Work
Below are descriptions of the different kinds of work we'll do for this course.
- Forums
- We will use OASIS forums to keep our conversation lively between
class meetings and to explore other notions of what visual rhetoric
can be. Throughout the term, I will ask questions and suggest topics
for discussion on our board. We may bring in class topics or discuss
issues that never emerge in class. Each student is required to post on
the discussion boards at least three times each week (before class on
Monday). Posts must be added between class periods, and should
be both thoughtful and substantive. I encourage you to read one
anothers' responses and converse about the issues we raise.
Reading Responses:
When we do readings for this class, I will usually ask you to write a short response to them and post it on the OASIS forums. These responses guide your reflection on the reading and prepare you for discussion or other class activities. Responses must be posted before class. Please compose your responses in a word processor, spell-check and proofread them, and then paste them into the forum. Reading responses count as forum posts. - In-class work:
- We regularly do work in class for which you are graded. Most of the time, such work results in a "credit/no credit" grade; in other words, if you are there and participate, you get full credit. We may also have quizzes or do other "scored" work. In-class work may not be made up.
- Design and Editing Panels:
- Two of the key elements for more advanced writers are design and editing. The editing discussions focus on getting you to think more about the sentence-level of your texts; the difference between good writing and great writing is often the ability to edit well. While design does not usually play a strong role in traditional academic work, this semester's work on the web will certainly tax your design skills.
- Boxes:
- During this course, you will conduct extended research on a general topic. You will document that research through a number of small projects, or "boxes." Each of these projects has its own flavor and assignment. Each "box" is worth 50 points and is due on its due date. Pay close attention to the late policy regarding these projects. Because we move rapidly through them, you must be sure to keep up.
- Collection:
- At the end of the semester, you will produce a "collection" project that brings together six of your eight boxes. You will revise these boxes and write some additional text to "collect" them as a single final project. Your final "Collection" will be worth 200 points.
