Assignments

Throughout the semester, I will ask you to complete small assignments which put learned concepts into practice. These assignments include the following:

• Frequent reading quizzes and response papers will ensure you are keeping up with the assigned material. You will be permitted to use your textbook notes during quizzes and while preparing short responses, and point overload will ensure that a few low scores here and there won’t ruin your semester. We will discuss the schedule of responses in the first week of the semester. Quizzes can be unannounced and are given at the start of many classes.

• In-class discussion of readings will help you understand our textbook, enable everyone to share ideas regarding our major projects, and provide opportunities for focused work on areas of critical importance.

• A variety of group work will support assignments of all sizes, while providing you excellent opportunities to speak in the language of your academic discipline.

• Peer review and usability testing will help improve your communication skills and your ability to read critically.

Major Assignments

Unit One involves several individually completed assignments.

1. Letter of introduction which describes your personal and professional interests to me.
2. Portfolio of job search materials (a memorandum, résumé and cover letter). I'll refer to this as Project One.
3. Several style exercises: rewriting an existing essay in several styles.

In Unit Two, you will produce three major assignments in groups.

1. A research report which assesses the current state of the English & Journalism web page.
2. A proposal for site improvement by creating certain objects or components. (We will coordinate these as a class to ensure the least duplication of effort.)
3. Production of the components you propose, with usability testing as needed, and with accompanying end-user documentation.

Final project

At the end of the semester, you will compile a work portfolio which documents the work you have done through the semester.