20801262Social Media Writing
Course Information
Description
This course examines the rhetorical and publishing strategies used for innovative new media formats, in particular social media platforms. Students will look at the differences between linear and interactive writing, interactive publishing, and the role of the interactive writer. An emphasis is placed on the skills needed for quality storytelling via social media communication. Students will also learn how social media platforms can be used as researching tools (i.e. crowd sourcing), and they will implement social media research campaigns. Throughout the course, the students’ writing and research work will be showcased as text, video, and audio stories published on their own Web/blog sites.
Total Credits
3
Course Competencies
  1. Determine a communication strategy for a mass media campaign using new media platforms
    Assessment Strategies
    Proposal
    Criteria
    Determine the context for a mass media campaign using new media platforms
    Articulate the message for a mass media campaign using new media platforms
    Distinguish the strengths/weaknesses of various new media platforms in relation to context
    Plan context- and platform-appropriate text for an original web site and blog
    Plan context- and platform-appropriate text for social media
    Plan context- and platform-appropriate scripts for audio and video podcasting
    Plan the integration of multimedia content from various new media platforms into a home web site designed to communicate the message of a mass media campaign
    Collaborate via concept feedback during the planning phase of a mass media campaign
    Conduct effective audience analysis
    Express a clear mass communication purpose
    Outline text required to mass-communicate the desired message
    Seek and respond to collaboration and feedback

  2. Create content for a mass media campaign using new media platforms
    Assessment Strategies
    Written, audio, and video products
    Criteria
    Create text for an original home web site for a mass media campaign
    Create text for social media for a mass media campaign
    Create scripts for audio and video pod casting
    Record and edit audio and video pod casts
    Integrate multimedia content into a home  web site
    Produce context- and platform-appropriate text, including narrative, description, interview, news, and analysis, for a variety of new media formats
    Workshop context - and platform-appropriate text, including narrative, description, interview, news, and analysis, for a variety of new media formats
    Revise context- and platform-appropriate text, including narrative, description, interview, news, and analysis, for a variety of new media formats
    Use universally accepted web writing style and conventions (Associated Press style)
    Employ web writing strategies (i.e. inverted pyramid, interactive writing) to convey message
    Employ new media research strategies (e.g. crowd- sourcing) in message creation and revision
    Create both static and dynamic text for the home web site of a mass media campaign
    Publish context- and platform-appropriate text, including narrative, description, interview, news and analysis, for a variety of new media formats

  3. Manage a mass media campaign using new media platforms around the centerpiece of a home web site
    Assessment Strategies
    Internet products
    Criteria
    Integrate new media content into a home web site
    Write interactively on a home web site
    Solicit, analyze, and respond to messages/writing on social media and home web site
    Maintain current, relevant content on a home web site
    Revise new media content publication on a home web site
    Use different new media platforms and social media for different audiences and purposes
    Employ crowd-sourcing and other new media research tools to create/modify content for mass media campaign
    Publish a home web site for a mass media campaign supported by blogs, audio and video podcasts, Facebook and Linked-In pages, Twitter feeds, etc
    Interact via context- and platform-appropriate text in real time using blogs and social media
    Publish and update a Facebook page with message-appropriate links to home web page
    Publish and update a Linked-In page with message-appropriate links to home web page
    Use Twitter within the purpose and message of a mass media campaign
    Respond to feedback from target audience of a mass media campaign
    Revise a home web site for a mass media campaign

  4. Employ the technical tools of new media communication
    Assessment Strategies
    Internet products
    Criteria
    Create and maintain a home web site
    Create and maintain a blog tool embedded within a home web site
    Create and maintain a Facebook page
    Create and maintain a Linked-In page
    Create and maintain a Twitter presence
    Record, edit, and upload audio and video podcasts using open-source software
    Record and edit audio using current technology, such as Audacity, Garage Band, etc. 
    Record and edit video using current technology, such as iMovie, Windows Movie Maker etc.

  5. Maintain ethical conduct during the planning and execution of a mass media campaign using new media
    Assessment Strategies
    Internet products
    Criteria
    Make ethical decision during the conceptual/strategic stage of a mass media campaign (see Outcome 1)
    Distinguish between internal (targeted to known individuals) and mass communication
    Accept the societal responsibility accompanying the creation of mass media messages in a world where the writer has become editor and publisher
    Create content for new media platforms without infringing on the rights of others
    Use social media ethically in the execution of mass media campaigns (see Outcome 3)
    Demonstrate ethical conduct in the role of “gatekeeper” during the publishing of writing/message during a mass media campaign
    Analyze/develop/articulate ethical message and strategy for a mass media campaign using new media platforms
    Develop ethical content for a mass media campaign using new media platforms
    Interact ethically while using new media platforms
    Create a personal ethical code statement for communication via new media platforms