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20801262 Social Media Writing
Course Information
Description
This course explores writing and publishing for new media, especially social platforms. Students compare linear and interactive storytelling, develop skills for interactive publishing and social media communication, develop truth sorting strategies, and use AI and crowdsourcing for research. They create and publish microblogs, video scripting, audio stories, and open-source website to demonstrate their learning.
Total Credits
3

Course Competencies (Course Outcomes)
  1. Determine a communication strategy for a mass media campaign using new media platforms
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Products (campaign proposal)
    Criteria
    Plan the integration of multimedia content from various new media platforms into a home website designed to communicate the message of a mass media campaign
    Demonstrate 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
    Website, Written Products (blogs, profile, public service announcement script), Infographic
    Criteria
    Create text for an original home website for a mass media campaign
    Create text for social media for a mass media campaign
    Create scripts for audio and video podcasting
    Integrate multimedia content into a website
    Revise context- and platform-appropriate text and multi-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
    Apply crowdsourcing strategies in journalism research and reporting
    Create static and dynamic text for the home website of a mass media campaign
    Publish original website

  3. Create microblog posts (platform writing practice)
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Product (Microblog post)
    Criteria
    Use concise, engaging and active language
    Include hashtags, visuals, and call to action
    Emphasize timeliness and shareability
    Provide mechanism for engagement
    Apply crowdsourcing strategies in journalism research and reporting
    Employ SEO tactics

  4. Employ the technical tools of new media communication
    Assessment Strategies
    Website, Infographic, Written Products (Microblog post, Blogs)
    Criteria
    Website implements AI/open source platform support
    Infographic is created using open source tool

  5. Maintain ethical conduct during the planning and execution of a mass media campaign using new media
    Assessment Strategies
    Website, Written Products (Blogs, Microblog)
    Criteria
    Make ethical decision during the conceptual/strategic stage of a mass media campaign
    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
    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

  6. Produce a script for a podcast or public service (PSA) announcement
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Product (Script)
    Criteria
    Determine the key message
    Identify the target audience
    Use a storytelling structure (beginning–middle–end)
    Employ ethos/emotion
    Provide a call to action
    Cite sources and credits
    Use simple, conversational language and concise sentences

  7. Use online storytelling strategically
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Products (Blogs, Microblog), Infographic, Website
    Criteria
    Implement Associated Press style
    Produce visual elements to provide scanability
    Implement elements of SEO
    Provide a clear purpose, coherent structure, and audience-focused message
    Share information by using a personal tone for increased author believability
    Establish relevant credentials

  8. Explore the importance of crowdsource applications in journalism
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Product (Essay), Quizzes, Exam
    Criteria
    Identify a story that could benefit from crowdsourcing
    Define crowdsourcing and tools used to crowdsource online (polls, survey, crowdfunding, etc.)
    Apply crowdsourcing strategies in journalism research and reporting

  9. Evaluate online information and apply fact-checking strategies to identify misinformation and disinformation
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Product (Blog), Quizzes, Exam
    Criteria
    Establish criteria for evaluating social media for facts and truth
    Establish methods to confront and avoid fake news dissemination
    Explore examples of fake news
    Written blog is about the use of fake news and misinformation on social media and how to prevent it
    Exploring reputable sources of information and how to spot fake news
    Research fact checking platforms

  10. Develop audience engagement strategies for social media content
    Assessment Strategies
    Website, Written Product (Microblog), Infographic
    Criteria
    Content shared either teaches, entertains, or solves a problem
    Encourage interaction
    Content is designed to invite a response
    Describe the best times to post and post length
    Explore popular options visuals and multimedia
    Identify what is trending on social media platforms

  11. Produce infographic to provide informative and scannable visual elements for social media use
    Assessment Strategies
    Infographic
    Criteria
    Use an open source graphic tool
    Use audience appropriate content
    Infographic supports the social media campaign
    Deliver value by turning complex information into something people can understand quickly, visually, and memorably
    Simplify complex data or concepts into an easy to grasp visual story
    Communicate key points in seconds, ideal for busy audiences
    Credit research sources