Attendance

By its nature, this is a small class and offers the participants a singular opportunity to learn new skills and new ways of thinking about history. The class also introduces its participants to elements of multimedia production. As such, the class asks that you prepare for class and participate energetically. And you cannot participate without attending class. Attendance is especially critical for the software practicums in which you will be introduced to useful techniques and strategies.

A Note on Computer Use (and Costs)

Computers are a great boon to historians. But, as with any technology, you must take steps to minimize the problems that computers inevitably cause—and, believe me, in a course like this, you will have problems. Do not expect to get through the semester without having at least one computer meltdown. Prepare for this well in advance. Back up your work and have “plan Bs” for obtaining computer use or software access, if your primary options fail you. I will not accept computer problems as excuses for missed assignments. (Oh, all right, maybe in this course there will be some latitude but not much.) You must also keep backup copies of submitted assignments—either in electronic form or hard copy. You might wish to invest in a FireWire drive for the purposes of archiving your material and transporting your projects.

All of the assignments in the course depend on your having access to a computer and an internet account. Please obtain an internet account at the earliest available moment and become comfortable with the software and protocols. Should you work at home or off campus, learn how to do remote access so that you can be productive no matter your location. Although the university does not require the purchase of a computer and the necessary software, I would encourage you to consider the investment. Because of the nature of the course, you cannot depend on the university’s public clusters or the availability of software. Your enrollment in the course indicates your interest in computerish things, and your tool set should reflect that interest.

No doubt about it, new media, especially digital video is expensive, and George Mason does not have a high-end lab available for scheduling classes or open lab work. You will, however, need access to a digital camera and software. If you do not own a camera or digital video software, you can check out video cameras from the Star Lab (229 Johnson Center). Final Cut Pro (Mac) and Adobe Premiere (Wintel) are also available for student use in the Star Lab, but you will have to do your work in the lab. (Be aware that although you can open Final Cut Express projects in Final Cut Pro, you cannot open Final Cut Pro projects in Final Cut Express.) The Mason Media Lab (311 Johnson Center) has, in addition, made its sound booth available to the class. You must make an appointment with the MML folks to obtain instruction in the software and schedule the use of the lab. Finally, both Adobe and Apple maintain websites that include a number of resources: tutorials, how-tos, readings, and other resources.

Because of institutional constraints, the technical instruction will be on Final Cut Express, the prosumer version of Final Cut Pro. Those who need particular instruction in Premiere can consult the Star Training Schedule. These sessions will provide you with an introduction to using the software. For those who need help with Final Cut, lynda.com has an excellent Online Learning Library for Final Cut Pro that is applicable to Final Cut Express 2. Lynda.com will also offer a Premiere online training service in Q4. This service is not free but, depending on the subscription, it is very inexpensive considering the other options. 

Grades

Grades, including +s and -s, will be assigned in the following manner. REMEMBER THEY REPRESENT AN EVALUATION, NOT A REWARD. To rephrase Smith-Barney, the investment folk, we do grades the old-fashioned way—earn them.

A—Outstanding work, complete mastery of the material presented, combined with some originality.

B—A solid command of the material with some gaps or mistakes in a basically sound essay or discussion.

C—Some knowledge of the material; mistakes and confusion are acceptable if mixed with some understanding. Not a reward for attendance or effort.

D—An incomplete and minimal knowledge of the material, major confusions and errors.

F—A failure to present the material in a reasonably accurate and comprehensible manner.

I—There are no “incompletes” given in this course except in cases of bona fide and documented instances in accordance with the regulations of the university.

P—For a “pass” a “C” average is required.

The nature of the course suggests that breaches of academic integrity will be difficult to accomplish. If, however, a class member engages in plagiarism or other forms of cheating, he or she will receive a zero for that assignment and an accompanied trip to the Dean’s Office to discuss further academic action.

If you receive a grade or criticism that seems unfair or if you desire further explanation, come and see me. If you come to argue for a better grade, come prepared to present your case in the most coherent and organized manner possible.