assignments & grading

grading criteria
There are basic expectations that any supervisor or project manager would have for
a project undertaken by a multimedia design specialist. All of your assignments must meet the following minimum basic standards to be considered for a grade of “B” or better. The project must be:

• completed according to the assignment specifications.
• completed on time.
• free of typographical, grammatical and mechanical errors.
• completed so as to evidence a clear grasp of multimedia production standards and design concepts.

When appropriate your multimedia work also will be evaluated for:

• news value
• presentation editing decisions
• architecture of information presentation
• aesthetic design choices
• creativity and innovation

Your overall grade for this course will be based on the following components. They are described in greater detail below.

As you can see, a large part of your grade in this course will be determined by your work on a final multimedia project. You will be graded not only on the final product, but also on your in-class and out-of-class performance in building the it. I expect you to ask questions when appropriate, but I also expect you to exhibit an ability (and desire) to establish yourself as an independent multimedia developer.

grading scale
Your end-of-semester grade will be calculated as follows. Please note that the instructor does reserve the right to curve class grades at the end of the semester.

Attendance
Attendance will be taken at the start of every class period.

Take-home/in class exercises; quizzes
In-class exercises will cover the reading assignments and issues pertaining to the particular week's lessons. You always will be able to use your notes and textbook to complete the exercises, so be sure to bring them to class everyday.

You also will have unannounced quizzes on reading assignments throughout the semester. If you keep up with the reading assignments, the quizzes will be easy to complete.

Exams
On three occasions during the semester you will be assigned in-class and/or take-home exams that will require you to create an original animation. All exams will be open book. More information about these exams will be provided during class.

Multimedia critiques
Twice during the semester you be asked to write critiques of journalistic multimedia projects. More specifics about the requirements of each critique will be provided at the time of assignment.

Final project proposal
You must define and detail your idea for your final project using the format outlined on the class handout. Your final project will be an individual project of your choosing, with the instructor's approval. Your proposal must be turned into the instructor by the date specified on the class calendar. The proposal will be reviewed and returned to you. DO NOT begin work on your final project until you receive your approved proposal form.

Final project storyboards
Detailed storyboards that describe all nodes of your final project must be ready for review the date specified on the class calendar. More information on storyboarding will be provided during class.

Final project
The final project should demonstrate a comprehensive menu of multimedia production skills commensurate with what you learned during this course. The same grading criteria used for exams and other assignments submitted during the semester will be used when evaluating your final project. Additional required elements will be provided during class. Your final project is due at the start of the final exam period scheduled for your section of the class. Come prepared to present and hand-in your exam.

Introduction to Multimedia
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