Course Syllabus

Contact Information

Instructor Name: Dr. Meta G. Carstarphen, APR [Call me Dr. C!]

Official Title: Professor & Gaylord Endowed Family Professor

Department: Public Relations

Office Hours: [Online] Wednesdays, 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM; Other times by appt.

Phone: REMIND APP--Voice Message and/or Text: https://bit.ly/3idldUv

Email: mcarstarphen@ou.edu

OFFICE HOURS [Live Session; Optional]: 10:30 am to 12:30 pm (Central)

Zoom link: https://oklahoma.zoom.us/j/91364719100?pwd=U2UvQWZEVWFNayt1UDA4M1I5Undldz09

Meeting ID: 913 6471 9100 

Password: 12026945

---

Course Details

     JMC 4853/5853 offers an overview of the history, theory, and contemporary social and cultural representations within mediated communication.  Focused primarily on diverse media representations in the United States, JMC 4853/5853 highlights media production, representations, historical contexts, and economic and technological impacts.

    For a list of course activities, scroll to the bottom of this page.

Course Prerequisites 

      This is an upper-level course (with a graduate student section) that offers an immersive, dynamic, and conceptually rich class that explores social and cultural identities.  JMC 4853/5853 can satisfy degree requirements in the Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication for any academic major.  JMC 4853/5853 is open to any academic major with instructor approval.

Course Materials

     TEXTBOOK: Race, Gender, Class and the Media, 3rd Ed., by Sharon Bramlett-Solomon & Meta G. Carstarphen. Publishers' website: https://bit.ly/3idldUv Other resources provided on the RESOURCES: Course Materials page.

Grades

Breakdown

Course activities and grades listed for each activity

Activity	Description	Points/Percentage
WEEKLY DISCUSSION POSTS	Relevant to our reading assignments and other resources, these posts ask you to comment on contemporary events, issues, and media representations in the context of course themes.	150
WEEKLY DISCUSSION RESPONSES	Along with posting your own, independent submission, you will also contribute comments on TWO (2) fellow classmates' submissions.	150
PERSONAL REFLECTIONS (2)--PRESS PASS ASSIGNMENTS	These original short essays will ask you to reflect upon your own personal identity in two distinct ways, using both first-person narratives and graphic representations. [ Unlike discussion posts, these assignments will only be visible to me.]	100
CRITICAL ENGAGEMENT(2)--DIVERSITY INTERVIEWS	1 Video Diversity Interview (with an acquaintance or a friend) 1 Video Diversity Interview (with a family member)	250
INDIVIDUAL RESEARCH ASSIGNMENT [1 OF 2 TOPICS]	Local News--Content Analysis OR Analyze 2 Ad Campaigns	100
EXAMS--UNIT QUIZZES	Online, timed, objective	150
FINAL--CULTURAL COMPETENCE ESSAY	Summary: critical, reflective essay with graphics--What have you learned about yourself and others? What does cultural competence mean to you?	100
	Total	1,000

Scale

🚩🚩 🚩🚩

Grade Scale

POINTS	Letter Grade
900+	A
800-899	B
700-799	C
600-699	D
599 & Below	F

Course Components

 Course Component 1--WEEKLY DISCUSSION POSTS

Relevant to our reading assignments and other resources, these posts ask you to comment on contemporary events, issues, and media representations in the context of course themes. Each post should:

• have original content;
• comprise at least 250 words
• include an embedded graphic
• reflect care about spelling and word choices [understanding that these posts will be read by others]
• Include at least 1 LINK to an outside source to verify information, data, and/or opinions expressed
• Show the ability to thing critically [i.e. add reflection, not just simply a reporting or list of details] on the topic

SEE EACH MODULE FOR SPECIFIC TOPIC GUIDELINES.

Course Component 2 --WEEKLY DISCUSSION RESPONSES

 Along with posting your own, independent submission, you will also contribute comments on TWO (2) fellow classmates' submissions.  YOUR CHOICE--EACH RESPONSE MUST BE BETWEEN 5-7 SENTENCES LONG FOR FULL CREDIT.

Course Component 3 --PERSONAL REFLECTIONS (2)--PRESS PASS ASSIGNMENTS

These original short essays will ask you to reflect upon your own personal identity in two distinct ways, using both first-person narratives and graphic representations. 

This class tackles identities—from those at the individual level to those socially constructed in groups—and how this concept is mediated.  As a protocol, media people who cover events are often asked to show professional identification, or a Press Pass.

• One personal exercise asks you to summarize what you believe to be important aspects of your identity. Your task: create a personal Press Pass that reflects your TRUE identity.
• The second personal exercise asks you to create a personal ID reflecting --A Stereotyped Image of YOU. 
• Unlike your previous reflections where your goal was to share your true self, this asks you to imagine how others might FALSELY make a judgment about you.
• This project is a creative project.  Just like any real ID, your assignment should include a picture/graphic as well as meet the specific requirements below.

REFER TO THE COURSE MODULES FOR MORE SPECIFIC DETAILS AND REQUIREMENTS.

Course Component 4 --CRITICAL ENGAGEMENT(2)--DIVERSITY INTERVIEWS

• In ONE interview, your goal will be to plunge headlong into a discussion about differences and society in order to listen and learn about another person’s perspective on race and gender. If you are successful in this interview, you will learn things that this subject has perhaps never shared with anyone else outside his or her own family.  

  • You will not be able to generalize about all people like your subject; however, you will strive as much as possible to have an understanding of what it is like to inhabit
    another person’s “skin.”

   

• In the 2nd Interview, this project asks students to conduct an interview in order to create a “memory” text of their own family history through at least (3) generations (if possible), in order to trace the origin of their own beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors about race/gender, class and ethnicity. Your final summary should include at least 5 photos and/or other graphics that support your work.

SEE SPECIFIC MODULES FOR MORE ASSIGNMENT DETAILS, GUIDELINES, AND STUDENT EXAMPLES.

Course Component 5 --INDIVIDUAL RESEARCH ASSIGNMENT [1 OF 2 TOPICS]

• DIVERSITY IN ADVERTISING

  • The purpose of this assignment is to have you evaluate contemporary ads for

    their portrayal of “good” diversity vs. “bad” diversity. To do this, you will:

    • select 2 different ads,
    • fill out a diversity checklist for each ad,
    • write a short reflection essay
    • record (audio) a summary of your reflection essay in your own words.
• DIVERSITY IN LOCAL NEWS
  • This assignment asks you to follow one local newscast from a state outside of Oklahoma.  You are to “count” the stories and note the racial/gendered representations in each story using the  “News Content Analysis Code Sheet” sheet posted.  Write up your results and share your analysis.  Your challenge will be to see what may be different, and what may be the same, in newscasts across the country.

SEE SPECIFIC MODULES FOR MORE ASSIGNMENT DETAILS, GUIDELINES, AND STUDENT EXAMPLES.

Course Component 6 --EXAMS--UNIT QUIZZES

• See specific modules/units. Each quiz has 10 questions and is timed.  Two attempts per quiz; only the highest score will count.

 

Course Component 7 --Cultural Competence Summary: a critical, reflective essay with graphics--What have you learned about yourself and others? What does cultural competence mean to you?

SEE THE FINAL MODULE FOR MORE ASSIGNMENT DETAILS AND GUIDELINES.

Course Policies

Two Class Rules

There are two rules for this class that will be vital for the success of this class.

• #1--The first rule is to listen to everyone’s point of view, even if you do not

agree. We do this by paying attention to others, avoiding distracting side

conversations, and asking someone to clarify his or her position if we are not

clear about what is being said.

• #2--The second rule is to stay in the conversation no matter how

emotional you may feel at any given time. Do not mentally “check out”

because of your feelings. You will be surprised and pleased that you hung in

there.

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 one-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.

Grading System and Grading Point Scale

My grading system is point-based, and the points I assign correlate to their letter

grades.

• I don’t add curves or make-up assignments to substitute for assigned work. I

will calculate your mid-term and final grades by simply adding up the points and

seeing where they fall on the overall scale.

o NOTE: CANVAS will automatically report your grade at two periods during

the semester—at mid-term and at the end of the course. I will not have the

ability to “round up” your grades (without a great deal of hassle). My advice: do your best work all the time.

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 you think is an error,
• why do you think something is incorrect, and
• how do you believe the error can be corrected.

Assignment Deadlines & Late Policy

     My approach in this online class is to post deadline dates for every assignment, discussion, and quiz.  In most cases, I will offer a limited grace period during which students can submit work without penalties. However, after the assignment closes, any student who wants to submit an assignment will have to contact me in writing requesting an extension AND indicating a specific date when you intend to submit the assignment.  I will apply late penalties as indicated on the grading rubric. You will have ONLY ONE chance to submit a late assignment per deadline before receiving a "zero" for your work. REMINDER: Do not ask for "make-up" assignments or missed work.  These do not exist for this course.

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.

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.

---

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, 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.

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 within 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:

1. Look for severe weather refuge location maps located inside most OU buildings near the entrances
2. 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.
3. 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 an innermost room. Avoid outside doors and windows.
4. Get in, Get Down, Cover Up.
5. Wait for official notice to resume normal activities.

Severe Weather Refuge Areas

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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:

1. Leave the building. Do not use the elevators.
2. Know at least two building exits
3. Assist those that may need help
4. Proceed to the emergency assembly area
5. Once safely outside, Notify first responders of anyone that may still be inside the building due to mobility issues.
6. Wait for official notice before attempting to re-enter the building.

OU Fire Safety on Campus Video

***TAKE THE FOLLOWING SHORT SYLLABUS QUIZ HERE once you have reviewed this information.  This is ungraded, but let me know if the information is unclear or if there are unanswered questions.  Thanks!!