ST - Social Media Tools Syllabus for 2025-2026
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Instructor Information

Course Information

AI Statement

Collusion is defined as “the unauthorized collaboration with another person or by any other means, including artificial intelligence (AI) and computer translators, in preparing work for fulfillment of course requirements.” Using AI like (ChatGPT or Google Gemini) to create a document is considered colluding. The use of Generative Artificial Intelligence on specific assignments is at the discretion of the instructor.

Title IX and Sexual Misconduct Reporting

Amarillo College prohibits discrimination and harassment based on sex, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking, under Title IX and Texas Education Code §51.253–255. Faculty and staff are mandatory reporters and must share any related concerns with the Title IX Coordinator at titleix@actx.edu. Reports and additional information are available at https://www.actx.edu/hr/title-ixtitle-ix. Confidential counseling and advocacy services are available through the Counseling Center and Advocacy & Resource Center.

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

If you have a disability (learning, mental, physical) that affects your ability to participate effectively and have access to any program or service at Amarillo College please contact Disability Services at (806) 345-5639 . Our offices are located in the Enrollment Center, Suite 700. More information may be found at www.actx.edu/disability.
Disability Services facilitates access to all programs and services according to the ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as well as other federal and state laws.

Amarillo College Web Accessibility Policy Statement

Amarillo College is committed to providing equal access to all programs and services, including all working, learning, and service environments that affect equal access for persons with disabilities. This commitment to provide equal access and opportunity for persons with disabilities is in compliance with federal and state law. Amarillo College also strives to provide Electronic and Information Resources (EIR) that are accessible to all authorized users.

If you find you are unable to access material in an accessible format please contact the Disability Services Office at (806) 345-5639 . This office will work in conjunction with other campus resources to address and accommodate your issue in a timely manner.

Statement for Mental Health and Advocacy & Resource Center:

As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc

Amarillo College Tutoring for Success Policy:

Tutoring for Success applies to any student whose overall performance in the course falls below 75%. The instructor will create the task in the Student Engagement Portal (Watermark) to direct the student to the appropriate tutoring service, which may be faculty- or SI-led, discipline-specific, and/or general. The tutoring service assigned, the due date for when the tutoring must be completed, and the amount of tutoring required are at the discretion of the instructor. Additionally, the task will alert the student’s success team. Students who do not fulfill the assigned tutoring task may be subject to program- and course-specific penalties that could result in a grade reduction and/or in not being allowed to progress in the course until the tutoring requirement has been satisfied.

Administrative Drop Policy

Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016

Student Withdrawal Procedures

Students who wish to withdraw from a course must complete all steps indicated on the Academic Withdrawal Request form by the course withdrawal deadline.

NOTE: Students who are attending Texas institutions of higher education, for the first time fall 2007 and later, may not withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career. This withdrawal limitation does not include dual credit or developmental classes (Senate Bill 1231 Rule 4.10.) For more information on Drop and Withdrawal Policies, please visit the Registrar's Office Web site.

Privacy Statement

The Amarillo College Privacy Policy is found at https://www.actx.edu/-amarillo-college-privacy-notice , and applies to all Amarillo College students.  If you have questions about this privacy statement or you believe that your personal information has been released without your consent, send email to humanresources@actx.edu .

Course

ETWR-1391-001 ST - Social Media Tools

Prerequisites

Course Description

Topics address recently identified current events, skills, knowledge and/or attitudes and behaviors pertinent to the technology or occupation and relevant to the professional development of the student. This course was designed to be repeated multiple times to improve student proficiency.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:

Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact:

Melodie Graves
Justice Involved Advocate
Student Service Center 117
mgraves24@actx.edu
806-371-5995
Make appointment at https://melodiegraves.youcanbook.me

You can also contact the Legal Clinic, or the faculty member in charge of the educational program that you seek to enroll in. The further information you will receive will include notification to you of your right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing authority in order to clarify your particular situation.

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

Online Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Likeable Social Media

Dave Kerpen

SBN: 978-0-07-183632-6

Born to Blog

Mark Schaefer and Standford Smith

ISBN: 978-0-07-181116-3

Supplies

Students must have access to a reliable desktop or laptop computer (PC or MAC) with reliable internet access.

Student Performance

Assessment in this course will be based on your ability to:

• Create and manage content for a brand. Throughout the semester, you will work with a brand or company of your choice and create blog content and accompanying social media posts as if you were that brand’s content creator or social media manager.
• Write for different formats and audiences. You will learn how to take an idea or larger piece of information and turn it into content that is clear, engaging, and appropriate for your audience—whether that is a long-form blog or a short-form social media post.
• Apply social media concepts in a professional setting. You will explore how businesses, organizations, nonprofits, and individuals use social media and digital content to build awareness, connect with audiences, strengthen their brands, and support their overall goals.
• Develop a strategic approach to content creation. Creating social media content is about more than simply posting something and hoping people see it. You will learn how to create content that is intentional, relevant, engaging, and memorable enough to capture and maintain your audience’s attention.
• Think critically about digital content. You will evaluate your own work and the work of your classmates to identify what makes content effective—or ineffective—and consider how different content strategies can impact a brand.
• Use technology and digital tools effectively. You will gain hands-on experience using blogging and social media tools to create, publish, and present content in a professional and creative way.
• Understand the role of social media in today’s world. Social media is an important part of how businesses and organizations communicate, market themselves, build relationships, and grow. This course will help you understand not only how to use these tools, but why and when to use them effectively.

Throughout the course, we will focus on four key areas of social media:

Monitoring: Learning how to pay attention to conversations, trends, audiences, and information happening online.

Metrics: Understanding how goals and performance can be measured to determine whether content and social media efforts are working.

Optimization: Learning how to improve content and strategies to increase visibility, reach, and overall effectiveness.

Engagement: Learning how to create content that encourages people to pay attention, interact, and build a relationship with a brand.

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

We’re about to kick off an 8-week crash course in social media tools that’ll go by faster than you think. It’s going to be a mix of learning, connecting, and practicing real-world skills. There’s a lot packed in—but don’t stress! I’m here to help you stay on track and make the most of it.

Think of this course as a hands-on experience. You’ll get out what you put in, and by the end, you’ll have sharpened some skills you’ll actually use in everyday life.

What You Can Expect Each Week

• Show up: Be present, participate, and stay engaged.
• Keep up with readings: They’re designed to help you understand key concepts.
• Complete assignments, discussions, & tests: They’re how you’ll apply and demonstrate your learning.

Support on Your Journey

You’re not alone in this! If you ever feel stuck or overwhelmed, reach out early. Amarillo College has great support systems:

• Me (your instructor!)
• Amarillo College Tutoring Centers
• Online Tutoring
• The Underground

Engagement Expectations

• Call me Gissel—no formal titles needed.
• Participate and ask questions (even if you’re unsure).
• Think critically—AI tools can help, but your own ideas matter most.
• Reach out if you hit an obstacle; I’ll point you toward helpful resources.
• Be kind and respectful—we all learn better in a positive space.
• Celebrate differences—everyone brings something unique to the table.
• Use the syllabus as your guide—it has everything you need to stay organized.

Communication Channels

• Best option: Blackboard Messaging (it’s connected to our course).
• Other options:
  • Email (include your name, course + section, and a clear subject line)

Grading Criteria

2026 Grade Schema

• Blogs (25%): Five blogs based on different themes from Born to Blog, written for the brand you select.
• Social Media Posts (15%): Five mock social media posts created in Zeoob to promote your blogs and engage your audience.
• Discussions/Blog Critiques (10%): Discussion boards during Weeks 2, 4, and 6 where you’ll critique blogs and respond to classmates.
• Tests (25%): Three tests covering course material and assigned readings.
• Final Blog Analysis (10%): A two-page reflection on what you learned about blogging, what you liked or disliked, and whether blogging is beneficial for a brand.
• Final Exam (15%): Your final exam brings everything together. It’s cumulative, meaning it’ll cover all the material from the course. Use it as a chance to show how much you’ve grown as a content creator!
  • Due: Thursday, October 15, 2026, by 12:00 PM (noon) (P.S. This earlier Thursday deadline gives me enough time to grade everything and submit final grades by the college’s Friday deadline.)
  • No late exams or extensions will be accepted, so mark this date in your calendar now.

Late Work Policy

• Week 1 Grace Period: If you fall behind during the first week, reach out by Week 2 to get back on track.

• After Week 1: Late work isn’t accepted, but communication is always welcome. Life happens—if something comes up, let me know as soon as possible so we can talk through options.

Grades and Withdrawals

Grading Scale:

• A: 90–100

• B: 80–89.9

• C: 70–79.9

• D: 60–69.9

• F: 59.9 or below

No Grade Recovery: Final grades reflect your overall mastery of the course material.

Withdrawals: If you decide to withdraw, you’ll need to complete a withdrawal form. Schedule an appointment (link provided in the course) to start the process.

Grades & Academic Expectations

• Your final grade reflects work completed across the term, not just at the end.
• Daily work, assignments, discussions, and assessments all contribute.
• Avoid cramming in the last week. It leads to stress and lower quality work.
• I provide regular feedback. Use it to improve.
• Stay engaged, ask questions, and keep up with the pace of the course.
• If you are struggling, please contact me immediately. Help is available, but you must take the first step.

Final Grade Requests

I do not round up final grades based on requests. Your final grade reflects the total number of points earned over the term.

• Do not rely on last-minute fixes. Your grade is built assignment by assignment.
• Use the rubrics. They show exactly how work is assessed.
• Visit tutoring centers or contact me if you need help before submitting work.

Bottom line: Grades are earned, not negotiated. This ensures fairness and prepares you for future academic and professional expectations.

Attendance

No attendance information available

Calendar

Additional Information

Citing Sources & Using AI Tools

Throughout this course, you’ll engage with a variety of ideas and perspectives. When you refer to or build on someone else’s work, give them credit—it’s a key part of academic honesty and communication ethics.

APA Citation Style

We use APA format in this class. Think of it as a consistent way to show where your information came from.

Textbook example:

• In-text citation: Kerpen (2019) emphasizes the importance of listening to your audience on social media.

• Full reference list citation:
  Kerpen, D. (2019). Likeable social media: How to delight your customers, create an irresistible brand, and be generally amazing on Facebook (and other social networks) (3rd ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.

• Without page numbers: Use chapter, section heading, and paragraph number (e.g., Kerpen, 2019, Chapter 3, "Listen First," para. 4).

When in doubt, ask me or an AC librarian for help.

Using AI Tools Responsibly

AI can be a great tool for brainstorming or organizing ideas, but it’s not a substitute for your own thinking and should never replace your analysis.

Here’s how to use AI appropriately:

• Verify everything: Always double-check AI-generated information with reliable sources.

• Be transparent: If you use AI to assist your work, mention it in your references.

• Keep your voice front and center: The goal is to enhance your writing, not outsource it.

Examples of citing AI in APA:

• Personal communication: (ChatGPT, personal communication, October 27, 2025)

• Software reference: OpenAI. (2025). ChatGPT [Large language model]. https://openai.com/chatgpt