Course Details

Course Description:

This class is designed to introduce students to basic concepts in the presentation of information, both in oral and in print form. The average person is presented with so much information that content often must be presented in a form that captures and draws the viewer’s attention. In this class we will explore a variety of techniques to capture and keep the attention of the audience, as well as draw them to the important aspects of the presentation. In the end, our goal is great the “perfect package” which allows us to present our thoughts clearly and creatively both in-person and in print! Learning Outcomes:

At the end of the semester students should be able to

1. Prepare and orally present well organized material in an interesting and professional manner. 2. Use graphics, concepts, and techniques to design formats for printed material. 3. Evaluate and discuss the presentation of information in print, online, and oral formats. 4. Communicate effectively in oral and printed form with different types of audiences. 5. Effectively use a variety of software tools to develop and present information correctly.

Course Specific Policies:

1. Participation: You are expected to participate in every class. Presentations are a critical part of the

course. A safe and friendly learning environment is insured so each of us can grow and improve in this

area. The exercises are designed to increase your skill level regardless of how much (or how little)

experience you have as a presenter. Participation in each of the presentations is required for successful

completion of the course and they must be delivered on the date assigned.

2. Attendance: Attendance in all class sessions is required. Because a large part of your grade is dependent

on the knowledge and participation of the other students in his or her formal group, class attendance and

participation in this class is very important. If you are absent, make arrangements with someone in the

class to obtain class notes and materials. Please plan accordingly if you know you will not be present.

Attendance will be taken throughout the semester. If you arrive to class after attendance is taken, then

you are absent. There are no excused absences unless documented by the university. If you have 3 or

more absences, your final grade will be dropped one level down the grade scale. (A- is lowered to B+, C+

becomes a C, etc.)

3. Blackboard: The iSchool uses Syracuse University’s Blackboard system to facilitate distance learning and

main campus courses. The environment is composed of a number of elements that will help you be

successful in both your current coursework and your lifelong learning opportunities. To access

Blackboard, go to the following URL: http://blackboard.syr.edu Use your Syracuse University NetID &

Password control access. Registration in IST444 grants you access to our course materials. In general we

will make regular use of the calendar, the course topics, assignments, and the discussion areas of

Blackboard.

Instructor Carrie Dischiave Phone 741-1531

Office hours by appointment only Email cadischi@syr.edu

Meeting time T/Th (11:00 - 12:20) Location 200 Link Hall

IST 444 – Information Reporting and Presentation

4. Readings and Class Materials: All assigned readings should be completed prior to the class day where

they are posted. It is expected that you come to class prepared – ready to ask questions and comment on

class materials.

5. Assignments: Assignments are instruments that gauge your ability to apply the concepts we’ve learned

throughout the course. All work must be submitted when due and as per the instructions to be eligible for

credit.

6. Late Work: Late work will not be accepted. No exceptions. If it is not on time, it does not count.

Assessment:

TOTAL POINTS:600

Grading Scale B+ 86% - 89% C+ 76% - 79% D+ 66% - 69%

A 93%+ B 83% - 85% C 73% - 75% D 50% - 66% A- 90%-92% B- 80% - 82% C- 70% - 72%

Assignments Due Date Total Pts.

Participation/Discussion Throughout semester 100

Who R U? 20

Verbal Graffiti Week 2 20

Information Presentation Prep Sheet Speech Reflection

Week 2&3 20 20 15

Observation Worksheet Week 3 20

Persuasive Presentation Prep Sheet Speech Reflection

Week 4 & 5 20 20 15

Prezi Lab Week 6 30

Resume/Cover Letter

Week 7 45 (total)

Photoshop Lab Week 9 30

Poster board Presentation (Company Materials)

Week 9 30

Mini-Excel Week 10 15

Excel Lab Week 12 30

Coffee Break Week 12 20

Print Ad./Co. pamphlet Week 13 25

Final Presentation Week 14 100

Tentative Course Calendar:

Week Date Class Subject Assignment(s) Due

Week 1

Introduction/Syllabus Who are you?

Lecture: Public speaking

Week 2

Present informative presentation (Individual) 1. Who R U reflection 2. Informative presentation 3. Verbal Graffiti

Week 3 Present informative presentation (Individual)

1. Informative presentation (Self reflection) 2. Observation Sheet

Week 4

Mini-mini Excel

Lecture: Persuasive Speaking/Non-verbal Communication

Week 5

Persuasive Presentations

Week 6

Persuasive presentations

Lecture: Résumé/Cover letter

1. Persuasive presentations (Self reflection)

Week 7

Resume Guest Speaker: Meredith Tornabene Mini-Excel

Lecture: Company Profiles

1. Persuasive presentations (Self reflection) 2. Rough Draft Resume/CL (Self reflection)

Week 8

Company Profiles Company Focus Group

Lecture: Engaging Audience and Logo Design

1. Final draft Resume and Cover letter 2. Mini-Excel 3. Prezi "Slideshow"

Week 9

Company Numbers

Lecture: Ugh.... Excel.

1. PS Lab

Week 10

Company Posterboard Presentations Create your pitch

Lecture: Creating a pitch

1. Excel Lab

Week 11

Coffee Break Pitch

Lecture: Oh..... C.R.A.P

Week 12

Flyer/Print Advertisements/ Pamphlet

Week 13

Flyer/Print Advertisements/ Pamphlet

Week 14

Final Presentations

Week 14.5 Final Presentations That's all Folks!

Assignment Summary

Who Are You: Day #1: 60 second presentation explaining who you are. (Including Intro, body, conclusion)

Informational Presentation: Basic 3-5 minute presentation, focusing on information organization and basic

presentation skills.

This will be an informative presentation on specific information, preferably technology based (hardware

or software) that you currently use. The Topic is to be researched (with sources cited), and the

presentation is to include both a description and an evaluation of the topic chosen. (Visuals Allowed)

Persuasive Presentation: 3-5 minute presentation using a persuasive organizational structure and developed

presentation skills.

This will be a technology-related persuasive presentation, made in order to convince someone to engage

in your cause. The presentation should be fact-based, with the facts cited appropriately within the

presentation. (NO visuals)

Resume and Cover letter (1st

and Final Drafts): One page resume reflecting your current activities designed for a

specific job or internship position, along with a cover letter applying for that position.

Select an internship/possible job (in your major) and create a one-page resume customized for that

position, along with a one-page cover letter that highlights the match between your resume and the

position. You may instead choose a professional job posting and create a resume for it. Every aspect of

this resume is important, as it is what stands between you and making a good impression. No templates

should be used for this assignment.

Logo/Company Materials: Logo for an organization using good design principles.

Create a new logo for a company. The logo should be simple and straightforward, with no more than

three colors. The font should be selected carefully, and the logo should be clear at a small size. The logo

should still be effective in black & white and should be appropriate for the organization and target

audience.

Coffee Break Pitch (After your companies are formed) 60 second persuasive presentation designed to engage an

investor in the company.

You are enjoying a coffee break when you spot Donald Trump. Your assignment is to develop an

innovative idea for a partnership between your organization and Mr. Trump. You must pitch your idea to

him or another venture capitalist during the one remaining minute of your break. Assume there will be

interruptions or questions, so be prepared.

Data Visualization (Photoshop/Excel/Prezi):

Use Photoshop to prepare your company’s logo and advertisement.

Use Excel to create several different graphical views of data taken from the report provided in class – a bar chart, a line chart, and a pie graph.

Use prezi to design your company’s final presentation

Company Profile “Story Board”: Using a poster board, present preliminary company information to the class

for feedback. (Company Profile, letterhead, business cards, Envelopes, and any other relevant information)

Print Advertisement: One page color print advertisement (a marketing tool) appropriate for a magazine.

FINAL PROJECT: 15-20 minute presentation

Each group will prepare a presentation, using photoshop, excel, prezi, and creating a commercial to “sell” their

company to potential investors. Each member of the group will complete a 1-2 page individual reflective memo.

Syracuse University and School of Information Studies Policy Statements

Academic Integrity The academic community of Syracuse University and of the School of Information Studies requires the highest

standards of professional ethics and personal integrity from all members of the community. Violations of these

standards are violations of a mutual obligation characterized by trust, honesty, and personal honor. As a

community, we commit ourselves to standards of academic conduct, impose sanctions against those who violate

these standards, and keep appropriate records of violations. The academic integrity statement can be found at:

http://supolicies.syr.edu/ethics/acad_integrity.htm.

Disabilities If you believe that you need accommodations for a disability, please contact the Office of Disability Services (ODS),

http://disabilityservices.syr.edu, located in Room 309 of 804 University Avenue, or call (315) 443-4498 for an

appointment to discuss your needs and the process for requesting accommodations. ODS is responsible for

coordinating disability-related accommodations and will issue students with documented disabilities

Accommodation Authorization Letters, as appropriate. Since accommodations may require early planning and

generally are not provided retroactively, please contact ODS as soon as possible.

Ownership of Student Work This course may use course participation and documents created by students for educational purposes. In

compliance with the Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, works in all media produced by students as

part of their course participation at Syracuse University may be used for educational purposes, provided that the

course syllabus makes clear that such use may occur. It is understood that registration for and continued

enrollment in a course where such use of student works is announced constitutes permission by the student. After

such a course has been completed, any further use of student works will meet one of the following conditions: (1)

the work will be rendered anonymous through the removal of all personal identification of the work’s

creator/originator(s); or (2) the creator/originator(s)’ written permission will be secured. As generally accepted

practice, honors theses, graduate theses, graduate research projects, dissertations, or other exit projects

submitted in partial fulfillment of degree requirements are placed in the library, University Archives, or academic

departments for public reference.