COM 353 Slides

Syllabus Overview

• Instructor: Luke Fetzer, MA

• Class Timeline: Important dates including semester start, winter break, and office hours.

Agenda

• Topics Covered:

  • Introduction

  • Review of syllabus

  • Discussion on personal connections to sports

  • Participation activities scheduled

Introduction

• Context: Discussion about the instructor's age and relatability.

• University Affiliation: University of Kentucky

Personal Connection to UK Sports

• Personal experiences and affiliation with Kentucky Wildcats.

Semester Evolution

• Instructor expresses excitement and some apprehensions about the semester ahead.

Required Materials

• Textbook: "Reputational Challenges in Sport: Theory and Application" by Andrew Billings.

  • Accessible on Canvas, no cost involved.

• Additional readings will be provided electronically.

Attendance and Participation Policy

• Grading: Participation grade is based on attendance, engagement, and activities.

  • Grading may vary based on completed assignments and class involvement.

• Absences: Unexcused absences result in a loss of participation points; documentation required for excused absences.

Excused Absences

• Defined by Senate Rules: Acceptable reasons include illness, family emergencies, participation in school-sponsored events, and certain holidays.

Academic Integrity

• Emphasis on the importance of honesty in academic work.

  • Penalties for plagiarism and cheating can include receiving a zero or suspension.

• AI Policy: All assignments must be independently created by students without external assistance from AI tools or sites.

Class Engagement

• Class Attendance Policy:

  • Federal regulations require proof of engagement in class.

  • Attendance verification will occur during the first two weeks of the semester.

Office Hours

• Location: Blazer Dining Room 233.

• Schedule: Available for consultations MWF 11 am - 12:15 pm, TR and weekends by appointment via Zoom.

Written Work Expectations

• All assignments must follow APA 7th Edition formatting and be typed to specific standards (12-point Times New Roman font, 1-inch margins, double-spaced).

• Emphasis on proofing and adhering to grammatical conventions to avoid penalties.

Grievance Procedure

• Students may seek assistance from Dr. Jennifer Scarduzio if unresolved issues arise with the instructor.

Point Distribution for Semester

• Breakdown of grades:

  • Exam 1: 100 points

  • Exam 2: 100 points

  • Paper 1: 100 points

  • Final Paper: 100 points

  • Final Presentation: 50 points

  • Participation: 100 points

  • Total: 600 points

Seminar Structure

• Group Work: Required participation in group activities and public speaking.

• Class Dynamics: Encouragement of interactive engagement and active dialogue.

Class Theme

• Focus on preparing messages that influence identity management in the sporting world.

• Use of technology and media literacy in sports.

Upcoming Assignments

1. Documentary Analysis (Paper 1)

   • Analyze a chosen sports documentary, addressing portrayal and related class concepts.

2. Final Paper (Paper 2)

   • Examination of social and traditional media surrounding a sports entity of choice, followed by a presentation.

Participation Guidelines

• Engaging group discussions on emotional sports moments such as happiness, anger, or shock, promoting shared experiences among classmates.

Sports Media Discussion

• Identify prominent sports analysts and their career trajectories as part of the class engagement exercises.

Traditional vs New Media

• Understanding Media Types: Traditional media includes print, radio, television, and film, while new media encompasses digital formats like blogs, podcasts, and social media.

Historical Context of Sports Media

• Key Figures: Henry Luce, founder of Sports Illustrated, pivotal in changing sports journalism.

• ESPN's Influence: An overview of how ESPN revolutionized sports coverage and audience engagement.

  • Transformation of viewing habits from general broadcasts to specialized highlight culture and audience engagement.

Social Media and Mental Health

• Awareness of social media's impact on athletes, encompassing both positive and negative effects—communication, procrastination, and issues with self-esteem.

Conclusion

• Class Expectations: Encouragement of active participation in discussions regarding media, sports, and personal reflections on sports fandom.

• Focus on Interaction: Importance of engaging with material and peers to foster a dynamic classroom environment.