SCHOOL OF LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCES
SLIS 5440 STORYTELLING
FOR INFORMATION PROFESSIONALS

SYLLABUS
© Elizabeth Figa 2006
The 5440 course and its content are copyrighted and may not be reprinted, revised,
reformatted, or refactored for distribution or publication in any form or venue
without permission of the author or the University of North Texas.

WELCOME TO THE STORYTELLING CLASS!

SLIS 5440 Storytelling for Information Professionlas Official Course Description
Storytelling ethnography, history, theory, methods, and bibliographic resources. Story research, analysis, selection, adaptation, and preparation. Oral performance development and audience dynamics. Program planning, implementation, evaluation, and grant writing for schools, libraries or other information settings.

Course Overview And Objectives
The course design will attempt to strike a balance between training in the art of storytelling in practice (this component will have an emphasis on technique, performance, and audience dynamics) and cognitive development in the foundations of history, theory, methods, and bibliographic resources related to storytelling. The instructor's goals are to assist students with the development of story selection, preparation, and telling skills; planning programs and projects in schools, libraries, and other settings; and developing a deeper understanding of the nature of story and its applications in research, the student's work, or personal endeavors. Online class discussions will center around assigned readings, all stories told, and instructor-led topics.

Course Access
This course is presented entirely online via WebCT Technology. The course begins the first official day of classes in the semesters in which it is offered. Registered students will be uploaded into the student database and can access the course using their UNT EUID and PASSWORD beginning on the first day. Course modules will be timed and are explained in the full course syllabus and course calendar.   An important note about course access:  At times, the overnight uploads of the student database, which is done by Student Records and the WebCT Divisions, takes longer than anticipated or has technical problems. Please do not be alarmed if you do not have access to the Storytelling course the first or second day of class or if your access is suddenly problematic. Your faculty and teaching assistants anticipate access problems and we will work with the uploaded data to ensure every student has access as soon as possible.  If you are registered for the class and experiencing access problems, please consult the WebCT Student Guide at  http://courses.unt.edu/webct/student/student.htm.  If you need further assistance, please send an email to Elizabeth Figa or one of the teaching assistants at the email addresses listed below.  Please be patient with us -- your access to the course is our highest priority!  You will not get behind in the course the first few days and you can read ahead in your text and the course reading packet.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Elizabeth G. Figa, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
University of North Texas
School of Library and Information Sciences
Information Sciences Building, Room 216
P.O. Box 311068
Denton, TX 76203-1068
Work: (940) 565-2187
Fax: (940) 565-3101
Email: efiga@lis.admin.unt.edu
WWW: http://courses.unt.edu/efiga/Figa/

REQUIRED COURSE MATERIALS

Students are highly encouraged to order in advance the required course text.

PLEASE NOTE:  There have been some serious problems in the past with the UNT Bookstore.  I highly recommend getting your textbook directly from the publisher or a commercial book seller.  For your course packet, once you place your order, I would check back within two to three days on its processing status.  Call the SLIS Office toll-free via 877-275-7547 and tell the staff you need to follow-up with your course packet order and ask to be transferred to the bookstore.

1. Required Text:  Super Simple Storytelling: A Can Do Guide for Every Classroom, Every Day.  Kendall Haven.  Libraries Unlimited. 2000.  Ordering Suggestions (see a - c):

a.  Direct from Libraries Unlimited via toll-free number 800-237-6124 -- select sales/ordering OR via the Libraries Unlimited Website:  www.lu.com. Cost is $25.00.  Shipping is free via U.S. mail and takes two weeks.  Shipping via UPS ground takes 5 days to Texas and costs $6.00.

b.  Order from the UNT Bookstore (contact them for pricing and shipping times):
http://www.untb.bkstr.com

c.  Order from another online bookstore (contact them for pricing and shipping times):
www.efollet.com
www.amazon.com
www.bn.com
www.collegebookzone.com
www.textbooksatcost.com
www.varsitybooks.com
www.textbooksource.net
www.classbook.com

2.  Required Text:  Current Citation Manual of your choice.  Students are required to have a citation manual for this course -- you may choose the manual of your choice.  The nature of this course requires citation usage in several assignments and you will be served in good stead to have a manual that you own to use as a ready reference tool.

        SELECTED RECOMMENDED MANUALS (CHOOSE ONE): 

Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (5th ed.). (2001). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association. 

MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers (6th ed.). (2003). New York: Modern Language Association of America.

urabian, Kate L. A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations (6th ed.) (1996). Chicago: University of Chicago Press.

TECHNOLOGY

Required Course Technology

Reliable Internet access is required.  WebCT is the course management software used at UNT, and WebCT recommends that you use either of the following browsers (note that some versions of each browser are not supported):

• Microsoft Internet Explorer: version 5.0 to 5.5 SP2 
  Version 5.5 Service Pack 1 and 6.0 not supported
• Netscape Navigator: 4.5x, 4.6x, and all versions of 4.7 except 4.78 
  Version 4.78 and 6.0 not supported. 

You can check how well your browser works with WebCT by going to the following page: http://courses.unt.edu/webct/student/student.htm. Once on that page, click on Check Your Browser.

This course requires that students have computing technology and equipment specifications as follows:
1. Hardware.  See the SLIS Technology Requirements for hardware components to support WebCT.
2. Streaming Media Player.  To view the storytelling videos of guest artists, you will need to have a streaming video player with speakers to hear the audio. The free utility RealPlayer may be downloaded by going to http://www.real.com/ and looking at the lower right hand frame for an icon that says, "Real One Player, Free Player Download" or go to Free RealOne Player. If for some reason, it does not work, you can try to download an older version of RealPlayer from: http://proforma.real.com/real/player/blackjack.html. Windows Media Player is the default for streaming video that comes with Windows 98, 2000, NT, and ME.
3. Digital Audio Recording Software.  You will need to download PureVoice. Link to: PureVoice which will begin the download of this free software to your computer.  Installation instructions are located at the PureVoice site.
4. Microphone.  You will need a microphone to record digital audio files.
5. Videotaping Equipment. Students are required to submit a video taping of a two-minute story and a storytelling program performance and therefore must acquire access to and/or rent recording equipment and learn how to use it.

6. Required Technology and Software.  Please see also the Technology Requirements and Support page located in the introduction folder.

ASSIGNMENTS

Please see the Assignments Icon on the course home page for details on these Assignments.
1. Full participation in all class activities, exercises, forum discussions, etc.
2. Pure Voice Test File Submission (not a graded assignment)
3. First Person Experience Storytelling Performance. (digital audio file).
4. One-Week Story Journal.
5. Storytelling Performance. (digital audio file submission).
6. Storytelling Performance  with an Audience "Mini Concert" (Video and text submission)
7. Research Project: A Thematic Story Collection.

Grading Criteria
This course requires a high level of participation.  Assignments are staggered with even regularity.  Students should notify the instructor at the earliest convenience of an emergency or changing situation that may effect assignment deliverables -- all due consideration will be given.  In extreme cases of extended absences for medical purposes, a doctor's letter may be requested.

• Priority is given to expeditiously return assignments with grades and meaningful comments; student assistance with submitting assignments on due dates will facilitate this. 
• This course will have high student enrollment and because of the weekly rigor required, students are urged to stay on top of their weekly deliverables.  Late assignments, late storytelling performances, etc., are not accepted.
• If a student absolutely cannot meet a deadline due to an emergency situation and notifies the instructor in advance, late assignment grading will be negotiated with generosity. Without this notification or an extension by the instructor, unsubmitted assignments will receive zero points.
• All students are required to submit the final course assignment. Students who fail to submit the final assignment will receive an (I) Incomplete for the course. The Incomplete grade (I) will be changed to a letter grade once the final assignment is submitted for computing into the final point total.

Incomplete Grades
The Graduate Catalog http://www.unt.edu/catalogs/ describes and explains grading policies. A grade of Incomplete (I) will be given only for a justifiable reason and only if the student is passing the course. The student is responsible for contacting the instructor to request an incomplete and discuss requirements for completing the course if an approval is agreed upon.  If an incomplete is not removed within the time frame agreed upon by instructor and student, the instructor may assign a grade of F.

Withdrawal from the Course
The Graduate Catalog http://www.unt.edu/catalogs/ describes and explains withdrawal policies and deadlines.  The UNT semester course schedule lists specific deadlines. A grade of Withdraw (W) or Withdraw-Failing (WF) will be given depending on a student's participation and grades to date. Please note that a student who simply stops participating and does not file a UNT withdrawal form may receive an F.

Online Participation
Students are required to use WebCT to submit and exchange assignments electronically and contribute to online discussions. In online discussions, this means substantive remarks on directed discussion topics beyond merely agreeing or disagreeing without justification or support.  Points may be deducted for substandard contributions.  Students are also expected to visit the site on a regular basis to read and respond to communications and course material.  WebCT enables faculty to track where and when students visit various areas of the course site, times of first and last logins, and number of conference postings. This information is used, in part, in determining the participation grade for the course.

In class discussions and group assignments, both onsite and online, instructors and students are expected to demonstrate professional and courteous behavior. This means interacting in a supportive and tactful manner based on mutual respect for each other's ideas and approaches. 

Assignment Competencies
SLIS 5440 requires the following kinds of intellectual and communication competencies:

• Applying analytical thinking and problem-solving skills for information synthesis and response
• Professional style writing
• Literature searching using library catalogs and indexes and Web search engines
• Following specific assignment instructions
• Working cooperative in one small-group assignment
• Meeting assignment deadlines

Effort Expected
This is a three-credit-hour course. Students can expect to work 3 - 4 hours per week for each credit hour.  This means students may spend about 9 - 12 hours a week on readings, assignments, discussions, and story preparation.

ADA INFORMATION

Any student with a disability that will require accommodation under the terms of federal regulations must let the instructor know on the first day of class and present a written accommodations request to the instructor by the second week of class. Copies of the University of North Texas Policy on Disability Accommodations are available through the main office. Questions or concerns about discrimination on the basis of disability or about equal educational opportunities for persons with disabilities should be directed to Cassandra Berry, Equal Opportunity Office, Room 203, Administration Building, 565-2456. Information concerning specific accommodations to provide equal opportunities is available from Steve Pickett or Jane Jones, Office of Disability Accommodation, Suite 324, Union, 565-4323.

IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR F-1 STUDENTS

THIS NOTICE WAS SENT FROM THE INTERNATIONAL STUDIES AND PROGRAMS OFFICE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS.  REFER ANY QUESTIONS OR BROKEN LINKS TO THEM:

To read INS regulations for F-1 students taking online courses, please go to this website http://www.international.unt.edu/advising/students/immigration.htm 

A Final Rule with clarifications on the restriction can be found in a pdf file located at http://uscis.gov/graphics/lawsregs/fr121102.pdf  Within this document, refer to Section IX on page 9 with the subject header "Online and Distance Education Courses."

To comply with immigration regulations, an F-1 visa holder within the United States may need to engage in an on-campus experiential component for this course. This component (which must be approved in advance by the instructor) can include activities such as taking an on-campus exam, participating in an on-campus lecture or lab activity, or other on-campus experience integral to the completion of this course.
If such an on-campus activity is required, it is the student's responsibility to do the following:
(1) Submit a written request to the instructor for an on-campus experiential component within one week of the start of the course.
(2) Ensure that the activity on campus takes place and the instructor documents it in writing with a notice sent to the International Advising Office. The UNT International Advising Office has a form available that you may use for this purpose.

Because the decision may have serious immigration consequences, if an F-1 student is unsure about his or her need to participate in an on-campus experiential component for this course, s/he should contact the UNT International Advising Office (telephone 940-565-2195 or email international@unt.edu) to get clarification before the one-week deadline.

Policy on Academic Misconduct:
Plagiarism and cheating

* read carefully -- THIS POLICY WILL BE ENFORCED *

SLIS Academic Misconduct Policy
SLISAcademicMisconductPolicy_4_15_2005.pdf

Campus Policy
I support and will enforce the University of North Texas policies concerning academic misconduct.  Please consult the University of North Texas Center for Student Rights and Responsibilities including the Code of Student Conduct which include the following text: 

Categories of Misconduct
Misconduct for which students are subject to discipline falls into the following categories:

Acts of Dishonesty, including but not limited to:

1. Academic dishonesty - cheating. The term "cheating" includes, but is not limited to:
   1. copying or any unauthorized assistance in taking quizzes, tests, or examinations,
   2. dependence upon the aid of sources beyond those authorized by the instructor in writing papers, preparing reports, solving problems, or carrying out other assignments,
   3. the acquisition, without permission, of tests or other academic material belonging to a faculty member, staff member or student of the university, or
   4. dual submission of a paper or project, or resubmission of a paper or project to a different class without express permission from the instructor(s).
   5. any other act designed to give a student an unfair advantage.
2. Academic dishonesty - plagiarism. The term "plagiarism" includes, but is not limited to:
    
   1. the knowing or negligent use by paraphrase or direct quotation of the published or unpublished work of another person without full and clear acknowledgement and
   2. the knowing or negligent unacknowledged use of materials prepared by another person or by an agency engaged in the selling of term papers or other academic materials.

Cheating and disciplinary action for cheating is defined by the UNT Policy Manual Code of Student Conduct and Discipline. Cheating is an act of academic dishonesty. It is defined and will be handled as follows: "Plagiarism and cheating refer to the use of unauthorized books, notes, or otherwise securing help in a test; copying tests, assignments, reports, or term papers; representing the work of another as one's own; collaborating, without authority, with another student during an examination or in preparing academic work; or otherwise practicing scholastic dishonesty."

"Academic dishonesty matters may first be considered by the faculty member who may assign penalties such as failing, reduction or changing of a grade in a test, course, assignment, or other academic work, denial of a degree and/or performing additional academic work not required of other students in the course. If the student does not accept the decision of the faculty member, he/she may have his/her case heard by the academic department chairperson or head for review of his/her case. If the student does not accept the decision of the academic department chairperson, he/she may then follow the normal appeal procedures listed in Disciplinary Procedures."

Dr. Figa's Penalties for Academic Misconduct

1.  First offense in this course:

• Zero points on the related assignment.
• Final course grade will be reduced by one complete letter grade. 
• Student will be referred to the Center for Student Rights and Responsibilities, Student Development Office, Committee on Student Conduct. http://www.unt.edu/csrr/csrr_home.htm
• The incident will be reported to the SLIS Dean.
• Documentation on the incident will be placed into the student's file in SLIS.
• No negotiation on penalties will take place with students and/or their advisors.
• No incomplete grade will be given under any circumstance for incidents of cheating or plagiarism.
• For grievous infractions such as, but not limited to, a systematic or collaboratory cheating or plagiarism event:  An assignment of F (Fail) for the final course grade may be issued in the case of a first offense.

2.  Second offense in this course: 

• Assignment of F (Fail) for the final course grade.
• Student will be referred to the Center for Student Rights and Responsibilities, Student Development Office, Committee on Student Conduct. http://www.unt.edu/csrr/csrr_home.htm
• The incident will be reported to the SLIS Dean.
• Documentation on the incident will be placed into the student's file in SLIS.
• No negotiation on penalties will take place with students and/or their advisors.
• No incomplete grade will be given under any circumstance for incidents of cheating or plagiarism.

Elizabeth Figa's Philosophy of Hope for Good Work by All
I will give you 100% of my best as your teacher and will incorporate into my work in this class all that I ask of you:  Be who you are. Do your best. Use good judgment. Trust your instincts. Participate fairly. Help others. Be kind and generous in thought and deed. Give credit where credit is due. Pat yourself on the back for a job well done. 

THE THREE COURSE UNITS
13 MODULES AND  RESEARCH PROJECT

ONLINE CHATS ARE SCHEDULED THROUGHOUT THE SEMESTER AND WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN ADVANCE.

THE END OF SYLLABUS