I was able to post on the blog!

Some of you mentioned today that you had problems posting on the blog. I used my BSU e-mail address and it worked just fine. Try again and let me know if you can't figure it out. Or stop by my office and I'll help you. Louise

CAUCUSES, Tuesday, Feb. 5 (GET INVOLVED!)

Some of you had asked about where caucuses are held. I just discovered that BSU will have caucus training for students Wednesday, January 31, at 6 p.m. in the Crying Wolf room. You can find out where to go and how to be a good caucuser. Should be very interesting. I urge you to do so.

If you can't make that meeting, you can still find out where you caucus by going to the Website for the Minnesota Secretary of State (just Google that term) and look for the hyperlink called "caucus finder." You need to enter your zip code and/or county, then your address and just like magic, your caucus site will appear, complete with a Google map and directions. The miracles of modern technology.

Also, check out the news stories on the recently announced financial troubles of the Minneapolis Star Tribune. I will share with you an e-mail from our NY Times rep I just received with his theory about which papers are in trouble and why.

See you next Tuesday! Louise

What's in the news? January 28

Post your comments here.

COURSE SYLLABUS: Advanced Communication Seminar

Syllabus for MASC 4800: Advanced Communication Seminar
Spring 2008, Tuesdays, 3-4:40., Bg 209
Note: Class meets only until spring break

Instructor: Louise Mengelkoch LMengelkoch@bemidjistate.edu
Phone: 755-3358 Office: Bg 214
Office hours: M & T 10-12 & by appointment

Seminar:

1. a. A small group of advanced students in a college or graduate school engaged in original research or intensive study under the guidance of a professor who meets regularly with them to discuss their reports and findings.
b. A course of study so pursued.
c. A scheduled meeting of such a group.
2. A meeting for an exchange of ideas; a conference.
(www.dictionary.com)

Required text:

Daily editions of The New York Times. Sign up at the bookstore immediately. You MUST have the hard copy edition, not the on-line.

Class Format:

We will discuss the news each week. (This sounds simple, but it’s not always easy!) You will each be assigned some news topic or section on which to report each week. You will be responsible for giving us an oral report (summary and response) each week and to participate in discussion. In addition, you will post your report to the course blog (www.masc4800.blogspot.com).

There will be no final exam, since this is a one-credit course.

Grading:

Written reports: Up to 50 pts.
Oral presentations/discussion: Up to 50 pts.

A = 90+
B = 80-89
C = 70-79
D = 60-69
F = < 60

NOTE: New York Times discussion group meets Mondays at noon in the Scandinavian Room. Free lunch. E-mail me to sign up. You receive no extra credit for this, but it will probably help you keep up with the reading. And it’s actually kind of fun!