Course Syllabus

JMC 3433, PR Publications (PR Design)

Fall 2020, Gaylord 1030

Adam Croom, Assistant Professor

Office Hours : Via Zoom, Mon. and Wed. between 10 and 11:30am or by appointment
Graduate Teaching Assistant : Ana Marquez, ana.c.marquez-1@ou.edu
Contact Information : (405) 325-2960 (o)  a.croom@ou.edu 

Course Description

Institutional and industrial publications as an important means of internal and external communications with special emphasis on design, layout and content. Laboratory.

Prerequisites: JMC 1013, 2033, 3413, and 3423

Course Objectives

Think critically, creatively and independently.

Understand concepts and apply theories in the use and presentation of images and information

Critically evaluate your own work and that of others for accuracy and fairness, clarity, appropriate style and grammatical correctness

Apply tools and technologies appropriate for the communications professions in which they work

Recognize how public relations publications differ from other publications in purpose, publics, funding and design.

Conduct research, evaluate information and use that knowledge to select appropriate communication channel.

Design for a target audience.

Distinguish and demonstrate the use a variety of publication production techniques and options.

Course Details

PR Publications is a project-based course that develops career and communication skills in graphic design, illustration and print and digital media production, for digital communicators. This course develops four key skill areas:

• Project management and collaboration
• Design
• Research and communication
• Professional digital photography, illustration, and page layout

Students develop these key skills in a spiral—each project adds more challenging skills to foundation proficiencies. Students experience subject areas and skills across careers in graphic design, illustration, photography, and print and digital media production. Each project has phases that follow a design and development process, from project planning and analysis to evaluation and distribution. Students gain experience through real-world projects that help them better understand the roles and processes across a broad range of careers involving visual design. To simulate a professional work environment, students gradually migrate their design work from an individual process to a group process, focused on personal and client work. Design work by its very nature is iterative, so the projects contain activities that require students to evaluate and then redesign and rework their communications. Specific attention has been paid to developing concepts and principles for thorough, effective design. This content prepares students for the following Adobe Certified Associate exams:

• Visual Communication using Adobe Photoshop
• Graphic Design and Illustration using Adobe Illustrator
• Print & Digital Media Publication using Adobe InDesign

In this course students develop skills that lay the foundation for photography and producing print-ready communications: graphic design principles, visual comps, illustration, print production development, shared project management skills such as interviewing and project scheduling, peer review, and redesign. Project activities focus on developing effective communications that can be deployed in print, on the web, or in a video. Students develop a variety of images, graphics, a logo, a business card, and a client campaign. They produce design documents and visual comps that clients review.

The key skills emphasized in this course are:

• Soft skills such as interviewing and responding to feedback
• Designing for a variety of audiences and needs
• Problem solving that helps support multiple perspectives
• Illustration and drawing
• Page layout
• The design process and effective communication
• Peer teaching and evaluation in a collaborative environment
• Technical image manipulation and print publishing skills

In the course, students use Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator to develop and edit images, graphics, and illustrations. They use Adobe InDesign to design and build layouts and print materials. They use Adobe Acrobat Pro to review and improve content and produce print-ready materials.

Ethical content use and production

In many projects, students will gather, manipulate, and create images. With that fact in mind, I want to emphasize the social responsibility students have to each other and their audience to help them build good practices as they take these skills to future programs and jobs. Some areas to focus on include:

• Content validity: As students research content online, continually consider and evaluate content bias, currency, and source, corroborating the information with multiple sources. 
• Copyright: Students must gain permission to use graphics and images produced by others and to copyright their own original work. 
• Journalistic code of ethics: As students begin to interpret and inform by using various graphics and print media, they have a responsibility to their audiences to convey the truth. Remember: students have obtain a persuasive power when using these digital tools and communication methods. Always consider the code of ethics when building their communications: truth, accountability, fairness, and protecting sources.

Course Materials

All course materials will be made available to you as reference material through the semester via Canvas.

Grade Mix

I believe that creative work is incredibly subjective. This course is an introductory course and my assumption that this is your first intensive introduction into creative work. Thus, our goal in this course is to gradually get better (not do professional work Week 1) and, as such, I will to treat you like a creative employee or intern rather than rely on a traditional grading mechanisms. While you will receive copious amounts of feedback throughout the semester, my aim to make sure you receive the bulk of it before you turn in your work in order to put your best work forward. All assignments are graded as complete/incomplete and attendance is critical.

Every Other Week Blog Posts

8 blogs posts. Refer to this rubric for what I'm looking for in a blog post.

Design Projects

Collage

Logo

Store Rebrand

Business Card

Social Media Campaign

A negotiation between me and you will determine when an assignment is complete. When you feel that your project is ready to submit, then we will discuss the project in class. If I feel that it is ready, then I will give you the go-ahead to submit the assignment.  

Grading Scale

A: Earn completes on all design assignments + 7 blog posts

B: Earn completes on all design assignments + 6 blog posts

C: Earn completes on all but one design assignment + 5 blog posts

D: Earn completes on all but two design assignments + 4 blog posts

F: Student has failed to earn completes on three design assignments + 4 blog posts

All due dates, rules, regulations, terms, and conditions are subject to change at the discretion of me, Adam, your instructor. While you'll be given a print copy of this document, please refer to the Syllabus on Canvas.

Attendance

A temporary university policy has been established to protect the OU community by ensuring that students who are ill or required to isolate feel encouraged to remain at home. Missing a class session or other class activity due to illness or isolation will not result in a penalty for the absence, and the student will not be asked to provide formal documentation from a healthcare provider to excuse the absence. This policy is based on all students and faculty adhering to the principles of integrity, honesty, and concern for others.
Students who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, including cough, fever, shortness of breath, muscle pain, headache, chills, sore throat, loss of taste or smell, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, or diarrhea or who have been in close contact with others who have symptoms should:

• Remain at home to protect others
  
• Ensure that any needed screening has been conducted (COVID-19 Screening and Reporting Tool) and any needed treatment obtained
  
• Contact the instructor prior to absence or inability to participate, if possible, and provide an honest report of the reason for which you cannot attend class or complete a course activity
  
• Continue to complete coursework to the extent possible, using Canvas, zoom, and other online tools
  
• Submit assignments electronically to the extent possible and as directed by the instructor
  
• Communicate with the instructor to arrange modifications to deadlines or work requirements or reschedule exams or other important course activities, when it is necessary

Toolbox

• Blog – As mentioned earlier, one of your assignments will be building and maintaining a personal blog with the blogging platform of your choice. This will require you to get a web domain and server space.
• Canvas – Each week has a corresponding module which will tell you what you are expected to do that week. 
• Student Blogs Hub – These are where you’ll be able to see all the different blog posts from all your peers. This will be helpful in seeing what everyone else is up to. You’ll be asked periodically throughout the semester to comment on various posts from other students.
• Software – This course heavily relies on Adobe Creative Suite. It is recommended that you obtain a personal subscription.

Teaching Philosophy

As an instructor, I am highly student–centered. My aim in education is to support individual growth and self-actualization rather than to focus on content through an educational environment that is built on autonomy, trust, cooperation, participation, and self-directed learning. Social learning is my favored form of education while experimentation and discovery methods are also encouraged. I believe that instructors are a facilitator, assistant, and partner in the learning process. I also believe that learning is a personal activity that involves intrinsic motivation and that self-evaluation is the only meaningful test of whether learning has taken place.

Course Policies

Make-up Policy / Late Assignments

Students who are involved in Provost approved activities (i.e., scholarly competitions, fine arts performances, academic field trips), Director of Athletics approved athletics events and legally required activities (i.e., emergency military service and jury duty) may schedule a make up examination as long as I am give notice two (2) class periods or one (1) week (whichever is less) before an exam (including final exams with two weeks’ notice).

Civility

As a student, you are going to interact with students who have diverse opinions, beliefs, and backgrounds. If you want to work effectively with your classmates you need to be civil and avoid inappropriate behavior. Incivility not only violates university conduct policies, but can permanently damage your future interactions with students and your instructor. Work to develop your emotional intelligence and you’ll discover that you become less reactive to class conditions and discussions, and more proactively involved in the learning process because you are successfully collaborating with others.

LGBTQ Ally

Please note that I am an on-campus LGBTQ Ally, one of many resource people on campus who provide an open door for individuals seeking information or assistance regarding sexual orientation, gender identity, harassment, and/or discrimination. LGBTQ Allies have gone through training and you can see which campus folk are allies by the stickers on their office doors or windows. Feel free to talk to me any time if you or someone you know has questions or concern.

Non-Discrimination Policy and Inclusive Language

Discriminatory behavior based on race, gender, ethnicity, citizenship, religion, politics, sexual orientation, age, etc. will not be tolerated in the least bit. The following is an excerpt from OU’s Non-Discrimination Policy “Diversity is one of the strengths of our society as well as one of the hallmarks of a great university. The University supports diversity and is committed to maintaining employment and educational settings that are multicultural, multiracial, multiethnic, and all-inclusive.
Respecting differences is one of the University’s missions.


The University does not discriminate or permit discrimination by any member of its community against any individual based on race, color, religion, political beliefs, national origin, age, sex (see Sexual Misconduct, Discrimination and Harassment policy http://www.ou.edu/content/eoo/policies/misc.html), sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, disability,
or veteran status in matters of admissions, employment, financial aid, housing or services in educational programs or activities the University operates.” http://www.ou.edu/eoo/policies-procedures/non-discrimination.html

Not being purposefully discriminatory is not the same as being inclusive, which is something that takes thoughtful reflection. Inclusivity involves a consideration on how people self-identify. In particular misgendering a person can be very dismissive. This happens when someone mistakenly assumes a person’s gender by their appearance, name, or behavior and misnames or mislabels that person. To be gender inclusive, call your peers by the names and the pronouns they identify with. If you aren’t sure, ask. If you slip up, don’t ignore your error. Acknowledge it and apologize graciously.

University Policies

Mandatory Mask Policy

As outlined by the University of Oklahoma¹s Chief COVID Officer, until further notice, employees, students, and visitors of the OU community will be mandated to wear masks (1.) when they are inside University facilities and vehicles and (2.) when they are outdoors on campus and social distancing of at least six feet is not possible. For the well-being of the entire university community it is important that everyone demonstrate the appropriate health and safety behaviors outlined in the University Mandatory Masking Policy (https://www.ou.edu/coronavirus/masking-policy). As this mandate includes all campus classrooms, please make sure you are wearing your mask while in class. If you do not have a mask or forgot yours, see the professor for available masks. If you have an exemption from the Mandatory Masking Policy, please see the professor to make accommodations before class begins. If and where possible, please make your professor aware of your exemption and/or accommodation prior to arriving in class.

If a student is unable or unwilling to wear a mask and has not made an accommodation request through the ADRC, they will be instructed to exit the classroom.

Academic Integrity

Cheating is strictly prohibited, because it devalues the degree you are working hard to get. It is your responsibility to protect your educational investment by knowing and following the rules. For specific definitions on what constitutes cheating, review the Student’s Guide to Academic Integrity.  

To be successful in this class, all work on exams and quizzes must be yours and yours alone.  You may not receive outside help. On examinations and quizzes you will never be permitted to use your notes, textbooks, calculators, or any other study aids. Should you see someone else engaging in this behavior, I encourage you to report it to myself or directly to the Office of Academic Integrity Programs. That student is devaluing not only their degree, but yours, too. Be aware that it is my professional obligation to report academic misconduct, which I will not hesitate to do. Sanctions for academic misconduct can include expulsion from the University and an F in this course, so don’t cheat. It’s simply not worth it.

Diversity Statement

The Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication is a nationally accredited program and therefore strives to adhere to a set of standards designed to prepare JMC majors to excel within their chosen professions.  These standards include a mandate to provide curriculum that “fosters understanding of issues and perspectives that are inclusive in terms of gender, race, ethnicity and sexual orientation.”

Religious Observance

It is the policy of the University to excuse the absences of students that result from religious observances and to reschedule examinations and additional required classwork that may fall on religious holidays, without penalty.

Reasonable Accommodation for Disabilities

The University of Oklahoma is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for all students with disabilities. Students with disabilities who require accommodations in this course should contact their professor as early in the semester as possible.

Students with disabilities must be registered with the Disability Resource Center prior to receiving accommodations in this course.

If you have a disability and you would like to make a request for reasonable accommodation, please see the Graduate Student Handbook or get in touch with the Accessibility and Disability Resource Center.

Student Code of Conduct

The University of Oklahoma Student Code includes rules that address the responsibilities and conduct required of Norman Campus students, student groups, organizations, and University-approved or operated living units. The Academic Misconduct Code, sexual harassment policy, and other student-related policies and procedures are also included in the publication. Copies of the Code may be obtained from the Office of the Vice President of Student Affairs, Oklahoma Memorial Union, or the University of Oklahoma Student Association, 181 Oklahoma Memorial Union. The Student Code is also accessible here.

Title IX Resources  

For any concerns regarding gender-based discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, stalking, or intimate partner violence, the University offers a variety of resources, including advocates on-call 24/7, counseling services, mutual no contact orders, scheduling adjustments, and disciplinary sanctions against the perpetrator. Please contact the Sexual Misconduct Office at 405-325-2215 (8-5, M-F) or OU Advocates at 405-615-0013 (24/7) to learn more or to report an incident. 

Adjustments for Pregnancy/Childbirth Related Issues

Should you need modifications or adjustments to your course requirements because of documented pregnancy-related or childbirth-related issues, please contact me as soon as possible to discuss your options. Generally, modifications will be made where medically necessary and similar in scope to accommodations based on temporary disability.  Learn more about the rights of pregnant and parenting students by consulting the FAQ sheets provided by the Institutional Equity Office.

Registration and Withdrawal

If you choose to withdraw from this course, you must complete the appropriate University form and turn the form in before the deadline. If you stop attending the course and doing the coursework without doing the required paperwork, your grade will be calculated with missed homework and examination grades entered as zero. This could result in receiving a grade of F in the course. Deadlines are shown in the Academic Calendar, which is available from the Office of the Registrar.