Syllabus

🌎 Overview

Description

Learn to conceptualize, plan, execute, and present new media projects.

Build new media solutions that address specific client needs, explore and implement emerging technologies, or both. Students call upon all of the skills gained throughout New Media Certificate coursework to develop and design projects that are debuted at the end of the semester.

Prerequisites and Corequisites

Undergraduate:

(NMIX 4010/6010 or NMIX 4010E/6010E or NMIX 4020/6020 or NMIX 4020E/6020E or NMIX 4030/6030 or NMIX 4030E/6030E) and (NMIX 2010 or NMIX 2010E or CSCI 1301-1301L or MIST 4600 or MIST 4600E) and permission of department.

Graduate:

(NMIX 4010/6010 or NMIX 4010E/6010E or NMIX 4020/6020 or NMIX 4020E/6020E or NMIX 4030/6030 or NMIX 4030E/6030E) and permission of department.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the semester, you’ll be able to:

  • Conceptualize and plan a new media project.
  • Execute various components of a new media project.
  • Present a new media project to a variety of audiences.

Topical Outline

  • Research and planning
  • User research and user experience mapping
  • Visual design
  • Project launch planning
  • Website creation
  • Digital project development
  • Project management
  • Copywriting

📚 Texts + Tools

Course Site

All class content will be posted to nmi.cool/capstone.

Class Expenses

Plan to set aside about $25 to cover materials related to course assignments. (Costs vary; please see your instructors if you need financial assistance.)

Slack

We’re going to use Slack for all class discussion and communication, including important updates from me. Slack is also where you’ll also take part in group discussions.

You’ll receive an invite via your UGA email address; after you’ve created your account, please complete your profile so that I know who I’m talking to. After you’ve joined the class Slack, use only Slack—not email—to contact me.

Checking Slack regularly (ideally daily) is required for the course, so you must install the Slack app on your phone and on your desktop

If you’ve never used Slack before, you can find a good overview of it here. (And if you’re a real nerd, like me, you can read this post about my thinking on how we’ll use Slack.)

ELC

ELC will be used only to view your grades.

Summary

  • This site contains all course readings / videos
  • Set aside about $25 to cover materials for course assignments.
  • Slack will be our course communication hub
  • ELC will be used only for posting grades

📓 Assignments + Grading

Assignments

10 points NMI Dossier

10 points Team

   2 points Collector’s card

   2 points Team role contract

   2 points Mid-term peer evaluations I

   2 points Mid-term peer evaluations II

   2 points Final peer evaluations

10 points Checkpoint one

Alpha + project research + project plan

10 points Checkpoint two

Beta + user research + UX map

10 points Checkpoint three

1.0 + finalized visual design document + project website beta

10 points Checkpoint four

1.1 + launch / social deliverables + stage presentation beta + resume

40 points Final deliverables

   20 points Final project

   5 points Stage presentation

   5 points Booth presentation + one-pager

   5 points Project website

   5 points Trailer

100 points total

Grading Scale

A95-100C+77-79.99
A-90-94.99C73-76.99
B+87-89.99C-70-72.99
B83-86.99D60-69.99
B-80-82.99F59.99 and Below

🗓 Schedule

💁‍♀️ Policies

Attendance and Class Participation

As you will with much in life, you’ll get out of this class what you put into it. You’re expected to come to class regularly. Life, however, is full, and conflicts, illnesses, and extraordinary opportunities may arise. Therefore, you may miss up to four classes without any direct penalty; we make no distinction between excused and unexcused absences. Because missing class affects your ability to be an effective member of our learning community, if you miss more than four classes, expect to have a meeting with us to discuss your ability to remain enrolled in the class.

Students who miss classes or other assignments due to their religious observance will be provided with a fair opportunity to complete their academic responsibilities.  However, students must provide us with notice at the start of the semester of the dates of religious holidays on which they plan to be absent.

We expect you to be present in class both mentally and physically.

Ask questions. Take good notes. Don’t screw around on your devices. When you work in pairs or in groups, work eagerly and enthusiastically. In short, be the sort of person you’d want to be in class with. 

Make-Up Work

You are expected to complete and turn in your work by the due date, and late work is accepted only at the discretion of the instructor. If late work is accepted, the minimum penalty for the first assignment you turn in late is 10% of its total value per day late (ex: 10-point exam turned in two days late will be penalized a minimum of 2 points). After your first late assignment, each subsequent late assignment will be penalized a minimum of 20% of its total value per day (ex: 10-point exam turned in two days late will be penalized a minimum of 4 points).

Email / Direct Messages

As I’ve already mentioned, we’re using Slack as the sole tool for our class communication. So, instead of emailing us, direct message us via Slack.

So that we can most quickly help those in need of assistance, take the following steps before messaging us:

  • Check the syllabus, eLC, previous Slack conversations, the class site, etc. to see if the answer’s posted there
  • Spend 5-15  minutes (but not any more time than that) trying to solve the problem on your own (via Google, asking a classmate, etc.)
  • Ask yourself if the question might be one other students are having, and if so, post it in #4410 on Slack

If you do all of those and still have a question just for us, then by all means direct message us! We’ll respond to your questions as quickly as possible, but please allow a reasonable amount of time (generally under 24 hours; 2 business days max) for a response.

Slack allows for communication to be informal and fun, which is great! But, don’t forget to communicate professionally, even while having fun.

NMIXperts

From the NMI:

You know our motto — “Make something work. Then make it work better.” While we’re learning how to make it work on our journey to becoming technowledgeable, there are a select few of us specially equipped to make it work even better. These incredible individuals are NMIXperts. From development to design, NMIXperts have displayed an outstanding aptitude for a specialized skill throughout their NMIX classes. Now, they’re ready to help you make it work even better. Whether you need help troubleshooting your website, debugging an app, navigating Adobe CC, or anything in between, our NMIXperts are ready to help you tackle the challenge! Seeking their assistance is easy:

  1. Navigate to nmi.cool/nmixperts.
  2. Find an NMIXpert whose talent(s) align with your needs.
  3. Check out their available Xpert Hours and jump in the Xpert Zoom Channel (932 2797 1374, password: nmi)
  4. Hang out in the Waiting Room, and you’ll be admitted once they become available. Easy as that!

If you need assistance during an Xpert session or have questions about getting ahold of an Xpert, please reference the #xpert channel in the NMI Slack Workspace.

Office Hours

In addition to the times posted at the top of the syllabus, we’ll frequently (though not always!) be in our offices during regular business hours. You’re welcome to come by and see us with any questions, concerns, or just to say hi. We often work with our doors closed, but you’re always welcome to come in! The best way to meet with us is to make an appointment via Slack.

Access Policy

If you have a disability and require accommodations, please see me after class or make an appointment during office hours. If you plan to request accommodations for a disability, visit the Disability Resource Center website or call 1 (706) 542-8719.

Service Animals

Students who train or use service animals should be aware of UGA policy.  More info is available here.

Non-Discrimination Policy

We do not engage in or tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of race/ethnicity, religion, national origin, sex/gender, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, or veteran status. In addition, we do not discriminate on the basis of class, income, or political views. If there is something we can do to make the class more hospitable, please let us know.

Honor Code and Academic Honesty

As a University of Georgia Student, you have agreed to abide by the University’s academic honesty policy, “A Culture of Honesty”, and the UGA Student Honor Code: “I will be academically honest in all of my academic work and will not tolerate academic dishonesty of others.” A Culture of Honesty, the University’s policy and procedures for handling cases of suspected dishonesty, can be found at uga.edu/ovpi.Lack of knowledge of the academic honesty policy is not a reasonable explanation for a violation.

Read the entire policy online, but the short story is: don’t cheat—the punishments for violations of the Academic Honesty Policy are severe. You are expected to do your own work and to report individuals who do not do their own work. As nearly all of the class materials and assignments are online, you may find the temptation to cheat (cheating includes unauthorized sharing of class materials, using unauthorized sources during assessments, and more—seriously, read this now to get a full sense of what all constitutes academic dishonesty) even greater than usual. Resist that temptation. Questions related to course assignments and the academic honesty policy should be directed to the instructor.

New Media Institute Policies

New Media Institute students are responsible for knowing and abiding by all NMI policies. You agreed to these policies upon applying to NMIX courses / committing to Emerging Media and will be held accountable for following them. For a refresher on these policies, visit nmi.cool/nmc / nmi.cool/em.

Project Ownership

By enrolling in this course, and in line with the NMI Project Ownership Policy, you agree to waive all rights, title, and interest in, and to, all materials which are developed directly as a result of the student project for the client and assign all rights, title, and interest in and to such intellectual property to the client.

NMI Dossier

Throughout your academic journey, you’ll create many things you want to show off to the world. Through your NMI classes, you’ll develop and build on the skills to create a digital dossier to do so. 

In this course you are required to submit an NMI Dossier case study; if you’re also completing the certificate this semester, you’ll also submit your professional portfolio for evaluation and your professional portfolio.

Additional details and requirements for the NMI Dossier can be found at these links:

Dossier Details: nmi.cool/portfolio 

NMC Dossier Submission: bit.ly/3GRiZJ4 

EM Dossier Submission: bit.ly/37oQKi8 

Note: Links do not need to be resubmitted or updated each semester. Just be certain to check that your URLs are up-to-date and functional. 

Not a certificate or masters student? Don’t worry! We have you covered with your course case study. Be sure to use the same criteria outlined here:: nmi.cool/portfolio

Earning both the certificate and masters? Oh, you overachiever you! Check out both dossier details above. 

NMI Resume Requirement

This task is easy. Each and every team member needs to upload their polished resume to this Google Drive Folder. There are two important requirements:

  • Your uploaded resume MUST be a PDF. 
  • Your uploaded resume MUST follow this naming convention: LastName_FirstName_OptionalMiddleName (e.g. Doe_John or Doe_John_Lee). 

Do not include any other words, numbers, or characters. If the “.pdf” extension was added to your file name when uploaded to the Google Drive folder, be sure to remove it from the title as well. 

Slack

The NMI uses Slack for all communication, from courses to events to requirements to everything in between. Students must join the NMI workspace (bit.ly/uganmi) and appropriate channels each semester, before the end of drop/add. You’ll need to check Slack on a regular basis, so be sure to install the Slack app on both your mobile device and computer.

NMI-Wide Channels

All NMI students must be in the following channels:

#update 

#jopps

Program Channels

Students should join all channels that relate to their specific NMI affiliations.

Slack Tip: To add a channel, hover over “Channels” in the sidebar, select the plus icon, then browse through channels. 

New Media Certificate: #certificate

Emerging Media Double Dawgs: #doubledawgs

Emerging Media Masters (residential): #em 

Emerging Media Masters (online): #emo 

TEDxUGA Student Council: #tedxuga

NMIXperts: #xperts

Course Channels

For this course, you are required to join #4410.

NMI Social Media

In addition to Slack, the NMI loves to be social. Follow our socials to stay in the know!

• Follow the NMI and join the New Media Institute Job Board on LinkedIn
• Like the New Media Institute on Facebook
• Follow @nmiuga on Twitter
• Follow @nmiuga on Instagram
• Optionally, follow John on Mastodon / Threads

🌮 TACO (Technology and Accessory Check Out)

Introducing the Technology and Accessory Check Out (or TACO). New Media Certificate students may check out iMacs, MacBooks, cameras, microphones, and more. To make your request, visit nmi.cool/taco.

Reference Webpage

For more information about Advising, accessing the TACO, meeting with our Xperts, making room reservations, and more visit nmi.cool/resources.

Student Services

As a student at the University of Georgia, you have access to a wide variety of services to help you succeed. Click here to view a description of services along with links and contact information if you wish to learn more about these topics. Of course, you’re also welcome to talk with me if I can help in any way, too.

UGA Well-Being Resources

UGA Well-being Resources promote student success by cultivating a culture that supports a more active, healthy, and engaged student community.

Anyone needing assistance is encouraged to contact Student Care & Outreach (SCO) in the Division of Student Affairs at 706-542-8479 or visit sco.uga.edu. Student Care & Outreach helps students navigate difficult circumstances by connecting them with the most appropriate resources or services. They also administer the Embark@UGA program which supports students experiencing, or who have experienced, homelessness, foster care, or housing insecurity.

UGA provides both clinical and non-clinical options to support student well-being and mental health, any time, any place. Whether on campus, or studying from home or abroad, UGA Well-being Resources are here to help.

Additional information, including free digital well-being resources, can be accessed through the UGA app or by visiting https://well-being.uga.edu.

Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS)

College can be stressful. Life has difficult stretches. If you need help, get it. CAPS provides short-term individual counseling, group counseling, couples counseling, crisis intervention, psychiatric evaluation and medication monitoring, psychological testing, and makes referrals to campus and community resources when appropriate.

Emergency Preparedness

Verify that your emergency contact information is correct at ugaalert.uga.edu and add 706-542-0111 as “UGAAlert” in your contacts. We will discuss emergency exit routes the first day of class.

  • If the fire alarm sounds, we will evacuate the building and reassemble outside of the Journalism building on Sanford Drive to make sure that everyone exited safely. Quickly move away from the entrances so as not to hinder first responders. 
  • If there is a tornado warning, we will move to the first floor and account for everyone. 
  • In the event of a medical emergency, we will ask one of you to meet EMS responders and bring them to our classroom.

If you have concerns about other emergencies or if you have special circumstances that I need to know about in case of an emergency, please speak to us after class.

Changes to Course Syllabus

The course syllabus is a general plan; deviations announced to the class by the instructor may be necessary.

👋 End-of-Semester Checklist

The following will be covered during the Debrief at the end of the semester. You can ignore it until then!

To-DoURL
NMC Post-testforms.gle/XCCYeQNjhA55ABR48
Capstone Peer Evaluationforms.gle/9VwiQfKMRfMD6RARA
Capstone Client Evaluationnmi.cool/capstone/client-feedback
Capstone Course Evaluationeval.franklin.uga.edu
NMC Exit Surveyforms.gle/VPVfkSPY2aPTbvey6
*Apply to Graduate in Athenaathena.uga.edu
*Complete Certificate on 
Transcript Form		nmi.cool/transcript
*You may have already completed this prior. Please confirm doing so.
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