Home » Syllabus

Syllabus

Subject to Change

Course Description

Content Strategy and Content Management Fundamentals will introduce the concepts of content strategy as defined by Kristina Halvorsen: “Planning for the creation, delivery, and governance of useful, usable content”; and provide practical experience in implementing a content strategy using database-enabled content management systems.

Required Materials

Textbooks:

These books have been chosen carefully. They are used by professionals in the field of content strategy and content management on a regular, sometimes daily, basis. If you intend to pursue a career in interactive and online media then you should purchase these for your bookshelf.

  • Halvorson, Kristina, and Melissa Rach. Content Strategy for the Web. 2nd ed. Berkeley, CA: New Riders, 2012. Print. ISBN 978-0321808301. Available for FREE through the Walker Library O’Reilly collection. Not ordered for the Phillips Bookstore. Available new and used on services like Abe Books.
  • Hortin, Andrew. EasyWP Guide – WordPress 6.2: A simple, easy-to-read WordPress Manual. 2023. Available for FREE online. Download.

Supplemental:

Other reading as assigned. YOU ARE REQUIRED TO READ OR VIEW ASSIGNED MATERIAL BEFORE CLASS. We may or may not review that material in class.

LinkedIn Learning Courses

Complete these courses and upload the course certificate to the appropriate Dropbox. Each course is worth 50 points. (Complete up to two optional courses for 25 points extra credit.) SEE Schedule for deadlines. You can access the entire course collection on LinkedIn Learning.

Optional courses for extra credit

All MTSU students now have full access to LinkedIn Learning, an online library of tutorials. You can use these courses (and others) as needed for the various projects you work on. When you complete a course you will receive a certificate that can be automagically uploaded to your LinkedIn profile under “Licenses & certifications.” The courses can also be listed on your résumé.

Additional References

Check the Walker Library for the availability of the following books.

  • Addey, Dave. Content Management Systems. Birmingham: Glasshaus, 2002. Print.
  • Bailie, Rahel Anne, and Noz Urbina. Content Strategy: Connecting the Dots between Business Brand and Benefits. S.l.: Xml Press, 2013. Print.
  • Bloomstein, Margot. Content Strategy at Work: Real-World Stories to Strengthen Every Interactive Project. Waltham, MA: Morgan Kaufmann, 2012. Print.
  • Casey, Meghan. The Content Strategy Toolkit: Methods, Guidelines, and Templates for Getting Content Right. San Francisco, California: New Riders, 2015. Print. Voices That Matter.
  • Handley, Ann. Everybody Writes: Your Go-to Guide to Creating Ridiculously Good Content. Hoboken, New Jersey: Wiley, 2014. Print.
  • Kissane, Erin. The Elements of Content Strategy. New York: A Book Apart, 2011. Print. Brief Books for People Who Make Websites 3.
  • Land, Paula Ladenburg. Content Audits and Inventories: A Handbook. Laguna Hills, California: XML Press, 2014. Print.
  • Rawlins, Nathan, and Inc Serena Software. Web Content Management for Dummies®. Indianapolis, IN: Wiley Pub., Inc., 2004. Print.
  • Redish, Janice. Letting Go of the Words: Writing Web Content That Works. Amsterdam ; Boston: Elsevier/Morgan Kaufmann Publishers, 2007. Print. The Morgan Kaufmann Series in Interactive Technologies.
  • Rockley, Ann, and Charles Cooper. Managing Enterprise Content: A Unified Content Strategy. 2nd ed. Berkeley, CA: New Riders, 2012. Print.
  • Wachter-Boettcher, Sara. Content Everywhere: Strategy and Structure for Future-Ready Content. Brooklyn, N.Y: Rosenfeld Media, 2012. Print.

Keep up With the Industry

The easiest way is to stay up to date on content strategy and content management topics you should subscribe (free) to at least one (or all) of the following websites. Read articles from them daily. We will talk about current events in every class.

Blogs

The best way to keep up with blogs and websites is by using their RSS feed. You’ll need mobile, desktop, or online software to read RSS feeds. I recommend Feedly, a web/mobile app and browser plugin.

Podcasts

Listen at 1.5 to 2X

Copyright and Course Assignments

Any creative work that has been “fixed in a tangible medium of expression” is covered by copyright law. All materials used in a project must be either supplied by the client, created by you specifically for the project and therefore owned by the client or obtained specifically for the project. Copyrighted material may only be used with written or emailed permission of the copyright holder(s). If you use your personal material for your client you should either grant them the rights or negotiate a fee for use. Other allowed materials include Creative Commons and Public Domain materials used with proper attribution. If you decide to use copyrighted materials under the Fair Use guidelines you must provide written justification to the instructor describing the use of the material and the instructor will make a determination of your usage; the instructor’s negative determination is final. Since all of your project material will be published publically there is the risk that your interpretation of Fair Use and that of a copyright holder or court will differ. Which may open you up to a lawsuit, which you will probably lose, and which will cost you a lot of money. Proceed at your own risk.

Dress Code

Regular Class Days: What you wear to school.

Presentation Days: Business or business casual attire. NO faded jeans, tee shirts, no logos on any clothing item, midriff tops, sneakers, hiking boots, hats, hoodies, no exceptions. Acceptable clothing includes dark or light jeans, dress slacks, collared shirts, skirts, and dresses.

You will be required to present your projects a number of times during the semester. You are required to dress professionally for these presentations. If you do not have professional attire you will need to get some. Either bring it from your parent’s home, purchase some (Goodwill), or visit the MTSU Career Closet in the KUC.

If you don’t think or aren’t sure if what you’re wearing is acceptable attire then it probably isn’t. See the examples here.

Professional business attire will be the minimum for every meeting or interview before you’re hired. After you’re hired you can dress appropriately for the environment or your role. Asking about this during your interview is ok.

Mechanics, Levers, and Gears

We will use the Desire2Learn system for grades only and assignment turn-in. The link is available on the main PipelineMT page. Bookmark it and visit it. WE WILL NOT USE THE D2L EMAIL SYSTEM. All emails between me and you must be between your mtmail email account and my mtsu.edu email account.

Assignment Submission Requirements

  • No name on a submitted document: Failure to include your name on the submitted assignment – lose one full grade point, i.e. a B becomes a C, etc.
  • Up to 7 days late:  The assignment will lose one full grade point, i.e. a B becomes a C, etc.
  • 8 or more days late: The assignment receives a 0 grade

Evaluation/Grading

You may receive up to 1300 points this semester for the work that you do. Assignments are subject to change. I expect professional behavior. That’s your contract. My side of the bargain is providing you with valuable work to do.

  • LinkedIn Learning Courses – 150 points
  • Content Strategy Project – 500 points
  • Content Managed Website – 500 points
  • Content Strategy/Content Management Presentation – 150 points
 Points Grade
1203-1300 A/A-
1034-1202 B-/B/B+
943-1033 C/C+
904-942 C-
774-903 D-/D/D+
0 – 773 F

NOTE: A grade of C or better is required for all Media and Entertainment major and minor students. You will be required to repeat the course if you receive a grade of C- or lower. This course is only offered in the fall semester.

Midterm grades

The University has instituted midterm grade reporting. Your midterm grade is based on a small fraction of the work that will determine your final grade. Your midterm grade should not be interpreted as a strong indication of what your final grade may be. Most of your final grade will be determined by how you perform in the second half of the semester.

Attendance

Regular attendance, active participation in class discussions, and a demonstrated grasp of major concepts are essential for obtaining a good grade in this course. If you will miss class due to illness or incident you must contact me by email BEFORE the scheduled class that you will miss and explain your absence. I may require documentation that explains your absence.

COVID Information

You should not attend an on-ground, in-person class if you are ill, have any symptoms listed in Policy 311-A, Section VI.A. (scroll down the page) PreClass COVID-19 Self-Assessment, have tested positive for COVID-19, or have been in close contact with others who have tested positive.  If you have tested positive or have been in close contact with someone who has, you should self-quarantine. Keep me informed regarding your status when you are absent from class. Act with good faith and honesty when determining if you should attend class.

FREE COVID testing is available in Student Health Services. Students will get same-day results from the testing.

FREE vaccinations may be available at Student Health Services in the Campus Rec Center. The vaccine clinic has both the J&J and the Moderna.

Academic Misconduct Policy

Middle Tennessee State University takes a strong stance against academic misconduct. Academic Misconduct includes but is not limited to, plagiarism, cheating, and fabrication. Academic Misconduct: Plagiarism, cheating, fabrication, or facilitating any such act. For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:

  • Plagiarism: The adoption or reproduction of ideas, words, statements, images, or works of another person as one’s own without proper attribution. This includes self-plagiarism, which occurs when an author submits material or research from a previous academic exercise to satisfy the requirements of another exercise and uses it without proper citation of its reuse.
  • Cheating: Using or attempting to use unauthorized materials, information, or study aids in any academic exercise. This includes unapproved collaboration, which occurs when a student works with others on an academic exercise without the express permission of the professor. The term academic exercise includes all forms of work submitted for credit or hours.
  • Fabrication: Unauthorized falsification or invention of any information or citation in an academic exercise.

To be clear: going online and taking information without proper citations, copying parts of other students’ work, creating information for the purposes of making your paper seem more official, or anything involving taking someone else’s thoughts or ideas without proper attribution is academic misconduct. If you work together on an assignment when it is not allowed, it is academic misconduct. If you have a question about an assignment, please come see me to clarify. Any cases of academic misconduct will be reported to the Office of Academic Affairs for violating the academic honesty requirements in the student handbook. They will also result in failure of the course. Remember – ignorance is NOT a defense.

Artificial Intelligence

The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to produce content without proper attribution or authorization, when an assignment does not explicitly call or allow for it, is plagiarism. See above for the penalties. AI technology is always changing and identifying AI-generated content is always changing. Use generative AI at your own risk.

Student Resources

Frequently Used Student Resources

Technical Support

Students who experience technical problems including, but not limited to, logging into their course, timing out of their course, and using the course website tools, should be encouraged to contact the MTSU Help Desk online (24/7) or at 1-615-898-5345.

Diversity

Negative statements about race, class, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, or religion will not be tolerated.  Please choose your words carefully and be mindful of differences in this classroom. Students who violate this policy may incur grade deductions and/or be asked to leave.

Your Mental Health

As a college student, you may experience a range of challenges and issues that can interfere with your physical and mental well-being, hinder your academic experience, and negatively impact your daily life.  Some of these experiences may include overwhelming depression/sadness, anxiety, high levels of stress, use of alcohol/drugs, difficulty sleeping, difficulty concentrating, and/or loss of motivation. If you or any of your classmates are experiencing these issues, it is important to reach out and ask for help.  Discuss your situation with a friend, a family member, your instructor, or an academic advisor.  Remember that everyone struggles.  It’s okay to talk about it.  Ask for help.  YOU ARE NOT ALONE! For assistance contact MTSU Counseling Services, KUC 326S, 615-898-2670 (free for students) or MTSU Center for Counseling and Psychological Services, Miller Education Center, 503 East Bell Street, Suite 100, Murfreesboro, TN, 615-898-2271 (Free for students and staff). If you or someone you know is thinking about harming themselves call the national 988 line for help.

Tutoring

Free tutoring is available in study skills, learning strategies, and several courses such as biology, physics, history, computer information systems, math, psychology, economics, the recording industry, and many more. 

The central location for tutoring is the Tutoring Spot, located in Walker Library.  For available tutoring opportunities, including days, times, and locations, visit the Tutoring Spot page. 

You are encouraged to take advantage of this free service.

Tutoring is also available for some courses in the College of Media and Entertainment. Visit your department office for more information.

The Writing Center

The Margaret H. Ordoubadian University Writing Center is located in LIB 362 and online at www.mtsu.edu/writing-center. Here, students can receive valuable (and FREE!) one-to-one assistance in person or online on writing projects for any course. Please make your appointment by stopping by LIB 362, calling 615-904-8237, or visiting the UWC website.  Visit early and often!

Walker Library

For additional resources for research and continual learning, please learn and use the various online research gateways at MTSU’s Walker Library, and to the Walker Library’s Distance Learning site. Links to library materials (such as electronic journals, databases, interlibrary loans, digital reserves, dictionaries, encyclopedias, maps, and librarian support) and Internet resources needed by students to complete online assignments and as background reading will be included in course materials.

Grade Appeals

University Policy 313, Student Grade Appeals, provides an avenue for MTSU students to appeal a final course grade in cases in which the student alleges that unethical or unprofessional actions by the instructor and/or grading inequities improperly impacted the final grade.

Title IX

Students who believe they have been harassed discriminated against or been the victim of sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, or stalking should contact a Title IX/Deputy Coordinator at 615-898- 2185 or 615-898-2750 for assistance or review MTSU’s Title IX website for resources. MTSU faculty are concerned about the well-being and development of our students and are legally obligated to share reports of sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking with the University’s Title IX coordinator to help ensure students’ safety and welfare. Please refer to MTSU’s Title IX website for contact information and details. For Students With Special Needs Middle Tennessee State University is committed to campus access in accordance with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973.  Any student interested in reasonable accommodations can consult the Disability & Access Center (DAC) website www.mtsu.edu/dac and/or contact the DAC for assistance at 615-898-2783 or dacemail@mtsu.edu.

Last Day Of Attendance

At mid-semester, the MTSU Records Office will distribute a list of students enrolled in this class. The instructor will record on the list the last date of attendance for students who have ceased attending but have not officially dropped or withdrawn from the class. The attendance record is to comply with federal financial aid regulations for students receiving aid.

Lottery Scholarship

Do you have a lottery scholarship? To retain the Tennessee Education Lottery Scholarship eligibility, you must earn a cumulative TELS GPA of 2.75 after 24 and 48 attempted hours and a cumulative TELS GPA of 3.0 thereafter. A grade of C, D, F, FA, or I in this class may negatively impact TELS eligibility. 

If you drop this class, withdraw, or stop attending this class, you may lose eligibility for your lottery scholarship, and you may not be able to regain eligibility.

For additional Lottery rules, please refer to your Lottery Statement of Understanding form or contact your MT One Stop Enrollment Counselor.

Outreach and Support Programs

The MTSU community is committed to the academic achievement of each student, and we know that struggling to address basic needs can affect a student’s ability to perform academically. If you are having trouble finding a safe and stable place to live or enough food to eat, please contact Melanie Crowder, 615-898-2808 / Melanie.Crowder@mtsu.edu ), come by the MTSU Food Pantry at the MT One Stop, or speak with your instructor to get the assistance and resources you need. 

Emergencies in the Classroom

Faculty and students who do not follow University policies and instructions during emergencies and emergency drills are individually liable.
Emergency plans and instructions

A list of safest places for each building during a tornado can be found at the MTSU Alert4U Tornado information page. University instructions during emergencies are sent via email, phone calls, and text messages. University websites will also be updated with the latest information. You are encouraged to plan ahead for emergencies.

Are You Registered to Vote?

Please check your registration, register for the first time, or re-register at your new address at mtsu.edu/vote.

Guests in the Classroom

Students may not bring guests or children to the class without prior approval from the faculty/instructor.

The True Blue Pledge

I am True Blue
As a member of this diverse community, I am a valuable contributor to its progress and success.
I am engaged in the life of this community. I am a recipient and a giver. I am a listener and a speaker. I am honest in word and deed. I am committed to reason, not violence. I am a learner now and forever. I am a BLUE RAIDER. True Blue! 

Leave a comment

Student Hours

Bragg 203
o. 615-898-5830 c/t. 210-823-0542
todd.oneill@mtsu.edu
Monday & Friday 9 am – Noon
Monday, Wednesday, & Friday 3 pm – 5 pm