Course Syllabus
Contact Information
Instructor Name: Dr. Meta G. Carstarphen, APR
Official Title: Professor and Gaylord Family Professor
Department: Public Relations [Strategic Communication]
Office Hours: Mondays, 2 PM to 4 PM; Tuesdays, before & after class times [6p-9p]; Fridays: By appointment
Phone: 405-325-5227 OR via the REMIND messaging app
Email: mcarstarphen@ou.edu
Course Details
Class meets Tuesdays, from 6-9pm, Gayl 3160
For a list of course activities, scroll to the bottom of this page.
Course Description
JMC 5073 and JMC 6970 (Conceptual Issues) are intended to be introductions to
scholarship and graduate-level study in mediated communication and its associated
professional and scholarly disciplines, which are represented by the undergraduate
majors in the Gaylord College (Advertising, Creative Media Production, Journalism,
Professional Writing, and Public Relations). The primary objective of Conceptual Issues
is to provide incoming graduate students to the Gaylord College with a broad historical,
theoretical, ethical, and practical understanding and appreciation for mediated
communication and its affiliated professional disciplines. A secondary objective of the
course is to prepare students to complete successfully the University’s and College’s
requirements for their degrees.
Course Format
This course will be conducted primarily as a seminar, although the instructor will
lecture on a few topics. The success of a seminar is dependent upon the participation of
the students—the presentation of their points of view and reactions and challenges to
them. Students will get out of a seminar only what they put into it by way of preparing,
attending and participating in class discussions. The role of the instructor is primarily to
establish objectives, guide discussions, and evaluate student performance.
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Course Materials
- REQUIRED TEXTBOOK: Becoming a Media Critic: An Introduction to Analyzing Media
Content. By Rebecca M. L. Curnalia, Cary Wecht, and Amber L. Ferris.
Kendall/Hunt, (2014). - We’ll also read supplementary journal articles as assigned, as well as those resources you
will choose as they relate to your term assignment. - Embedded in some of our course modules may be multimedia resources that will relate to your topics of study.
Online Course Support
This course utilizes supplemental online course delivery in the form of Canvas.
Resources for this course will be posted to Canvas, as well as grades and other course
related materials. You can locate Canvas and get help and information regarding its
features at the following link: http://www.ou.edu/cas/online/student-onlineorientation/
canvas-for-students.
Breakdown
| Activity | Description | Points/Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly Discussion Questions | SEE MODULES | 300 |
| Assignment#1--"Analyze That!" Visual Research Analysis | SEE MODULES | 100 |
| Assignment #2--CITI Training Certificate | SEE MODULES | 50 |
| Assignment #3--"Annotated Bibliography" --TOPIC OF INTEREST | SEE MODULES | 50 |
| Assignment #4--Extended Conference Abstract Draft |
SEE MODULES |
50 |
| Assignment #5--Peer Evaluation of Abstract |
SEE MODULES |
50 |
| Assignment #6--Final Conference Abstract [SUBMITTED] |
SEE MODULES |
100 |
| Chapter Quizzes [10] | SEE MODULES | 100 |
| Assignment #7--In-Class Timed "Conference" Slides Presentation | SEE MODULES | 100 |
| Assignment #8--"Conference" Research Paper [Final Draft] Submitted | SEE MODULES | 100 |
| Total | 1,000 |
Scale
Grades
All grades will be in points, based on a 1,000-point scale.
A-- 900 & above
B-- 899 to 800
C-- 799 to 700
D-- 699 to 600
F-- 599 and below
| Points | Letter Grade |
|---|---|
| 900–1000 | A |
| 800–890 | B |
| 700–790 | C |
| 600–690 | D |
| Below 600 | F |
Course Components
🚩🚩Course Component 1 (e.g. Case Study) 🚩🚩
🚩🚩 Provide a description of each of the major activities in the course and a brief rationale. 🚩🚩
🚩🚩Course Component 2 (e.g. Discussion Board) 🚩🚩
🚩🚩Provide a description of each of the major activities in the course and a brief rationale. 🚩🚩
🚩🚩Exams 🚩🚩
🚩🚩 Provide a brief description of exam requirements such as exam format, academic integrity expectations, etc... 🚩🚩
Course Policies
Communication
I prefer that you contact me by email [mcarstarphen@ou.edu] or via the REMIND app. I will reply to emails within 24 hours and within 6 hours via REMIND Monday through Friday. I will check periodically on Saturdays and will be offline on Sundays. Otherwise, I will rely heavily on the class CANVAS site to post class information, announcements, grades, and updates.
Feedback
You can expect informal feedback at any time during the course during private conferences and grades on your assignments in a 1 to 2-week turnaround. Around the mid-term mark of our course, I will provide each student with a cumulative summary of earned grades at that point. I will be available before class or after class for one-on-one conversations as well.
Grievances and Contesting a Grade
I am always willing to discuss a grade with a student. We will schedule an appointment to meet and discuss, but I ask for at least a 48-hour “cooling off” period after you’ve received a grade before we do so. If you believe I’ve made a mistake, please send me a written explanation [via REMIND text OR OU Email directly to mcarstarphen@ou.edu] of:
- What do you think is an error,
- Why do you think something is incorrect, and
- How do you believe the error can be corrected?
Late Policy
All assignments are due on the dates given unless modified. I usually allow a 24-hour grace period before I deduct late points. However, if you need to adjust turning in your work due to unexpected circumstances, please speak to me at your earliest.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the most common form of academic misconduct at OU. There is basically no college-level assignment that can be satisfactorily completed by copying. OU's basic assumption about writing is that all written assignments show the student's own understanding in the student's own words. That means all writing assignments, in class or out, are assumed to be composed entirely of words generated (not simply found) by the student, except where words written by someone else are specifically marked as such with proper citation. Including other people's words in your paper is helpful when you do it honestly and correctly. When you don't, it's plagiarism.
For more information about plagiarism, watch this video and then take this short course offered by University Libraries.
Policies & Requirements
Graduate study is different from undergraduate study. Students are expected to attend
class, be on time, take much of the responsibility for their own learning, and display the
same personal and professional attitudes that are expected of them in the professional
world. Students are expected to read thoroughly the assigned materials (although the
amount may look substantial, the reading list is rather light for a graduate course), to be
prepared to discuss the material in detail in class on the calendar date and to turn in all
assignments on their due dates. Specific course policies, requirements, activities, and
assignments include the following:
1. Students should leave all personal electronics, including laptops, off during class.
Although it seems shocking to think that a graduate student would be logging on
to Facebook or checking his or her e-mail while we’re talking about the power of
social media or listening to presentations on recent trends in advertising or
public relations, it would happen. The word’s out—social media are addictive.
Based on your instructor’s many years in academia, it’s clear the disadvantages
associated with the use of personal electronics in the classroom almost always
outweigh the advantages.
2. Each student will research and write an extended abstract suitable for
presentation at a regional or national scholarly conference. This assignment
includes an oral presentation of the proposed study. The abstract & presentation
will be evaluated based on how well it meets the requirements of scholarly
contribution in our field. Specific format requirements will be reviewed in class.
4. The course will also include a variety of in-class activities—including weekly
discussions that will be interactive and involve every student’s participation. You
will have the opportunity to experience team research assignments. For the final
project, you will have the option to develop a “solo” research study or in a small
team. Every student is required to formally submit their research proposal to an
actual conference; however, your grade does not depend upon whether your idea
is accepted, which is likely to happen after this class ends. However, your final,
in-class presentation must include actual data to support your proposed
presentation or an outline of how you might gather data, should your proposal
be accepted.
5. Doctoral students enrolled in the course will also be required to complete an
additional group assignment. Details regarding this assignment will be discussed
during class.
University Academic Policies and Student Support
Land Acknowledgement
Long before the University of Oklahoma was established, the land on which the University now resides was the traditional home of the “Hasinais” Caddo Nation and “Kirikirʔi:s” Wichita & Affiliated Tribes.
We acknowledge this territory once also served as a hunting ground, trade exchange point, and migration route for the Apache, Comanche, Kiowa and Osage nations. Today, 39 tribal nations dwell in the state of Oklahoma as a result of settler and colonial policies that were designed to assimilate Native people.
The University of Oklahoma recognizes the historical connection our university has with its indigenous community. We acknowledge, honor and respect the diverse Indigenous peoples connected to this land. We fully recognize, support and advocate for the sovereign rights of all of Oklahoma’s 39 tribal nations. This acknowledgment is aligned with our university’s core value of creating a diverse and inclusive community. It is an institutional responsibility to recognize and acknowledge the people, culture and history that make up our entire OU Community.
Course Catalog
Search the OU Course Catalog.
Student Handbook
Please familiarize yourself with the OU Student Handbook.
Online Library
Access digital materials and other resources at OU Libraries.
Copyright Statement
Sessions of this course may be recorded or live-streamed. These recordings are the intellectual property of the individual faculty member and may not be shared or reproduced without the explicit, written consent of the faculty member. In addition, the privacy rights of others such as students, guest lecturers, and providers of copyrighted material displayed in the recording may be of concern. Students may not share any course recordings with individuals not enrolled in the class or upload them to any other online environment.
Generative AI [Artificial Intelligence] Policy
In this class, we will selectively use Generative AI tools in line with our analysis of media trends and their impacts. I will identify these options in specific assignment instructions. In such cases, I will provide guidelines and for these assignments on the appropriate use of such technologies.
If students choose to use these tools outside of the assigned activities to help them construct their ideas, they must cite that information.
- Keep in mind that I will NOT count anything cited from AI generators as a student's own original work
- At least 95% of your writing must reflect your own original idea, voice, style, and personal experiences.
- If students choose to use an AI generator, please follow these instructions for citing that information:
- EXAMPLE: For the in-text citations, write “OpenAI” and the year accessed in parentheses. In the reference page entry, list “OpenAI” as the author, followed by the AI name (e.g., “ChatGPT”) in italics as the website name, the access date/version, and then the URL. Students should make sure to include an access date (version), since these tools are updated frequently.
- If you have any questions at any time, please check with me.
Academic Integrity
As a member of the OU community, it is your responsibility to protect your educational investment by knowing and following the rules. The Student Code is available from the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs and is contained in the Student's Guide to Academic Integrity.
Academic honesty is incredibly important in this course. Cheating is strictly prohibited at the University of Oklahoma because it devalues the degree you are working hard to get. Should you know of someone else engaging in academic misconduct, please report it to your instructor or directly to the Office of Academic Integrity. Your instructor has a professional obligation to report academic misconduct.
In addition to the course conduct policies outlined by your professor in the Course Syllabus in the online classroom, please review the Graduate Student Handbook.
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. [See Faculty Handbook 3.15.2].
Reasonable Accommodation for Disabilities
The Accessibility and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) is committed to supporting students with disabilities to ensure that they are able to enjoy equal access to all components of their education. This includes your academics, housing, and community events.
If you are experiencing a disability, a mental/medical health condition that has a significant impact on one or more life functions, you can receive accommodations to provide equal access. Possible disabilities include but are not limited to learning disabilities, AD(H)D, mental health, and chronic health. Additionally, we support students with temporary medical conditions (broken wrist, shoulder surgery, etc.) and pregnancy.
To discuss potential accommodations, please contact the ADRC at 730 College Avenue, (phone) 405-325-3852, or adrc@ou.edu.
Title IX Resources
Anyone who has been impacted by gender-based violence, including dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, harassment, and sexual assault, deserves access to resources so that they are supported personally and academically.
The University of Oklahoma is committed to offering resources to those impacted, including: speaking with someone confidentially about your options, medical attention, counseling, reporting, academic support, and safety plans. If you would like to speak with someone confidentially, please contact OU Advocates (available 24/7 at 405-615-0013) or another confidential resource (see "Can I make an anonymous report?").
You may also choose to report gender-based violence and discrimination through other means, including by contacting the Institutional Equity Office (ieo@ou.edu, 405-325-3546) or the police (911).
Because the University of Oklahoma is committed to the safety of you and other students, I, as well as other faculty, Graduate Assistants, and Teaching Assistants, are mandatory reporters. This means that we are obligated to report gender-based violence that has been disclosed to us to the Institutional Equity Office. This includes disclosures that occur in class discussions, writing assignments, discussion boards, emails, and during Student/Office Hours.
For more information, please visit the Institutional Equity Office.
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.
Mental Health Support Services
If you are experiencing any mental health issues that are impacting your academic performance, counseling is available at the University Counseling Center (UCC). The Center is located on the second floor of the Goddard Health Center, at 620 Elm Rm. 201, Norman, OK 73019. To schedule an appointment, call 405-325-2911. For more information, please visit the University Counseling Center.
Final Exam Preparation Period
Pre-finals week will be defined as the seven calendar days before the first day of finals. Faculty may cover new course material throughout this week. For specific provisions of the policy please refer to OU's Final Exam Preparation Period policy.
Required Policies for Students On Campus
Emergency Protocol
During an emergency, there are official university procedures that will maximize your safety.
Severe Weather: If you receive an OU Alert to seek refuge or hear a tornado siren that signals severe weather:
- Look for severe weather refuge location maps located inside most OU buildings near the entrances
- Seek refuge inside a building. Do not leave one building to seek shelter in another building that you deem safer. If outside, get into the nearest building.
- Go to the building’s severe weather refuge location. If you do not know where that is, go to the lowest level possible and seek refuge in the innermost room. Avoid outside doors and windows.
- Get in, Get Down, Cover Up.
- Wait for official notice to resume normal activities.
Severe Weather Preparedness Video
Armed Subject/Campus Intruder
If you receive an OU Alert to shelter-in-place due to an active shooter or armed intruder situation or you hear what you perceive to be gunshots:
- Avoid: If you believe you can get out of the area without encountering the armed individual, move quickly towards the nearest building exit, move away from the building, and call 911.
- Deny: If you cannot flee, move to an area that can be locked or barricaded, turn off lights, silence devices, spread out, and formulate a plan of attack if the shooter enters the room.
- Defend: As a last resort fight to defend yourself. For more information, visit:
OU's Emergency Preparedness site
Shots Fire on Campus Procedure
Fire Alarm/General Emergency
If you receive an OU Alert that there is danger inside or near the building, or the fire alarm inside the building activates:
- Leave the building. Do not use the elevators.
- Know at least two building exits
- Assist those who may need help
- Proceed to the emergency assembly area
- Once safely outside, Notify first responders of anyone who may still be inside the building due to mobility issues.
- Wait for official notice before attempting to re-enter the building.
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
|---|---|---|