COM 140 Digital Storytelling

This course introduces the process of writing and producing visual and/or audio products that report on factual topics for web dissemination. Students learn the basics of news writing, reporting, interviewing, and editing using technology to convert written stories into visual stories. Students produce effective media content for a web-facing and mobile-first audience.

Credits

3

Prerequisite

Prerequisite: Test scores or ENG 101 or higher

See Course Syllabus

Course Number and Title:

COM 140 Digital Storytelling

Campus Location

  • Georgetown

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: Test scores or ENG 101 or higher

Course Credits and Hours

3 credit(s)

3 lecture hours/week

0 lab hours/week

Course Description

This course introduces the process of writing and producing visual and/or audio products that report on factual topics for web dissemination. Students learn the basics of news writing, reporting, interviewing, and editing using technology to convert written stories into visual stories. Students produce effective media content for a web-facing and mobile-first audience.

Additional Materials

None

Required Text(s)

Obtain current textbook information by viewing the campus bookstore - https://www.dtcc.edu/bookstores online or visit a campus bookstore. Check your course schedule for the course number and section.

Disclaimer

None

Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)

  1. Compose writing assignments that apply the fundamental elements of news reporting and writing. (CCC 1, 2; PGC 1)
  2. Produce digital media that is aesthetically appealing and technically proficient. (CCC 1, 5; PGC 1, 5)
  3. Demonstrate professional and ethical standards to the information-gathering and storytelling processes. (CCC 1, 2, 4, 5; PGC 1, 2, 4, 5)

See Core Curriculum Competencies and Program Graduate Competencies at the end of the syllabus. CCPOs are linked to every competency they develop.

Measurable Performance Objectives (MPOs)

Upon completion of this course, the student will:

  1. Compose writing assignments that apply the fundamental elements of news reporting and writing.
    1. Identify the characteristics of online journalistic storytelling.
    2. Compose leads and nut graphs that succinctly summarize a story and create audience interest.
    3. Integrate direct and indirect quotations with proper attribution to the source.
    4. Identify opinions to the source and provide alternative viewpoints to create a balanced and fair story with added context.
    5. Use correct punctuation, spelling, and capitalization in stories.
    6. Develop stories beyond the basic facts to illustrate human interest, impact, and trends.
    7. Develop facts, quotations, data, and background research into a coherent story.
    8. Create multiple hyperlinks to sources to add depth to digitally published news stories.
    9. Apply Associated Press news style to stories.
    10. Construct writing assignments that are grammatically correct, and use appropriate vocabulary and language choices to maintain an accurate and objective tone.
  2. Produce digital media that is aesthetically appealing and technically proficient.
    1. Define the properties and characteristic differences among different digital media forms.
    2. Identify the most effective media form to communicate information.
    3. Demonstrate ability to capture digital images, sound, and video.
    4. Demonstrate ability to manipulate digital images, sound, and video.
    5. Demonstrate editing skills to create an accurate, objective, and coherent story.
    6. Apply composition and design principles to visual media.
    7. Integrate different media into a seamless online environment.
    8. Apply best practices of news-gathering, interviewing, and reporting to tell stories across media platforms.
    9. Develop strategies for multimedia production and delivery on mobile devices.
    10. Produce engaging digital media stories for online dissemination.
  3. Demonstrate professional and ethical standards to the information-gathering and storytelling processes.
    1. Distinguish between fact and opinion when evaluating and reporting sourced information.
    2. Apply information literacy when evaluating the credibility of online sources.
    3. Apply professional and ethical standards to the reporting and writing processes.
    4. Demonstrate professionalism when conducting interviews.
    5. Distinguish between original and unoriginal creative work with clear and accurate crediting to individuals and organizations that generated the content.
    6. Use strict deadlines in accordance with industry standards.

Evaluation Criteria/Policies

The grade will be determined using the Delaware Tech grading system:

90-100 = A
80-89 = B
70-79 = C
0-69 = F
Students should refer to the Catalog/Student Handbook for information on the Academic Standing Policy, the Academic Integrity Policy, Student Rights and Responsibilities, and other policies relevant to their academic progress.

Final Course Grade

Calculated using the following weighted average

Evaluation Measure

Percentage of final grade

(2) News Package Projects (Summative) (equally weighted)

25%

(4-5) AP Edit Assessments (Summative) (equally weighted)

15%

(7-10) Chapter Assessments (Summative) (equally weighted)

15%

Final News Story Package (Summative)

25%

Class Activities (Formative) (equally weighted)

10%

Professionalism and Ethics (Summative)

10%

TOTAL

100%

Program Graduate Competencies (PGCs are the competencies every graduate will develop specific to his or her major)

  1. Analyze the impact of media on society.
  2. Produce media products that meet professional standards.
  3. Apply principle of design to media products.
  4. Demonstrate effective professional communication skills.
  5. Apply professional, ethical, and legal standards of behavior.

 

Core Curriculum Competencies (CCCs are the competencies every graduate will develop)

  1. Apply clear and effective communication skills.
  2. Use critical thinking to solve problems.
  3. Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
  4. Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
  5. Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
  6. Apply quantitative reasoning and/or scientific inquiry to solve practical problems.

Students in Need of Accommodations Due to a Disability

We value all individuals and provide an inclusive environment that fosters equity and student success. The College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the campus Disabilities Support Counselor to request an accommodation needed due to a disability. The College's policy on accommodations for persons with disabilities can be found in the College's Guide to Requesting Academic Accommodations and/or Auxiliary Aids Students may also access the Guide and contact information for Disabilities Support Counselors through the Student Resources web page under Disabilities Support Services, or visit the campus Advising Center.

Minimum Technology Requirements

Minimum technology requirements for online, hybrid, video conferencing and web conferencing courses.