T552--Cognitive Approaches to Media

Dr. Potter--Second Semester, 2008-2009

 Email Comments (15% of your final grade):

Each student is expected to submit email comments prior to each class meeting.

These comments can be summaries of major points, questions for discussion, points of information/clarification, opinions of the particular reading in light of other things you have learned/experienced, etc.

I will provide you with brief written or typed responses to these--along with a grade that expresses my assessment of the depth of thought exhibited. Sometimes these will be in time for class; other times I will need to play "catch up" on the weekends. But, I will provide you feedback on most. I will grade these using the following scale:

4--Outstanding set of comments, showing a thorough reading of the assigned articles and informed, scholarly wrestling with the ideas expressed,

3--An above average set of comments that show you have read the assigned articles and thought about their meaning,

2--An average set of comments that indicate you read the assigned articles prior to class.

I expect to receive these by 6am Monday before our Tuesday Meeting. This will allow me to read what you have to say prior to class. You are encouraged to read everyone's comments...and even reply to them if you wish.

Final Term Paper (40%):

Students will be expected to complete a substantial term paper for this course. This will take the form of a review of both the psychological and communications literature surrounding an area of interest followed by a set of hypotheses and a research proposal for testing them. The end goal is to create a document that could become the basis for data collection shortly after completing T552. If you do not feel you have the experimental design experience necessary to propose original research in your term paper you may either consult with me often during the course of the semester for input or write a more in-depth literature review to satisfy this requirement.

There are several places throughout the semester when you are expected to turn in portions of this paper for feedback. Those not turning in a draft on any of those due dates will receive no higher than a "B" as their term paper grade.

Late papers or drafts will not be accepted except due to reasons of health or personal emergency.

Final Exam (40%):

This will simulate comprehensive exams...except that you will receive a copy of the questions beforehand.

Class Discussion (5%):

T552 is not a lecture course. Certainly, I will use some of the time during each class period to share some thoughts and basic concepts. But, you are expected to carry the discussion with questions, comments, debate, etc. To encourage this, I will be grading you purely on my subjective assessment of the extent to which you offer informed commentary during our time together.

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