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 to create 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 315-741-1531

Office hours by appointment only Email cadischi@syr.edu

Meeting time Location

IST 444 – Information Reporting and Presentation

4. 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.

5. PRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE MADE UP.... REPEAT... PRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE MADE UP.

Assessment:

Assignments Due Date Total Pts.

Participation/Discussion Throughout semester 100

Who R U? Improv! Verbal Graffiti

1/17 1/19 1/19

20 20 20

Word Play! 1/26 20

Information Presentation

Week 3&4 20/20/15

Interview Observation 2/9 20

The Great Debate 2/9 20

Persuasive Presentation Prep Sheet/ Speech/ Reflection

Week 5&6 20/20/15

Resume/Cover Letter/ LinkedIn

2/23 15/15/15

Prezi Presentation

2/28, 3/2

30

You're Hired! Interview 3/7 30

Mini-Excel - Part 1 3/21 15

Mini-Excel - Part 2 3/30 15

Poster board Presentation (Company Materials)

3/28, 3/30 30

Coffee Break

4/6

20

Excel Lab 4/18 30

Print Ad./Co. pamphlet/Commercial 4/25 25/25/20

Final Presentation 4/27, 5/2 100

TOTAL 715

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%

Tentative Course Calendar:

Week Date Class Subject Assigned Assignment(s) Due 1

1/17 1/19

Introduction/Syllabus Who are you? Lecture: Public Speaking Improv!

Who R U reflection Verbal Graffiti

Who R U reflection

2 1/24 1/26

Lecture: Non-Verbal Communication Word Play!

Information Presentation

* Verbal Graffiti

3 1/31 2/2

Information Presentation Information Presentation

* Information Prep Sheet (if presenting this class) * Information Prep Sheet (if presenting this class)

4

2/7 2/9

Information Presentation Lecture: Persuasive Presenting The Great Debate!

Interview Observation Persuasive Presentation

* Information Prep Sheet (if presenting this class) * Interview Observation

5

2/14 2/16

Persuasive Presentation Persuasive Presentation

* Presentation Reflection

(If presented last class)

6

2/21 2/23

Persuasive Presentation Cover letter/Resume/Social Media

Cover letter/Resume Prezi Pres./Pecha Kucha Style

*Persuasive Prep Sheet (if presenting this class) *Cover letter/Resume

7

2/28 3/2

Prezi Pre./Pecha Kucha Style Prezi Pres./Pecha Kucha Style Lecture: Business Profile

You're Hired! Interview

* Final CL/Resume

* Prezi Pres./Pecha Kucha Style

8

3/7 3/9

Create Company Profile/Focus Group Mini Excel - Part 1

Mini-Excel - Part 1

* You're Hired! Interview

SPRING Break!!!

9

3/21 3/23

Lecture: C.R.A.P Mini Excel - Part 2

Posterboard Pres.

* Mini Excel - Part 1

10 3/28 3/30

Posterboard Presentation Posterboard Presentation

Coffee Break Pitch

* Posterboard Presentation Mini Excel - Part 2

11

4/4 4/6

Lecture: Pitching Coffee Break Pitches

BIG Excel

* Coffee Break Pitches

12

4/11 4/13

Big Excel Company Financials

13 4/18 4/20

Ad/Pamphlet/Commercial Ad/Pamphlet/Commercial

* BIG Excel

14 4/25 4/27

Final Presentations

15 5/2 Final Presentations That's all Folks!

Assignment Summary:

Presentations:

1. Informational Presentation: (Individual) Basic 3 minute presentation, focusing on information organization

and basic presentation skills. You may use any presentation software to present your topic. (Powerpoint, Prezi,

overhead, chalk board! Etc.)

This will be an informative presentation on any topic you choose. Pick a topic that you know well and

are passionate about.

2. Persuasive Presentation: (Individual) Basic 3 minute presentation on technology, such as software,

hardware, apps, etc. You will be using a persuasive organizational structure and developed presentation skills.

Must be on TECHNOLOGY!

3. Prezi (Individual)

Pecha Kucha: simple presentation format where you show 9 images for 20 seconds each slide

using a Prezi slideshow. (Total: 3 minutes) The images advance automatically and you talk along

to the images.

Must be technology based. (choose different technology than persuasive)

Use prezi to create an engaging, animated presentation to maintain audience's attention.

4. Posterboard Presentation: (Group): Using a posterboard, your company will present basic company

components. History of Company, mission statement, vision statement, logo, stationary, location,

employee’s, etc.

5. Coffee Break Pitch: (individual) After your companies are formed, 30 - 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 executive during the one remaining minute of your break. Assume there will

be interruptions or questions, so be prepared.

3o-60 seconds to gain interest of your possible investor.

6. FINAL Presentation: (Group)

Each group will create a video (Commercial) and prepare a presentation, using excel and prezi, to “sell” their

company to potential investors as well as preparing an accompanying handout. Each “page” of the handout

should be on a different part of the topic; organizing the information is important. The layout, design, spelling,

grammar, and details of this handout matter. The brochure should be designed from scratch; do not use a

template. Each group only needs 1 copy of the pamphlet on the day that the videos/presentations just for me!

However the pamphlet will be shown during your final presentation.

Homework:

Resume/Cover letter: 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 or job that

leads into your ideal job, 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. Every aspect of this

resume is important, as it is what stands between you and making a good impression. Typographical and

grammatical perfection is your goal – one typo or grammar problem on a resume for a competitive

position will result in your resume going into the trash. No templates should be used for this assignment.

You're Hired! Interview: Complete a mock job interview to obtain your ideal career. This presentation is a way to

sell yourself, an opportunity to practice your persuasive speaking abilities specifically about you.

Excel: 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. For each visualization, should reflect profit’s, expenses, etc. of your company.

Completely made up numbers that need to be realistic.

Event Flyer &/or Print Advertisement: Create a 1-page flyer for an event that your company is holding. This should

have all of the important details, such as time, place, cost, contact information, company information and a short

blurb about the event. No templates should be used for this assignment.

Commercial: Create a 30 seconds commercial using software product you feel comfortable using. Must be

included in your final presentation.

Pamphlet: One page color print pamphlet similar to pamphlets you find in doctor’s office’s, schools, etc.

Use pamphlet as a marketing tool for your company advertising a specific product. The pamphlet should

combine textual information and graphics.

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.