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Hello! I’m Dr. Tiffany Petricini, and I’ll be your instructor for COMM 335N. This course explores the critical role of media in social justice and public humanities, providing you with hands-on experience in digital storytelling and community engagement. Here’s everything you need to get started and succeed!
Pronouns: she/her/hers | You’re welcome to call me Professor or Dr. P.
How this course works:
How this course works:
Class Structure: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 12:05 PM - 1:20 PM in Lilley Library/Kochel 060.
Weekly Modules: Modules on Canvas include readings, assignments, and prompts.
Assignments: Weekly Reading Preps, Hands-on Projects, and Peer Feedback.
Group Collaboration: Opportunities to work with peers to enhance understanding.
Flexibility: Extensions or additional support are available upon request.
How grading works:
How grading works:
Grade Menu Overview
Grade Menu Overview
This class uses a unique grading approach that focuses on your learning and effort, not on traditional points. Instead of accumulating scores, you will complete assignments at different levels of engagement: Exceeds Expectations, Meets Expectations, or Basic. The more assignments you complete at a higher level, the better your final grade will be. You can always revise and resubmit work to improve, ensuring you learn from feedback. This approach rewards your effort, critical thinking, and creativity—skills that matter beyond the classroom.
To earn an A, you’ll need to complete all assignments at a high level. For a B or C, fewer assignments are required, as long as they meet expectations. Completing at least 5 assignments at a basic level earns a passing grade of D. The full Grading Menu and Expectations Guide below explain what it takes to succeed.
This system puts you in charge of your learning journey—choose the grade you want to earn and work toward it! If you ever feel unsure, I’m here to help you navigate.
My teaching philosophy:
My teaching philosophy:
I want you to know this class is built around support, engagement, and growth. I believe learning helps us flourish, and my goal is to create a classroom where you feel included, valued, and encouraged to try new things.
You’ll find interactive activities, accessible materials, and opportunities to revise your work—failure is just part of the learning process here. I use tools like group discussions, flexible options, and technology to ensure everyone has a voice.
Most importantly, I care about your success. I’m here to help, whether through office hours, emails, or virtual meetings. Let’s work together to make this a great semester!
Our pact:
Our pact:
What You Can Expect From Me
What You Can Expect From Me
I will treat you with dignity, respect, and care, ensuring that your individual needs are supported to help you succeed.
I will provide you with a clear and organized course, designed to help you engage meaningfully with the material and achieve the course outcomes.
I will offer a variety of assignments and learning opportunities to match different learning styles and encourage critical thinking.
I will be an active and accessible presence in your learning, providing feedback, guidance, and encouragement when you need it.
I will foster a safe, inclusive, and welcoming classroom environment where you can share ideas without fear of judgment.
I will reach out and check in when I sense that you may need extra support, whether that’s with assignments, technology, or navigating the course.
I won’t be perfect. I’m human, and I’ll make mistakes. When I do, I’ll use them as opportunities to learn and grow—just like I encourage you to do.
What I Will Expect From You
What I Will Expect From You
You will treat me, your peers, and yourself with dignity, respect, and kindness.
You will strive to be an active participant, completing assignments thoughtfully and doing your best to meet due dates.
You will communicate openly with me about challenges, concerns, or anything that may affect your ability to fully engage in the course.
You will reach out if you need support or are unable to meet a deadline—I’m here to help, and communication is key.
You will contribute to our learning community with regular, thoughtful participation to ensure others can engage with your ideas.
You will practice patience with technology. Things don’t always go perfectly—expect the occasional hiccup, and we’ll work through it together.
You will give yourself grace. Mistakes are part of learning and growth, and you are here to learn—not to be perfect.
Is there anything you’d like to add to this list? Send me an email and let me know!
How to contact me:
How to contact me:
Email: tzr106@psu.edu
Office Hours: Tues/Thurs, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM or by Zoom appointment
Please email me! Emails come to my phone like text messages. Canvas messages do not.
What to do next:
What to do next:
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