- attention to standard rules of English grammar: This not only assumes that you recognize common punctuation and capitalization standards but that you revise your work to reflect that understanding and express yourself efficiently. If you have questions as you revise, consult a handbook or a reliable online resource, such as the Purdue OWL.
- use of appropriately formal language: Avoid contractions and words or phrases that convey a conversational tone.
- consistent effort on all assignments: From discussion posts and email to short essay responses and exams, each assignment and mode of communication between members of the class and your instructor should represent your best effort.
- attention to directions and feedback: Guidelines of length, focus, content, etc. are deliberate. Please follow them. While brevity has its merits, short responses will not receive full credit. Also make sure you understand my expectations as expressed in these guidelines as well as the feedback I give you on your work. Both are intended to make you better communicators and better readers. If you have questions, ask.
- honesty: The work you submit must be your own effort, not that of a friend, parent, or colleague who has a special interest in writing or an "eye for grammar."
Each
of these points contributes to a positive overall impression. In the
absence of face-to-face time in the standard classroom, my primary means
of contact with you will be through your work. Please aim to deliver
your best impression with each assignment and to use appropriately
formal language and tone when corresponding with me, especially via
email.
Over
the course of the semester, students will complete a variety of
deliverables to exercise the various skills required of technical
communication. Brief descriptions of each assignment appear below;
detailed descriptions of the assignments will be linked as necessary.
Due dates expressed here match those on the course calendar.
| title | description | points | due date |
| reading quizzes | Quizzes will be assigned in correspondence with select readings. The overall quiz grade is based on points, not average of performance over the semester. | 25 | weekly, due by Sunday after reading discussion |
| self-paced assignments | |||
| short response papers | Over the course of the semester, you will prepare two (2) short response papers worth 10 points each. These responses will be posted on turnitin.com. | 20 | 30 September, 4 November |
| collaborative study guide | Over the course of the semester, small groups will work on a study guide for both the midterm and final exams. The details for this collaborative document are posted on the google drive. | 10 | variable |
| collaborative presentation | This assignment requires your small group to prepare a presentation on your select topic at the end of the semester, addressing works read throughout the term. The prezi will be the visual aid in a 7-10 minute in-class presentation. These presentations will be evaluated by the instructor AND members of the class. | 10 | last day of class |
| individual poetry reading | Whether you choose to participate in an on-campus poetry event or chose to do a recorded poetry reading online, there are multiple venues available for students to read poetry throughout the semester. [details forthcoming] | 5 | by the last week of class |
| exams | |||
| midterm | This midterm exam will cover material from the first half of the semester. | 10 | 9 October |
| final | This exam will cover the second half of the semester. | 20 | Thursday, 13 December, 8-10 a.m. |
| research essay | This is offered as an alternative to the final exam. [additional details] | 20 | 13 December, 11:59 p.m. |
