Winter 2010: RPW 260, section 01: Introduction to Professional & Technical Writing

NOTE: This syllabus may change as class needs dictate.
Assignments

If you need to contact me by e-mail at "fidallas@svsu.edu," the subject line should contain your last name, course and section number to prevent your e-mail from being misplaced as possible spam.

All responses and work for the course will be burned to CD (course portfolio) and turned in at the final examination period. This CD will not be returned, so you may wish to make a copy for yourself.

You may turn in your assignment early if you know you are going to miss a class. I do not accept assignments via e-mail. For each day (or portion thereof) that your assignment is late, two (2) points will be deducted. Lost flash drives, M drive problems, incompatible software versions, or 'homework on computer at home' are not legitimate excuses for late work.

Written assignment format and details

Format for written assignments:
Each paper will be typed, single-spaced, with one-inch margins. Use Arial 12 point, Bookman Old Style12 point, or Century Gothic 11 point fonts. The top of the paper should be formatted as such:

[your name]
RPW 260-01
Dr. Dallas
[date]

Then skip a line and center the title of your paper or chapter response. Skip another line and begin your paper. Your work should be ready to turn in upon arrival in class.

Assignment details:

Class discussions & reading responses 50 points
Projects: .

Personal data sheet

10 points

Billboard

30 points

Event card

35 points

Tri-fold brochure

30 points

DVD cover

80 points

Book jacket

95 points

PTW Zine

150 points
Course portfolio on CD 10 points
Final exam 10 points
You may turn in your assignment early if you know you are going to miss a class. I do not accept assignments via e-mail. For each day (or portion thereof) that your assignment is late, two (2) points will be deducted. Lost flash drives, M drive problems, incompatible software versions, or 'homework on computer at home' are not legitimate excuses for late work.

Class Discussions & reading responses -- 50 points:
Class discussions are to analyze, critique, and supplement reading assignments. Each student is expected to come to class prepared to discuss reading assignments, provide other perspectives on the material, and offer constructive analysis on the material, using their reading responses as guides. Students are expected to engage this material focusing on audience needs in a specific context.

Course projects
Each project has an assignment data sheet that provides details on the assignment. This detail sheet is linked on the Homework schedule page and below. These assignments should be turned in at VSpace, using the Assignments tool. Comments on drafts will be provided at VSpace; should you wish more extensive feedback, come by during office hours, or schedule an appointment.

Personal data sheet -- 10 points
This is a one-page document that serves as your introduction to someone unfamiliar with you (strengths, goals, talents, expertise, interests). This document should have 325 words and one image and use MS Word.

Billboard -- 30 points
This is a miniature version of a billboard promoting a product. The genesis for the idea comes from a magazine ad. Use Adobe Photoshop CS4 for draft and final version.

Event card -- 35 points
This is a card that is a "hand bill" that follows the billboard promotion. Use Adobe Photoshop CS4 for one version and Adobe InDesign CS4 for draft and final of second version.

Tri-fold brochure -- 30 points
This brochure incorporates detailed information as well as images to "introduce" a company or organization that could be interested in the billboard product. Use Photoshop for imaging and InDesign for two drafts and final version.

DVD cover -- 80 points
This cover is to repackage your favorite movie, using text and colors that you wish were there!
Use Photoshop for imaging and InDesign for two drafts and final version.

Book jacket -- 95 points
Your favorite book cover brought into the 23rd century. Your focus will be on rewriting the jacket copy.
Use Photoshop for imaging and InDesign for two drafts and final version.

PTW Zine -- 150 points
This overall project will focus on the issues confronting technical writers today. Course readings will form the basis of information, but students are expected to do some research on their own, pursuing an area that interests them (and the prof!). Students will incorporate miniature versions of the projects completed by showing connections to tech writing issues, and provide a banner for the zine. Use Photoshop for imaging and InDesign for three drafts and the final version.

Course Portfolio -- 10 points:
Your course assignments will be saved as .PDF files and burned to CD.
This item is due at the final exam period. This CD should be burned before the final examination period, and you should verfiy the readability of the contents by checking on a computer other than the one used to burn your files--if you can't read it, neither can I. You may wish to make a copy for yourself as an electronic portfolio draft for the internship, as this item will not be returned. The assignments and corresponding file names should follow those of the semester assignments.

Final exam -- 10 points:
The final exam will be discussed later
.


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This page last updated January 2011
by Little Charlene
for Blak Kat Productions.
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