Advanced
Scientific and Technical Writing
Writing
Assignments and Projects
Within
this page:
Weekly Analytic Writing: 20%
Posted to Netforum,
the class listserv, or other formats as assigned.
We'll also read
and respond online to a variety of web-based readings from publications
such as the New York Times (especially
the Thursday technology section, Circuits),
Wired,
sites such as Leonardo
On-Line and Women, Information
Technology, and Scholarship (WITS).
Each
of your assignments will be accompanied by a cover memo addressed to me
in which you provide an analysis
of your audience, a summary of your document, its strengths and weaknesses,
your revision process, research, and what you would have done with it if
you had more time. You should reflect on your subject matter in the Memo,
and what you've learned in this process.
Rhetorical analyses of two journals in your field of study:
one in print, one online 10%
Diffusion of innovations research report 20%
Usability study (collaborative group grade) 30%
Final group project, or Copyright/Fair
Use Research Report 20%
Grading and Evaluation Criteria
All of the writing you do in this class is evaluated with this criteria
in mind:
-
attention to the rhetorical situation and the ability to adapt
to an audience
-
effective and appropriate use of visuals
-
ability to incorporate relevant and compelling research
-
ability to edit and revise
-
page (or screen) layout and design
-
effective hypertext navigation design
A The text is exceptional. This is the kind of document
that might
lead to promotions in the work place. It is professional and
reflects the writer's careful consideration of audience and
purpose. It contains all necessary information, is
written in an appropriate and engaging style, is arranged in a
logical manner, is memorable, and its delivery is visually
appealing. It is free of mechanical errors.
B The document is strong. It would be considered
acceptable in the work
place. It too is professional and reflects consideration of the
rhetorical situation. It is generally above average in terms of the
criteria mentioned above, but falls short of excellent in one or
more category. It is free of mechanical errors.
C The text is competent. It would probably
be returned for
revision in the work place. It is generally average in terms of the
major criteria listed above. It has few mechanical errors.
D The document is weak. It would probably
get the writer into
a bad situation in the work place. It falls below average in
terms
of one or more of the major criteria.
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