CLASS
ASSIGNMENTS AND SCHEDULE
This semester our assignments will focus
on the combination of word and image in technical communication. We will
examine online writing in the marketplace, looking at the ways design,
layout, content, audience, and access affect the way we communicate.
Everyone needs an email account right away;
everyone needs to see me during the first class to discuss your computer-assisted
writing background. *
This is an upper level, decentralized, student-centered
class that meets only one time each week; it is highly participative,
intense and great fun. Plan to attend all classes, prepared for class.
We will write each week, both in and out of class. The course work is
arranged to provide time for you to complete the reading of the required
texts early in the semester. Class presentations begin week two. Please
note: I do not accept late papers.
Our assignment schedule will look something
like this (Based on the 4th edition of Burnett; if you bought edition
5, that's fine, just adjust by topic) :
Week one (9/4)
Introduction
to course; review of the composing process; presentation skills; exercises
on web credibility
Readings: Tollett Design & Web;
Burnett: chapters 1,2,3,6,7
Week two (9/11)
Audience;
introduction to technical writing as a form; analysis, abstracts. Oral
presentations begin.
Readings: Tollett Design & Web;
Burnett: chapters 4,5,16,18
Week three
(9/18)
Web design, benchmarking, and access
Readings: see online reading assignments
and handouts
Week four (9/25)
Visuals, graphics, design
Readings:
Burnett: chapters 8,9,18; see online reading assignment
Week five
(10/2)
Process writing, precision, description;
Oral presentations
Readings:
Burnett, Ch 10,13,14
Week six
(10/9)
Collaborative writing; Oral presentations;
Collaborative web projects
Readings:
Burnett, Ch 7,12,19,Usage Handbook
Week seven
(10/16)
Proposal writing; Oral presentations
Readings: Burnett Ch 15
Week eight
(10/23)
Proposal
writing and design; Oral presentations
Readings:
see online reading assignments and handouts
Week nine (10/30)
Definition; style; research; Oral presentations
Readings: Burnett Ch 11, 6,16
Week ten (11/6)
Memorandum reports; research; Oral presentations
Readings: see online reading assignments
and handouts
Week eleven (11/13)
Research format; analysis; supplements;
Oral presentations
Readings: see online reading assignments
and handouts
Week twelve (11/20)
Progress reports; research; Oral presentations
Readings: see online reading assignments
and handouts
Week thirteen (11/27)
Analytical reports and oral presentations due
11/27
Readings: see online reading assignments
and handouts
Week fourteen (12/4)
Resumes/cover letters; Oral presentations
Readings:
Burnett chapters 17,19
Week fifteen (12/11)
evaluation; last class
ASSIGNMENTS
- Equally weighted assignments are:
- oral presentation on design
- proposal
- manual
- definition or technical description
- resume and cover letter
- journals
- class work, participation
- design assignments
Counting 2 weights:
Therefore, you may average your grade in
10 parts. |