnewswire.com/2011/05/10/what-makes-one-press-release-more-successful-than-another/
Cutler, Z. (2012, November 13). 8 tips for writing a great press release. The Huffington Post. Retrieved from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/zach-cutler/press-release-tips_b_2120630.html
Stoller, B. (n.d.). How to write a great press release: A sample press release template. PublicityInsider. Retrieved from http://www.publicityinsider.com/release.asp
Assignments:
Participation activities on Yammer
Write a press release
Week 5
Lesson 5: Speech Writing
Readings:
Lee, L. (2013). OverViews Speechwriting. Retrieved from http://www.speechwriting.com
Kusnet, D. (2010, February 11). Ten speechwriting tips. Podesta Group. Retrieved from http://www.podesta.com/pulse/ten-speechwriting-tips
Lehrman, R. (2012, November 3). The political speechwriter’s life. The New York Times. Retrieved from http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/11/03/the-political-speechwriters-life/?_r=0
Mahon, W. M. (2000). Media speech writing. Unpublished Manuscript.
Assignments:
Identify good speechwriters
Participation activities on Yammer
Write a speech
Open book AP Stylebook Quiz #2
Week 6
Lesson 6: Op-Ed Writing / Letter to the Editor
Readings:
Jarmul, D. (2009). How to write an op-ed article. Duke University Office of News and Communications. Retrieved from http://newsoffice.duke.edu/duke_resources/oped.html
McClain, J. (n.d.). How to write an op-ed: Perhaps it’s PR’s most underutilized tool. All About Public Relations. Retrieved from http://www.aboutpublicrelations.net/ucmclaina.htm
Tips for op-ed writing. (n.d.). The Op-Ed Project. Retrieved from http://www.theopedproject.org/
index.php?option=com_content&
view=article&id=67&Itemid=79
How to submit an op-ed article. The New York Times. Retrieved from www.nytimes.com/content/help/site/editorial/op-ed/op-ed.html
Assignments:
Participation activities on Yammer
Write an Op-Ed
Week 7
Lesson 7: Staging a Press Conference
Readings:
“Staging a Press Conference” document by Bill Mahon
Assignments:
Participation activities on Yammer
Write a Press Conference Announcement
Open book AP Stylebook Quiz #3
Week 8
Lesson 8: Media Performance Training
Readings:
Mahon, W. M. (2000). Media Interview 101.
Assignments:
Participation activities on Yammer
Open book AP Stylebook Quiz #4
Week 9
Lesson 9: Aggressive Creativity
Readings:
Scared to death! Walking Dead zombies terrorize New York City streets in hilarious promo video. Daily Mail. Retrieved from http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2553146/Walking-Dead-zombies-terrorize-New-York-City-streets-hilarious-promo-video.html
Kain, E. (2013, May 3). How technology is making “The Walking Dead” television’s most popular show. Forbes. Retrieved from http://www.forbes.com/sites/erikkain/2013/05/03/how-technology-is-making-the-walking-dead-televisions-most-popular-show/
Warshaw, D. A. (2011, June 29). 5 career makeover success stories: Once-writer, now e-do-it-yourselfer. CNN Money. Retrieved from http://archive.fortune.com/galleries/2011/pf/1106/gallery.career_reinvention_stories.fortune/6.html
Hindman, N. C. (2013, April 12). The 18 most ridiculous startup ideas that eventually became successful. The Huffington Post. Retrieved from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/12/ridiculous-startup-ideas_n_3071538.html?ir=Small+Business&ref=topbar
Bukszpan, D. (2011, February 17). 10 massive advertising campaign failures. CNBC. Retrieved from http://www.cnbc.com/id/41624240/
Currie, T. (2012, October 9). The 5 best and 5 worst publicity stunts. Mandatory. Retrieved from http://www.mandatory.com/2012/10/09/the-5-best-and-5-worst-publicity-stunts/1
Horton, J. L. (2004, January 22). Publicity stunts: What are they? Why do them? Online Public Relations. Retrieved from http://www.online-pr.com/Holding/PRStuntsarticle.pdf
Orgel, D. (2012, November 26). HyVee in command from social media war room. Supermarket News. Retrieved from http://supermarketnews.com/blog/hy-vee-command-social-media-war-room
Horsburgh, A. (2014, October 23). Create A Great Social Media War Room. LinkedIn SlideShare. Retrieved from http://www.slideshare.net/amberhorsburgh/war-rooms-realtimemarketing-40644900
Humbert, M. (2011, March 2). 20 creative guerilla marketing campaigns. Designer Daily. Retrieved from http://www.designer-daily.com/cool-and-creative-guerilla-marketing-campaigns-13471
Smith, D. (2011, March 4). 12 Memorable Event Marketing Campaigns. Inc. Retrieved from http://www.inc.com/ss/10-unique-event-marketing-campaigns
Assignments:
Participation activities on Yammer
Write up an unusual idea to gain publicity for candidate
Week 10
Lesson 10: Social Media
Readings:
Pyle, S. O. (2013, May 7). Lessons from horse racing: Using social media to make events more social. Nashville Business Journal. Retrieved from http://m.bizjournals.com/nashville/blog/socialmadness/2013/05/lessons-from-horse-racing-using.html
Thai, T. (2013, May 7). Social TV data for the 2012 Kentucky Derby. Bluefin Labs. Retrieved from https://bluefinlabs.com/blog/2012/05/07/social-tv-data-for-the-2012-kentucky-derby/
Crater, J. (2013, May 8). Which social media channels are right for you? Nashville Business Journal. Retrieved from http://m.bizjournals.com/nashville/blog/socialmadness/2013/05/which-social-media-channels-are-right.html
Kimbarovsky, R. (2009, October 28). 10 small business social media marketing tips. Mashable. Retrieved from http://mashable.com/2009/10/28/small-business-marketing/
Donnelly, J. (2012) Danger ahead: The growth of social media risk. The Public Relations Strategist, 18(3), 16–17.
Rosenberg, J. (2013, September 9). How to brace for social media attacks. PRNews. Retrieved from http://www.prnewsonline.com/topics/social-media/2013/09/23/how-to-brace-for-social-media-attacks/?goback=%2Egde_82242_member_5793015981953536004#%21
Strazinsky, S. (2013, April 2). 10 best practices for social media writing. Inspirationfeed. Retrieved from http://inspirationfeed.com/articles/social-media-articles/10-best-practices-for-better-social-media-writing/?utm_source=Intelligence&utm_campaign=cf9ed02a5a-May_2013_Intelligence&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_d934ebe766-cf9ed02a5a-11122217
Chase, C. (2013, April 9). Living with social media. EarthLink Blog. Retrieved from http://blogs.earthlink.net/living-with-social-media/
Assignments:
Participation activities on Yammer
Write a social media analysis for a current politician
Week 11
Lesson 11: Media Relations
Readings:
Mahon, W. M. (2000). Editorial board visit.
Wisconsin Tobacco Prevention and Control Program. (n.d.). Media tip: Visiting an editorial board. Retrieved from http://www.ttac.org/tcn/materials/pdfs/12.13.10/Editorial_Board_Visit.pdf
Strauss, S. (2009). Guide to meeting with editorial boards. Retrieved from: http://www.nrcat.org/storage/documents/nrcat_editorial_board_project_manual_5_20_09.pdf
GW Associates (n.d.). Arranging an editorial board meeting. Retrieved from http://www.peterwirth.net/media_guide/resources/editorial_boards.html
American Library Association. (n.d.). How to schedule and conduct an editorial board meeting. Retrieved from http://www.ala.org/advocacy/advleg/advocacyuniversity/toolkit/mediatools/editorialboardmeeting
Union of Concerned Scientists. (n.d.). Meet with an editorial board or writer. Retrieved from http://www.ucsusa.org/action/science_network/meeting-with-an-editorial.html
Wynne, R. (2013, January 7). How NOT to write a pitch letter. Forbes. Retrieved from http://www.forbes.com/sites/robertwynne/2013/01/07/how-not-to-write-a-pitch-letter/
Laermer, R. (2009, February 16). Five crucial tips for the perfect pitch letter. Bad Pitch Blog. Retrieved from http://badpitch.blogspot.com/2009/02/five-crucial-tips-for-perfect-pitch.html
Stoller, B. (n.d.). How to write a great pitch letter. PublicityInsider. Retrieved from http://www.publicityinsider.com/pitch.asp
Mahon, W. M. (2000). Cultivating sources. State College, PA: author.
Assignments:
Write summaries on two journalists
Participation activities on Yammer
Draft a pitch letter
Week 13
Lesson 13: Radio and TV
Readings:
Stein, S. (2011, April 27). Obama birth certificate released by White House. The Huffington Post. Retrieved from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/04/27/obama-birth-certificate-r_n_854248.html
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. (2011, July). Video news release guide. Retrieved from https://www.cpsc.gov/en/Business--Manufacturing/Recall-Guidance/Video-News-Release-Guide/
PHOTO RELEASE -- 21st century aircraft carrier Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) takes first voyage [Press release]. (2013, Nov 19). NASDAQ OMX's News Release Distribution Channel Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/1459440933?accountid=13158
Nissenbaum, D. (2013, Nov 08). Navy set to christen USS Gerald R. Ford; new $13 billion aircraft carrier is part of nation's strategic shift toward Asia. Wall Street Journal (Online) Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/1449398071?accountid=13158
PR Newswire. (n.d.). Make your news interactive. Reinforce your corporate brand. Originally Retrieved from http://www.prnewswire.com/products-services/multimedia/richmedia-distribution/multimedia-news-releases.html [Relocated to http://www.multivu.com/multivu/products-services/multimedia-distribution.html]
University of Florida Health Communications. (n.d.). Animal Airwaves [Podcasts]. Retrieved from http://news.health.ufl.edu/animal-airwaves/
marketingsherpa (2004, April 16). Scripting tips for audio news releases. Retrieved from http://www.marketingsherpa.com/article/how-to/scripting-tips-audio-news-releases
News Generation. (n.d.). Audio news releases. Retrieved from http://www.newsgeneration.com/services/audio-news-releases/
Council on Arts and Humanities for Staten Island. (n.d.). How to write your radio PSA. Retrieved from http://www.keos.org/documents/How_to_write_a_radio_psa.pdf
National Athletic Trainers Association. (n.d.). Sample PSAs. Retrieved from http://www.nata.org/sites/default/files/NATM-PSAs.pdf
Beer Wars. (n.d.). Satellite media tour. [Video]. Retrieved from http://vimeo.com/9205496
Ad Council. (2014). Media tours. Retrieved from http://pr.adcouncil.org/services.asp?id=4
Assignments:
Participation activities on Yammer
Write a 60-second radio script
Open book AP Stylebook Quiz #6
Week 14
Lesson 14: Crisis Communications
Readings:
Baskin, J. S. (2013, January 10). Boeing has an airplane problem, not a PR problem. Forbes. Retrieved from http://www.forbes.com/sites/jonathansalembaskin/2013/01/10/boeing-has-an-airplane-problem-not-a-pr-problem/
Gutman, M., Newcomb, A., Ng, C. (2013, February 12). Carnival apologizes for stranded cruise ship. ABC News. Retrieved from http://abcnews.go.com/Travel/carnival-apologizes-stranded-cruise-ship/story?id=18472936
Nittle, N. K. (n.d.). Seven notorious racist college parties. Retrieved from http://racerelations.about.com/od/diversitymatters/tp/Seven-Notorious-Racist-College-Parties.htm
Schwartz, D. (2013, July 25). Anthony Weiner doesn’t have a PR problem. The PRNews Blog. Retrieved from http://www.prnewsonline.com/prnewsblog/index.php/2013/07/25/anthony-weiner-doesnt-have-a-pr-problem/
Rosenthal, P. (2013, July 3). Rosenthal: When PR overshadows the problem. Chicago Tribune. Retrieved from http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2013-07-03/business/ct-biz-0703-phil-20130703_1_pr-problem-paula-deen-chicago-bulls
Siddiqui, S. (2013, April 22). Boston bombings reveal media full of mistakes, false reports. The Huffington Post. Retrieved from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/22/boston-bombings-media-mistakes_n_3135105.html
Fuchs, E. (2013, April 13). How the media ruined an innocent man’s life after the 1996 Olympic bombings. Business Insider. Retrieved from http://www.businessinsider.com/lessons-from-richard-jewell-2013-4
Foxnews.com (2013, April 22). Reese Witherspoon arrested for disorderly conduct when husband gets DUI. Retrieved from http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2013/04/22/reese-witherspoon-has-been-charged-with-disorderly-conduct-after-husband/
Spence, E. (2013, May 2). Fallout from the AP hack’s “priciest tweet in the world.” Forbes. Retrieved from http://www.forbes.com/sites/ewanspence/2013/05/02/fallout-from-the-ap-hacks-priciest-tweet-in-the-world/
Robertson, P. (2013, April 27). Shifting focus, federal agents arrest new suspect in ricin case. New York Times. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/28/us/mississippi-man-arrested-in-sending-of-letters-laced-with-ricin.html?_r=0
Wemple, E. (2013, April 30). Father of New York Post “Bag Man” seeks legal counsel. The Washington Post. Retrieved from http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/erik-wemple/wp/2013/04/30/father-of-new-york-post-bag-man-seeks-legal-counsel/
Rinsema, K. (2013, May 3). Using social media as a crisis management tool. Retrieved from http://holykaw.alltop.com/using-social-media-as-a-crisis-management-tool-infographic?goback=%2Egde_82242_member_238813812
Warthen, B. (2009, July 17). Joel Sawyer call it quits. Retrieved from http://www.bradwarthen.com/2009/07/joel-sawyers-had-enough/
Ambrose, S. G. (2012, December 13). Texas cancer agency’s public relations firm quits. Dallas News. Retrieved from http://watchdogblog.dallasnews.com/2012/12/texas-cancer-agencys-public-relations-firm-quits.html/
Cillizza, C. (2012, May 29). Cory Booker’s communications director resigns. The Washington Post. Retrieved from http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-fix/post/cory-bookers-communications-director-resigns/2012/05/29/gJQAHj96yU_blog.html
Holmes, P. (2011, September 1). Groupon’s PR director takes a principled stand. Retrieved from http://blog.holmesreport.com/index.php/pr-management/ethics/groupons-pr-director-takes-a-principled-stand/
Assignments:
Participation activities on Yammer
Write a crisis communications document
Week 15
Lesson 15: Measuring Impact and Media Monitoring
Readings:
Debono, R. (2013, May 23). 5 hot social media tools. Ragan. Retrieved from http://www.ragan.com/Main/Articles/5_hot_social_media_tools_46744.aspx#
Bercovitz, I. (2012, September 5). 20 free social media monitoring tools you should be using. Small Business Trends. Retrieved from http://smallbiztrends.com/2012/09/20-free-social-media-monitoring-tools.html
Dyer, P. (2013, May 23). 50 top tools for social media monitoring, analytics, and management. Social Media Today. Retrieved from http://socialmediatoday.com/pamdyer/1458746/50-top-tools-social-media-monitoring-analytics-and-management-2013
Trapasso, P. (2013, October 7). Social media monitoring tools. Social Media Today. Retrieved from http://www.socialmediatoday.com/content/social-media-monitoring-tools-infographic
Peyton, L. (2013, March 28). 5 social media monitoring tools to simplify your marketing. Social Media Examiner. Retrieved from http://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/5-social-media-monitoring-tools-to-simplify-your-marketing/
Assignments:
Set up alerts for Google and Yahoo
Calculate your Klout score
Participation activities on Yammer
Note: If you are planning to graduate this semester, please communicate your intent to graduate to your instructor. This will alert your instructor to the need to submit your final grade in time to meet the published graduation deadlines. For more information about graduation policies and deadlines, please refer to Graduation at the Chaiken Center for Student Success.
Formal instruction will end on the last day of class. Provided that you have an active Penn State Access Account user ID and password, you will continue to be able to access the course materials for one year, starting from the end date of the academic semester in which the course was offered (with the exception of library reserves and other external resources that may have a shorter archival period). After one year, you might be able to access the course based on the policies of the program or department offering the course material, up to a maximum of three years from the end date of the academic semester in which the course was offered. For more information, please review the University Course Archival Policy.
According to Penn State policy
G-9: Academic Integrity
, an academic integrity violation is “an intentional,
unintentional, or attempted violation of course or assessment
policies to gain an academic advantage or to advantage or
disadvantage another student academically.” Unless your instructor
tells you otherwise, you must complete all course work entirely on
your own, using only sources that have been permitted by your
instructor, and you may not assist other students with papers,
quizzes, exams, or other assessments. If your instructor allows you
to use ideas, images, or word phrases created by another person
(e.g., from Course Hero or Chegg) or by generative technology, such
as ChatGPT, you must identify their source. You may not submit
false or fabricated information, use the same academic work for
credit in multiple courses, or share instructional content.
Students with questions about academic integrity should ask their
instructor before submitting work.
Students facing allegations of academic misconduct may not
drop/withdraw from the affected course unless they are cleared of
wrongdoing (see
G-9: Academic Integrity
). Attempted drops will be prevented or reversed, and students will
be expected to complete course work and meet course deadlines.
Students who are found responsible for academic integrity
violations face academic outcomes, which can be severe, and put
themselves at jeopardy for other outcomes which may include
ineligibility for Dean’s List, pass/fail elections, and grade
forgiveness. Students may also face consequences from their
home/major program and/or The Schreyer Honors College.
How Academic Integrity Violations Are Handled
World Campus students are expected to act with civility and
personal integrity; respect other students' dignity, rights, and
property; and help create and maintain an environment in which all
can succeed through the fruits of their own efforts. An environment
of academic integrity is requisite to respect for oneself and
others, as well as a civil community.
In cases where academic integrity is questioned, the
Policy on Academic Integrity
indicates that procedure requires an instructor to inform the
student of the allegation. Procedures allow a student to accept or
contest a charge. If a student chooses to contest a charge, the
case will then be managed by the respective college or campus
Academic Integrity Committee. If that committee recommends an
administrative sanction (Formal Warning, Conduct Probation,
Suspension, Expulsion), the claim will be referred to the
Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response.
All Penn State colleges abide by this Penn State policy, but review
procedures may vary by college when academic dishonesty is
suspected. Information about Penn State's academic integrity policy
and college review procedures is included in the information that
students receive upon enrolling in a course. To obtain that
information in advance of enrolling in a course, please contact us
by going to the
Contacts & Help page
.
Penn State welcomes students with disabilities into the University’s educational programs. Every Penn State campus has an office for students with disabilities, including World Campus. The Disabilities and Accommodations section of the Chaiken Center for Student Success website provides World Campus students with information regarding how to request accommodations, documentation guidelines and eligibility, and appeals and complaints. For additional information, please visit the University's Student Disability Resources website.
In order to receive consideration for reasonable accommodations, you must contact the appropriate disability services office at the campus where you are officially enrolled, participate in an intake interview, and provide documentation. If the documentation supports your request for reasonable accommodations, your campus's disability services office will provide you with an accommodation letter. Please share this letter with your instructors and discuss the accommodations with them as early in your courses as possible. You must follow this process for every semester that you request accommodations.
Additional Policies
For information about additional policies regarding Penn State Access Accounts; credit by examination; course tuition, fees, and refund schedules; and drops and withdrawals, please see the
World Campus Student Center website.
Disclaimer: Please note that the specifics of this Course Syllabus are subject to change, and you will be responsible for abiding by any such changes. Your instructor will notify you of any changes.
