COMM 3309 380: Special Topics in Comm

Course runs from June 2 to July 2 with Final Exam on July 3.

COURSE DESCRIPTION: (Special Topics courses vary each time): For the Star Wars Hero’s Journey topic, this course includes the key storytelling aspects for narrative development, based on mythic structure, for major intellectual properties. This course will focus on the Star Wars films and properties created by Director-Screenwriter George Lucas and his inspirations, which included Professor Joseph Campbell’s “The Hero with a Thousand Faces” where he outlines the Hero’s Journey (Monomyth) concept. This analysis includes a study of story structure and mythic character archetypes.

ADDITIONAL COURSE RESOURCES: You will need a computer or laptop for this course with some type of word-processing software like Microsoft Word to complete the three writing assignments. With your TAMIU email, Microsoft Word is included; you can access it by logging into your TAMIU email account, clicking the App Launcher Menu button (a series of 3x3 dots in a square) and then select Word from the options. It's also a good idea to back up all of your work for the course to your One Drive, also included with your TAMIU email. Select that same App Launcher Menu button and then select OneDrive (the one with the cloud icon)--if you're familiar with Google Drive, it works similar.

Students will need access to watch Star Wars films, especially Star Wars: Episode IV: A New Hope (1977). If you don't own the films, you can temporarily subscribe to Disney+. I will attempt to offer a movie watch party online for those who cannot watch it otherwise.

COURSE STRUCTURE: Students are expected to log into Blackboard regularly, read course materials each week, follow each Blackboard Module in the order it's presented within the timeframe for each module, starting with the PowerPoints/lectures, then proceeding to online discussions (if present), then proceeding to a weekly activity (if present) and then finally to each week's main assignment. Writing assignments are turned in via Blackboard Turnitin, unless otherwise noted. Activities are turned in via Blackboard Dropbox, unless otherwise noted.

To get the most out of this course, it's best for students to complete things in the order they're presented. Each reaching assignment 0-preparees students for the PowerPoints/lectures, which hopefully make the reading assignments more clear (through examples, visuals, and context) and further the ideas established in the readings.

ANNOUNCEMENTS/COURSE MESSAGES/EMAILS: The instructor will frequently use announcement during the regular course week (Mondays-Fridays), or otherwise, as needed.

The instructor and students may also communicate via course discussions. Students may post to general discussion topics to ask questions (not graded) about activities, assignments, etc.

If a strident is in need of a faster response, I recommend they email me directly to thomas.brown@tamiu.edu rather than use course messages. I check my emails more frequently than Blackboard.

I do my best to respond to your messages as soon as possible, but my schedule and yours may not match up in some respects. Please be patient, especially if you email over the weekend (late Friday through Sunday) or during early morning hours.

PARTICIPATION: Class online participation is graded, encouraged, and expected. However, participation does not mean being disruptive or rude in class. Please be considerate of your classmates and instructor. These online interactions may include discussion forums, peer reviews, or lecture responses.

----------COURSE ASSIGNMENTS OVERVIEW----------

WRITTEN WORK: All out-of-class assignments must be typed unless stated otherwise. Please staple papers having multiple pages before coming to class. Some assignments may be submitted electronically through our class Blackboard. All online assignments are due at 11:59 p.m. on the day indicated on your class schedule, unless otherwise noted in the syllabus schedule and/or on Blackboard. The instructor will post a Blackboard announcement for any due date adjustments.

Assignments which do not adhere to assignment guidelines will be rejected. For example, handwritten papers will not be accepted. It is the student's responsibility to submit assignments as directed, either online or in class. NO assignments will be accepted via e-mail. Please use Turnitin on Blackboard for writing assignments or Blackboard Dropbox for activities.

This course includes three written assignments that make up a significant portion of the grade:

• Writing Assignment 1: George Lucas: A Content Analysis Write 500-550 words of research in MLA style about George Lucas and his connections to mythology and the Hero’s Journey. Cite examples from his films and offer analysis. Upload the final draft to Turnitin. Please see rubric and complete assignment instructions on Blackboard. This paper will be a single draft.
• Writing Assignment 2: Mythology Reflection Write (500-550 words) of reflection in MLA style regarding a story from mythology. You can choose a mythology story or a fairy tale from any culture (Greek, Roman, Norse, Egyptian, Native American, Polynesian, South American, etc.). Write a brief synopsis (no more than a small paragraph) of what this story was about, then expand on your own thoughts about what you liked about it, what it meant to you on a psychological and/or emotional level. Were there relatable morals? Then, in your final paragraph talk about any films you’ve seen that maintain a similar theme. NOTE: Please do not utilize Mulan, Moana, Pocahontas, Hercules, or other animated films by Disney—I want you to reach out farther than popular media for this one, think a little outside of the box. Upload the final draft to Turnitin. Please see rubric and complete assignment instructions on Blackboard. This paper will be a single draft.
• Writing Assignment 3: Hero’s Journey In-Depth Analysis Write 700-900 words of analysis in MLA style regarding a cinema film, which centers around a heroic protagonist, that we did not go over in class and is NOT one of the ones on our list (see the above movie list in this syllabus). Take that chosen film and compare it to the Hero’s Journey process. In a small section, identify the key character archetypes at play in the film. For the main part of the paper, go over this film’s connections to the Hero’s Journey. Be sure to have a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. Upload the final draft to Turnitin. Please see rubric and complete assignment instructions on Blackboard. This paper will have a rough draft and final draft. There will also be a peer review for this writing assignment.

EXAM: There will be one exam. The Final Exam will be comprehensive, covering all lectures, PowerPoints, Activities, and Quizzes and/or Lecture Responses (if applicable) from the course. The exam will be given online through Blackboard; students must be proctored using one of the available proctoring services. Respondus Monitor, which links through Blackboard, will be used for this course. Students will need to pay for proctoring software. In terms of price, the $15 individual student license for a full-year is probably the best deal as the license allows the student to use the service for all classes at TAMIU.

Respondus Monitor ($15 fee) Requirement
This course requires the use of LockDown Browser and Respondus Monitor (webcam) for online exams. The webcam can be built into your computer or can be the type that plugs in with a USB cable.

There is a short video on Blackboard to get a basic understanding of LockDown Browser and Respondus Monitor (the webcam feature). A student Quick Start Guide (PDF) is also available.

Download Instructions
Click the Student Support top-middle tab located in Blackboard. Scroll down to the Instructional Technologies section, and click on the Respondus LockDown Browser icon. Download is free.

Once Installed

• Open LockDown Browser
• Log into Blackboard Learn
• Navigate to the test and begin

Note: You won't be able to access tests with a standard web browser. If this is tried, an error message will indicate that the test requires the use of LockDown Browser. Simply start LockDown Browser and navigate back to the exam to continue.

Cost for Respondus Monitor
There is a $15 fee for the webcam feature that's used with LockDown Browser (sometimes referred to as Respondus Monitor). This is a one-time fee, valid for 12 months (365 days) for all courses or exams that use Respondus Monitor. You will be prompted to make the purchase the first time an exam requires the use of LockDown Browser's webcam feature. Payment can be made with PayPal, Visa or Mastercard.

To pay for Respondus Monitor:
1. Start Respondus LockDown Browser.
2. Navigate to your test.
3. Complete the set-up process, which includes a payment screen for entering credit card information.
4. Payment and entering credit card information is only necessary one-time per course.

Guidelines
When taking an online exam that requires LockDown Browser and a webcam, remember the following guidelines:

• Select a location where you won't be interrupted
• Before starting the test, know how much time is available for it, and also that you've allotted sufficient time to complete it
• Turn off all other devices (e.g. tablets, phones, second computers)
• Clear your area of all external materials — books, papers, other devices
• Remain at your computer for the duration of the test
• To produce a good webcam video, do the following:
  • Avoid wearing baseball caps or hats with brims
  • Ensure your computer or tablet is on a firm surface (a desk or table) — not on your lap, a bed, or other surface that might move
  • If using a built-in webcam, avoid tilting the screen after the webcam setup is complete
  • Take the exam in a well-lit room and avoid backlighting, such as sitting with your back to a window
• LockDown Browser will prevent you from accessing other websites or applications; you will be unable to exit the test until all questions are completed and submitted.

Getting Help
Several resources are available if you encounter problems with LockDown Browser:

• The Windows and Mac versions of LockDown Browser have a "Help Center" button located on the toolbar. Use the "System & Network Check" to troubleshoot issues.
• If you have problems downloading, installing, or taking a test with Respondus LockDown Browser, email the TAMIU eLearning Team at elearning@tamiu.edu.

Webcam Checkout for Personal Computer If students are unable to use personal or borrowed computers and equipment, students may stop by the Instructional Technology and Distance Education Services office to check out webcams (with built-in microphones). The office is located at Killam Library 259 (down the hall from the HelpDesk) and is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Checkout for a webcam is on a first-come, first-service basis. Speak with an eLearning staff member to checkout a camera. Students will sign an Equipment Loaner Agreement, making them responsible for the care of the camera. Webcams checked out must be returned within five business days of the checkout date.

READING ASSIGNMENTS: Reading assignments for the course are to be completed before the online lecture for which they are assigned. The reading assignments will prepare you for the content of the lectures, as well as for the exams.

MAKE-UP WORK: Make-ups for course assignments are at the discretion of the instructor and must be discussed and scheduled. Make-up exams may be in essay format. You must contact the instructor within one week of the missed exam for instructions on how to complete your make-up. There is NO make-up option for a Final Exam.

Obviously, the best plan is to turn assignments in on time (the deadline) so they may be graded in a reasonable amount of time to give students necessary feedback. Assignments that are received late will have reduced grades for each class day past the deadline (see Late assignments or speeches, below). Late work MUST be made up within a week of the due date. Depending on the circumstances, the point loss will be decided upon by the instructor. Typically, the following rules will affect point deduction for late assignments, though the instructor may take special situations into consideration:

• For each class period an assignment is late, the work will take a 20-percent grade reduction.
• Students are required to contact the instructor about make-up work. The instructor will NOT make an effort to contact a student about make-up work. A student's ability to turn in late work will be decided at the discretion of the instructor. Reasons for the lateness of the work will be taken into account.

BLACKBOARD GRADE BOOK: This is a great tool for your reference while in the course. I will do my best to keep it fairly updated with course information and resources. It may also be used as a place to ask questions, which I will try to monitor and respond to at my first availability. I strongly suggest everyone keep a running record of their grades as assignments/evaluations are returned. I also recommend keeping a copy of all of your papers/assignments that are returned to you up until final grades are posted.

LATE ASSIGNMENTS: Late assignments, will receive a grade reduction of 20% (two letter grades lost) for every class day they are late. If you do not have a verifiable and accepted excuse, the late assignment grade reduction will be applied. A “verifiable excuse” is determined on a case-by-case situation by the instructor but normally includes things such as a doctor's excuse, military service, etc., in accordance with the policies of the College of Arts and Sciences (see below).

EXPECTATIONS: Your overall class participation grade is determined by the discretion of the instructor. These points are factored based on attendance (not factored for online courses) and the following list of expectations:

• Adoption of an “I can do” attitude
• Being punctual and prepared for each class
• Positive participation in class discussions as well as professional behavior in all communication with other students and the instructor
• Being attentive and respectful during lecture and any student presentations
• Compliance with all Academic Policies & Requirements of Texas A&M International University and the College of Arts and Sciences (see below)

COMMON COURTESY: Please use common courtesy during classes. For many, getting up in front of a group of people for presentations can be extremely stressful. It is vital that the classroom atmosphere be kept light and enjoyable for all. Discourteous behavior will be penalized in participation points (see Expectations, above).

• If you are late to class or leave during class, do not interrupt fellow students if they are giving a presentation. In such an event, you will be asked to leave and participation points may be removed. Please look and listen outside the classroom door to check before entering.
• Do not chew gum if you are presenting in front of the class.
• DO NOT interrupt a fellow student during their presentation. If you have questions, wait until the end of their allotted time (or for a question-and-answers session, if applicable).
• Vulgar language and inappropriate statements have no place in the classroom.
• In the interest of diversity, please remember that campus society includes a variety of cultures. Students are expected to respect other students' cultural background. In other words, treat others as you would like to be treated.

YOUR GRADE DISCUSSIONS: If a student wishes to discuss their grade, please make a virtual appointment with the instructor. The instructor will not discuss grades of any form during class or lab time, or in front of other students. The student must work with the instructor to schedule a time when both are available.

OTHER: If a student wishes to discuss their grade, please make an appointment with the instructor. The instructor will not discuss grades of any form during class or lab time, or in front of other students. The student must work with the instructor to schedule a time when both are available.

PRONOUNS: Please let me know how you would like to be addressed in terms of gender pronouns and identity. You may email me or talk to me in private before or after class. I use the he, him, and his pronouns for myself and you can call me “Professor Brown.”

INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHY: Mr. Thomas R. Brown, who publishes as “T. Rob Brown,” is a photographer and writer who began his career in 1993. In addition to more than 20 years as a full-time daily newspaper photojournalist, where he served as photographer, writer, editor, copyeditor, and page designer for numerous daily Midwest newspapers, he also served as a freelance writer for Marvel Comics and Star Wars on four published books from 2009 to 2012, including the Origins award-winning Marvel Heroic Roleplaying: Civil War, Marvel Heroic Roleplaying: Civil War: Young Avengers and Runaways, Star Wars: Galaxy of Intrigue, and Silver Ennie-winning Star Wars: Clone Wars Campaign Guide.

Twice nominated for the Pulitzer Prize, Brown earned more than 40 national, regional and state awards for photography and writing during his journalism career. Following a return to schooling to pursue his master’s degree in 2014, Brown began freelancing for The Kansas City Star as a photographer. He continues work on his fantasy and science fiction novels, screenplays, and photography books. Currently, he is working on Literally Breathtaking—a photography book about Cusco and Machu Picchu, Peru, along with Chile's Santiago region.

Brown earned his bachelor’s (1993) from Missouri Southern State University in Joplin and his master’s (2015) from Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kansas. He is originally from the Kansas City, Missouri, area, and began teaching at Texas A&M International University in Fall 2017.

COURSE COMMUNICATION GUIDELINES (Netiquette): There are course expectations concerning etiquette or how we should treat each other online. We must consider these values as we communicate with one another. Visit Instructional Technology and Distance Education Services’ web page on Netiquette (http://www.tamiu.edu/distance/students/ netiquette.shtml/) for further instruction.

ACCOMMODATIONS/ACCESSIBILITY POLICY: Texas A&M International University seeks to provide reasonable accommodation for all qualified persons with disabilities. This University will adhere to all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and guidelines with respect to providing reasonable accommodations as required to afford equal educational opportunity. It is the student's responsibility to register with the Director of Student Counseling and to contact the faculty member in a timely fashion to arrange for suitable accommodation. For more information, contact the online at Office of Disability Services for Students (DSS), via phone at 956.326.3086 or by visiting the staff at the Student Center, room 118. A link to the Disabilities Services for Students site has also been included under the "Resources" tab inside the course.

STUDENT SUPPORT RESOURCES: The University wishes to have all students succeed in their courses. To provide support to our students, an array of services in the areas of technology support, academic support, student support, and accessibility support may be found at the University. For more information, visit the Instructional Technology and Distance Education Services page on University Resources and Support Services.

COMPUTERTECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS: In order to be successful in this course, in terms of its technology requirements, students will need access to a computer with Internet access sufficient enough to watch online videos. Students should have access to a word processing program, such as Microsoft Word, for their writing assignments and their activities. Students optionally may use Adobe Acrobat for the other writing assignments. All writing and activity assignments should be turned in as either .DOC, .DOCX, or as .PDF.

Additional Hardware. For this class, you will need the following additional hardware: Webcam (for the Final Exam). Recently purchased laptops may have these built-in web cameras. If you do not have this equipment, it is recommended to purchase a stand-alone webcam, microphone, or a webcam with a built-in microphone from your local electronic store or any online store.

NOTE: Instructional Technology and Distance Education Services may check out available webcams to students on a first-come, first-served basis. To check out a webcam, please stop by Killam Library, Room 259, and request an available webcam.

TAMIU Students may access online versions of Microsoft Word and PowerPoint software through their Dusty Office 365 account at https:// dusty.tamiu.edu/. This site also provides students access to download the Microsoft suite for educational use. See instructions for downloading the Microsoft Office suite.

Note: Students, if you do not own the required hardware or software or do not have access to the Internet, it might be challenging for you to make progress in this class. However, my goal is to assist you in finding solutions and guide you appropriately. Most of the required materials can either be found free of charge at TAMIU’s library, classrooms, and available computer labs. Visit Media Services’ web page on the availability of on-campus computer labs. In addition, you may also purchase any of these hardware items at any electronics store.

Learning Management System (Blackboard): Students are provided with an orientation (*eLearning (Blackboard) Student Orientation*) and access to guides on how to use the Blackboard LMS. Guides may be available at Instructional Technology and Distance Education Services' Student eLearning Tutorial Videos page or by contacting the eLearning team at elearning@tamiu.edu.

Minimum Technical Skills Expected: When participating in distance education courses, it is vital to consider the technology involved in order to have a successful course. Students in distance education should have knowledge of basic computer and Internet skills, as mentioned on the Instructional Technology and Distance Education Services’ webpage.

An understanding of how computers process data is useful, as is an understanding of file types, and a minimal knowledge of computer graphics requirements. Some of this will be covered in the course.

Technical Support Services: Because of the nature of distance education courses, the Office of Information Technology (OIT) computing and information services are vital to the success of online students. This webpage covers contact information for Distance Education Services (Blackboard Support), the OIT Help Desk, and Email support: Technical Support Services.

Web Conferences/Synchronous sessions: If you need to discuss your grades or get help from the instructor and you cannot meet during my office hours, you may schedule a virtual meeting. These virtual meetings will be held through Blackboard Collaborate. You must request a meeting via email (thomas.brown@tamiu.edu) at least 24 business hours in advance and offer suggested times when you are available. I will do my best to accommodate your schedule, within reason, and I will email you a link to the Collaborate virtual meeting. Meetings should be scheduled for Mondays through Fridays.

AI POLICY: The TAMIU Honor Council will treat cases of AI-generated language in papers, projects, exams and assignments as plagiarism unless such use of AI text has been expressly approved by the faculty member in the course syllabus (please review the University Plagiarism Policy later in this syllabus). By copying and pasting AI-generated text into a university-level assignment for a grade without approval, students are using text not written by them in order to progress their university career. Students may not use unapproved AI-generated text in University coursework; such usage will be reported as plagiarism to the TAMIU Honor Council, investigated as such and subject to grade penalty. This violation includes the usage of AI software, such as ChatGPT, to generate your work for you.

Approved usage of AI for this course: You MAY use AI software, such as Grammarly, to help check the language quality of your written assignments. If you do use the approved AI options in your coursework, please put a notation at the bottom of your written paper. Other AI usages may be approved in a case-by-case situation, but you must speak to the course instructor PRIOR to using the AI in the course. The instructor is fully aware that some usage of AI can be a tool to help expedite work, to decrease workload, and to help improve quality of the final work. Generative AI is not allowed —students must write their papers themselves. Any usage of AI outside of the professor’s permission constitutes a violation of the TAMIU Honor Code and will be reported to the Honor Council.

GRADING SCALE/SCHEMA: In determining the final course grade, the following scale is used in point value.

• 900+ = A
• 800-899 = B
• 700-799 = C
• 600-699 = D
• 599 or below = F

RUBRICS: Rubrics are available online in the course content in the Resources course module. Note: for the most part, I use the standard WIN Rubric for writing assignments.

COURSE EVALUATION: At the end of this course, students are encouraged to complete a course evaluation that will be distributed to them via email and through a course link on Blackboard.

Turnitin Policy Or Other Types of Assignments in Other Systems: Students may turn in Turnitin or Drop Box assignments in DOC, DOCX, or PDF formats. Do NOT use Pages format.

PROCTORING: Please see the section titled "Exam:" up above. This course's Final Exam will be through Respondus LockDown Browser with Monitor (web cam required).

Accessibility and Privacy Statements on Course Technologies: At Texas A&M International University, we believe that all students should have equal technology opportunities in the classroom. These technologies/sites may also require user data, such as the creation of a username and password. You may find the accessibility and privacy policies of the technologies used in this class on the following pages: Accessibility Statements and Privacy Statements.

In this class, we will utilize: Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Blackboard, Google Chrome browser, and possibly Adobe Acrobat.

SYLLABUS SUBJECT TO CHANGE: While information and assurances are provided in this course syllabus, it should be understood that content may change in keeping with new research and literature and that events beyond the control of the instructor could occur. Students will be informed of any substantive occurrences that will produce syllabus changes.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• Students will be able to identify, analyze, and propose mythic story structure for entertainment media.
• Students will review current trends and issues in entertainment storytelling and learn how to avoid and improve upon these.
• Students will be able to demonstrate proper writing structure, grammar, spelling, style, and content suitable for entertainment writing.
• Students will be able to use storytelling techniques for a variety of entertainment media.
• Students will have an understanding of the role of mythology and mythic structure in storytelling for cinema, video games, novels, comic books and graphic novels.

Goal #1: Students should be able to communicate effectively.
OBJECTIVES:

• Apply the principles of effective communication in individual writing.
• Apply the principles of effective writing and other forms of communication.

Goal #2: Students should be able to think critically.
OBJECTIVES:

• Demonstrate the ability to distinguish between relevant and irrelevant information in problem solving.
• Articulate a problem and develop a logical and reasonable response to it, using appropriate sources.
• Apply generalizations, principles, theories, or rules to the real world.
• Demonstrate the ability to analyze and synthesize information.

To go to the bookstore, click here.

Students will need access to watch Star Wars films, especially Star Wars: Episode IV: A New Hope (1977). If you don't own the films, you can temporarily subscribe to Disney+. I will attempt to offer a movie watch party online for those who cannot watch it otherwise.

FILMS:
Star Wars films:
Lucas, George, director. Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope. 1977. (This will be the primary film we refer to.)
Kershner, Irvin, director. Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back. 1980.
Marquand, Richard, director. Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi. 1983.
Lucas, George, director. Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace. 1999.
Lucas, George, director. Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones. 2002.
Lucas, George, director. Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith. 2005.
Abrams, J.J., director. Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens. 2015.
Edwards, Gareth, director. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. 2016.
Johnson, Rian, director. Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi. 2017.
Howard, Ron, director. Solo: A Star Wars Story. 2018.
Abrams, J.J., director. Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker. 2019.
Other Lucasfilm productions we may refer to from time-to-time during the course:
Lucas, George, director. THX-1138. 1971.
Lucas, George, director. American Graffiti. 1973.
Spielberg, Stephen, director. Raiders of the Lost Ark. 1981.
Spielberg, Stephen, director. Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. 1984.
Howard, Ron, director. Willow. 1988.
Spielberg, Stephen, director. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. 1989.
Spielberg, Stephen, director. Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. 2008.

Other films, which feature the hero’s journey, which we may refer to during the course:
Spielberg, Steven, director. Jaws. 1975.
Spielberg, Steven, director. Close Encounters of the Third Kind. 1977.
Spielberg, Steven, director. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. 1982.
Cameron, James, director. The Terminator. 1984.
Reitman, Ivan, director. Ghostbusters. 1984.
Donner, Richard, director. The Goonies. 1985.
Zemeckis, Robert, director. Back to the Future. 1985.
Carpenter, John, director. Big Trouble in Little China. 1986.
Hughes, John, director. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. 1986.
Reiner, Rob, director. Stand By Me. 1986.
Scott, Tony, director. Top Gun. 1986.
Wachowski, Lana & Lilly, directors. The Matrix. 1999.
Jackson, Peter, director. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. 2001
Jackson, Peter, director. The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers. 2002
Jackson, Peter, director. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. 2003

Course Communication Guidelines (Netiquette)

There are course expectations concerning etiquette or how we should treat each other online. We must consider these values as we communicate with one another. Visit Instructional Technology and Distance Education Services’ web page on Netiquette for further instruction.

Accommodations/Accessibility Policy

Texas A&M International University seeks to provide reasonable accommodation for all qualified persons with disabilities. This University will adhere to all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and guidelines with respect to providing reasonable accommodations as required to afford equal educational opportunity. It is the student's responsibility to register with the Director of Student Counseling and to contact the faculty member in a timely fashion to arrange for suitable accommodation. For more information, contact the online at Office of Disability Services for Students (DSS), via phone at 956.326.3086 or by visiting the staff at the Student Center, room 118. A link to the Disabilities Services for Students site has also been included under the "Resources" tab inside the course.

Student Support Resources

The University wishes to have all students succeed in their courses. To provide support to our students, an array of services in the areas of technology support, academic support, student support, and accessibility support may be found at the University. For more information, visit the Instructional Technology and Distance Education Services page on University Resources and Support Services.

Computer/Technology Requirements

(please see earlier section on this)

When participating in distance education courses, it is vital to consider the technology involved in order to have a successful course. Online students will need regular access to a personal computer that runs on a broadband Internet connection.

It is recommended that you meet the technical requirements listed on the Instructional Technology and Distance Education Services’ webpage when using the learning management system (LMS) of the University.

Additional Hardware. For this class, you will need the following additional hardware: (See earlier topic that covers this) Recently purchased laptops may have these built-in web cameras.  If you do not have this equipment, it is recommended to purchase a stand-alone webcam, microphone, or a webcam with a built-in microphone from your local electronic store or any online store.

NOTE: Instructional Technology and Distance Education Services may check out available webcams to students on a first-come, first-served basis. To check out a webcam, please stop by Killam Library, Room 259, and request an available webcam.

Additional Software. You will need the following additional software: (See earlier section about this.) TAMIU Students may access online versions of this software through their Dusty Office 365 account at https://dusty.tamiu.edu/. This site also provides students access to download the Microsoft suite for educational use. See instructions for downloading the Microsoft Office suite.

Note: Students, if you do not own the required hardware or software or do not have access to the Internet, it will be highly challenging for you to make any progress in this class. However, my goal is to assist you in finding solutions and guide you appropriately most of the required materials can either be found free of charge at TAMIU’s library, classrooms, and available computer labs. Visit Media Services’ web page on the availability of on-campus computer labs. In addition, you may also purchase any of these items at any electronic store.

Learning Management System (Blackboard)

Students are provided with an orientation (*eLearning (Blackboard) Student Orientation*) and access to guides on how to use the Blackboard LMS. Guides may be available at Instructional Technology and Distance Education Services' Student eLearning Tutorial Videos page or by contacting the eLearning team at elearning@tamiu.edu.

Minimum Technical Skills Expected

(See earlier section about this)
When participating in distance education courses, it is vital to consider the technology involved in order to have a successful course. Students in distance education should have knowledge of basic computer and Internet skills, as mentioned on the Instructional Technology and Distance Education Services’ webpage.

Technical Support Services

Because of the nature of distance education courses, the Office of Information Technology (OIT) computing and information services are vital to the success of online students. This webpage covers contact information for Distance Education Services (Blackboard Support), the OIT Help Desk, and E-mail support: Technical Support Services.

Course Evaluation

At the end of this course, students are encouraged to complete a course evaluation that will be distributed to them via email and through a course link.

Proctoring

(See earlier in this syllabus.)

Accessibility and Privacy Statements on Course Technologies

At Texas A&M International University, we believe that all students should have equal technology opportunities in the classroom. These technologies/sites may also require user data, such as the creation of a username and password. You may find the accessibility and privacy policies of the technologies used in this class on the following pages: Accessibility Statements and Privacy Statements.

In this class, we will utilize: (See earlier mention of this).

Syllabus Subject to Change

While information and assurances are provided in this course syllabus, it should be understood that content may change in keeping with new research and literature and that events beyond the control of the instructor could occur. Students will be informed of any substantive occurrences that will produce syllabus changes.