Journal (10%)

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TLDR: You will keep a weekly journal during the semester. This is a chance to connect our class discussions with readings and a place to experiment with your own ideas. The goal of the journal is to give you a source of materials to use for your Midterm and your Final. These entries are about one page and we’ll give your various prompts during class sessions. At the end of the day, these are your notes. The better you can make them, the easier your final and mid term will be.

Grade: Letter grade for completion, due at the end of every week.

Instructions:

Each entry should reflect your engagement with the daily topic and demonstrate your active participation in class discussions. Your commitment to regularly completing your journal entries will be an indicator of your attendance and participation in the course.

Remember to emphasize the importance of regular journal entries, as they will serve as a valuable resource for review, reflection, and preparation for the assessments. Make connections between the daily topics, readings, with your own experiences, in hopes of fostering deeper understanding and critical thinking skills.

You will have designated time during class sessions to write your journal entries. This allows for immediate reflection and capture of your thoughts while the discussions are fresh in your mind. Make sure to bring an electronic device for this purpose.

Purpose of the Journal: The weekly journal serves as a tool for you to capture your thoughts, insights, and reflections on the topics discussed during each class session. It will also aid in your preparation for the midterm and final assessments.
Journal Format: Your journal entries should be concise and informal, serving as notes rather than formal text. Aim for approximately 200 to 300 words per entry (about one page).
Alignment with Daily Topics: Each journal entry should directly relate to the specific topic discussed during the class session. Reflect on the key points, ideas, and ethical considerations covered in the conversation. These prompts will be given during class days.
Reflective Thinking: Engage in reflective thinking by considering how the daily topic relates to your own experiences, prior knowledge, and observations in the field of AI ethics in communication. Think critically about the implications, challenges, and potential solutions discussed. (This one is important!)
Connections to Readings: Draw connections between the daily topic and the assigned readings. Identify relevant concepts, theories, or arguments from the readings that align with or challenge the discussions held in class. Reference specific passages or authors to support your reflections.
Preparation for Assessments: Use your journal entries as a tool to consolidate your understanding and review the material covered in class. Consider how the daily topics might be relevant to the midterm and final assessments, and note any questions or areas that require further exploration.
Grading Criteria: Journal entries will be graded for completion. Your entries should demonstrate thoughtful engagement with the daily topics and show evidence of active participation in class discussions. While the focus is on completion, strive for clarity and coherence in your notes.