Instructors:

Dr. Tracy Rutherford trutherford@aged.tamu.edu Office Hours (145 Scoates): Wed 1:30 -3:00

Dale Sandlin dsandlin@aged.tamu.edu Office Hours (112 Scoates): T/R 10:00-noon

Lacee Fraze lfraze@aged.tamu.edu Office Hours (112 Scoates):M/W 10:00-11:00 am

1. Understand the uses of various electronic media programs in the agricultural communications industry.
2. Plan and perform the media production process.
3. Create a logo, an advertisement and an informational/educational or sales brochure for an agricultural product or service.

Course Text:
Adobe Illustrator Classroom in a Book (2005) Adobe Press
Adobe Photoshop Classroom in a Book (2005) Adobe Press
Adobe InDesign Classroom in a Book (2005) Adobe Press         

Current agricultural publications, Web sites, and industry-related materials.

Course Requirements:

Required Software:
Adobe Creative Suite Software: Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign (this software is available on the campus computer labs or it can be purchased through the Academic Superstore online)

E-Mail Software: Students are required to maintain a NEO e-mail account for all electronic communications in this course. Only NEO can guarantee students and instructors alike that malicious viruses, worms, etc. are not spread in the administration of this course. No other e-mail program will be supported.

Facebook: Each design team will have a facebook group. This group will aid your team in brainstorming and communicating with each other. Your team leader will email you (via neo) the details on the group so you may join. All team members must be members of their group before August 31.

Supplies: Students must purchase CD-R/CD-RWs for submission of all assignments. (We highly recommend the CD-RWs)

Equipment: Digital cameras and camcorders are available for checkout. You MUST reserve this equipment and complete an equipment use agreement. A sign-out sheet will be posted in 112 Scoates Hall for all equipment. You are responsible for maintaining the equipment in proper working order. Check off equipment that is brought back. If equipment malfunctions, contact the instructor immediately; students can be held accountable for equipment costs if malicious use is detected.

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Course Policies:

Attendance: Two unexcused absences will result in one letter grade deduction (each occurrence) for the final grade. You cannot miss class and expect to do well in this class. If at all possible, please let your instructor know if you are going to be absent in advance. Quizzes and lab assignments may be made up for University Excused Absences. See the official student rules for clarification of excused absences. You will receive a higher grade if you attend class. You are paying for the classes you take at Texas A&M. It is your choice to attend or not. I will not, however, be providing course notes or sending out the overheads unless the absence is excused.

Late Assignments:
Late assignments will lose 10 points for every weekday they are late and will not be accepted if they are more than one work week late.

Professionalism Statement:  Educators and learners are professionals guided by specific values and engage in particular behaviors. These values and behaviors include respect, cooperation, active participation, intellectual inquiry, punctuality and regular attendance. In addition to what you know and can do, you will be evaluated on your growth as a professional. Professional characteristics on which you will be judged include punctuality, attendance, collegial attitude, and participation. Because this course relies extensively on discussion and other class interactions, attendance is crucial to your success. If you are ill or an emergency occurs, contact your instructor prior to the scheduled class time; otherwise, your attendance and participation are firm expectations.
CELL PHONES MUST BE TURNED OFF PRIOR TO CLASS PERIOD BEGINNING. USE OF IM OR E-MAIL WHILE IN LAB WILL RESULT IN DISMISSAL FROM THAT CLASS PERIOD.

Academic Misconduct

Aggie Code: "An Aggie does not lie, cheat or steal, or tolerate those who do."  Please refer to the Honor Council Rules and Procedures on the web http://www.tamu.edu/aggiehonor.

ADA Policy: The Americans with Disabilities ACT (ADA) is a federal antidiscrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislations requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accomodation, please contact the Program of Student Life, Services for Students with Disabilities in Room B-118 in the Cain Building, or call 845-1637.

Americans with Disabilities Policy Statement: The Americans with Disabilities ACT (ADA) is a federal antidiscrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation, please contact the Program of Student Life, Services for Students with Disabilities in Cain Hall, Room B118, or call 979-845-1637.

Scholastic Dishonesty:
As commonly defined, plagiarism consists of passing off as one’s own ideas, work, writings, etc., which belong to another. In accordance with this definition, you are committing plagiarism if you copy the work of another person and turn it in as your own, even if you should have the permission of that person. Plagiarism is one of the worst academic sins, for the plagiarist destroys the trust among colleagues without which research cannot be safely communicated. If you have questions regarding plagiarism, please consult the latest issue of the Texas A&M University Student Rules under the section “Scholastic Dishonesty.”

We expect all class members to comply with TAMU policies regarding scholastic dishonesty and other issues outlined in the official student rules.  As a professional in any communication field, plagiarism harms the credibility of the profession as a whole. Plagiarism of any sort will result in an F in this course and possible dismissal from Agricultural Journalism program.

Copyrights:
Please note that all handouts and supplements used in this course are copyrighted. This includes all materials generated for this class, including but not limited to syllabi, exams, in-class materials, review sheets, and lecture outlines. Materials may be downloaded or photocopied for personal use only, and may not be given to other individuals.

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