COM 267 is listed as “Electronic Media Writing: Theory and Practice”, but we will be substituting the word “Digital” for “Electronic”. This course is an opportunity to examine digital media, in particular writing for digital media. We are using the term “writing” to mean to inscribe. This enables us to think of composition in a variety of digital environments, some involving traditional writing, some requiring skills that combine writing with proficiency in media at large.
The necessity of good communication skills cannot be disputed, but a creative grasp of the media’s potential is also necessary. Good writing is crafted and researched well, and this will be one way that coursework will be judged. But in addition, a demonstrated understanding of how media can be successfully utilized is also important.
This course is a hands-on course. There are no exams. Work is a series of projects and occasional writing to the course blog. Everything is focused on the kinds of work one might be expected to do in crafting online digital media. As a result, work will be held to a professional standard.
Assignments
At the beginning of the semester, identify one of the following that you would like to study and produce content for. This can be a real or fictional.
- A Campus Organization
- A Student Group
- A Non-Profit
- A Company
- A Positive Lifestyle Endorsement (Such As)
- Please Vote
- Reduce Stress
- Mental Well Being
- A Health Awareness Issue (Such As)
- Exercise
- Diet
Prospectus
3-page analysis of your subject. It should include:
- History
- Precedence
- Comparisons (Similar Groups)
- Current Status
- Media (Outreach)
Audio Podcast
Script and produce a 5 minute podcast segment related to your subject. It can be in a format that works best for your subject – this could be an interview, as an example. Make sure script formatting is correct – I recommend using the Radio Script Template. Audio quality should meet professional standards. With careful planning, it is possible to record your segment with your phone, but I recommend checking out a microphone to get the best sound.
3-Minute Video Project
Script and produce a 3 minute video segment related to your subject. Make sure to use the screenplay format that is in our shared Google Drive – correct formatting will be graded. Video should be produced and edited to be polished. I recommend carefully watching some similar segments online. How does it sound? How does it look? How are they staying on message? What are they doing to use the media effectively?
Social Media Practicum
Provide a five page written analysis of your subject’s use of social media for outreach and engagement. How are they getting their message out? What venues are they using? What does their engagement look like? What are they doing that is successful and why? How do they compare to similar groups? What should they be doing that they are not doing now? Include screenshots and links when appropriate to illustrate your point.
You are then to create a small portfolio of work for your subject. This can include sample tweets, Instagram posts and other forms of media outreach. Put yourself in the role of a media director for your subject and think of ways they can be more effective.
Portfolio Review
Combine all work done this semester into an online portfolio. This can be done using any of the online free website builders – WordPress, Google Sites and others. The idea here to show everything done this semester as a cohesive whole.