Class:COM375 - Section 9 - Fall 2007/Homework/First Homepage
From UMassWiki
studying the contexts, contents, functions, and media of human expression."
Junior Year Writing
COM 375: Writing as Communication
Resource for Instructors
Department of Communication
University of Massachusetts
Internship Opportunity in Journalism
Contents |
Don't be Stupid
This is the first and most important class rule. If you do do something "stupid", fix it - fast. To avoid doing too many dumb things, read the information provided here, listen carefully in class, and absorb the directions. If you're smart, we can actually have fun. steph (COM) 14:44, 5 August 2007 (EDT)
forget something?
We found an item of personal technology after class...email me if it belongs to you. Steph(talk) 14:52, 13 September 2007 (EDT)
Experimental Research
The teacher is interested in the ways learning is affected when the two mediums of a traditional face-to-face classroom and online/computer-mediated interaction are combined. You will be provided with an Informed Consent form to signal your willingness to participate or not in this research. Under no circumstances are you required to participate, and you will not be graded differently if you choose not to participate. The teacher will use an Action Research methodology and invites students (as one required writing project) to collaborate in the design and delivery of supplemental Participatory Action Research projects such as the design of this course wiki. See also PAR.
Homework
Help with CATEGORIES!
about the Category Problem!
UPDATE on the Category Problem: please do not forget to make sure your Babel essay is in the right place. If you are having trouble, delete the failed categories and try again. Steph 22:56, 6 September 2007 (EDT)
An outline of in-class activities will be posted prior to each class along with homework assigned for the following class session. Be prepared! No excuses about "not knowing" what's due (this is an example of surveillance). Following along in the wiki is not a substitute for attending class in person, however diligent and responsible students will come to class prepared with some advance knowledge of the day's lesson plan and learning activities.
Media Giraffe Project
Want to help spotlight innovation which is improving American media? Are you trying to figure out where you want to fit in the media landscape of the future? Want to help with the launch of a high-profile new institution serving New England news organizations and the public?
- The Media Giraffe Project Information Meeting
- Wednesday, Sept. 12, at 7:30 p.m.
- Campus Center Room 168-C
From the COM375 Instructor Resource Book
There is an extensive list of specific skills students are expected to utilize and improve during this one semester course on writing for your major. We will cover a range of writing genres that are common within the field of Communication. "At UMass Amherst, Communication is taught in the liberal arts tradition. What this means, fundamentally, is that Communication as a discipline is concerned with studying the contexts, contents, functions, and media of human expression" (Writing Genres in Communication). Because the study of "human expression" can accommodate practically any topic, this writing course for Communication Majors emphasizes "fundamental instruction in critical thinking and composition techniques."
- Notice: in the context of explaining this course, through the media of written text, one term has already appeared twice in the content. What does it mean to apply the label, fundamental? In other words, what is the function of the word itself? Furthermore, what is the function of drawing your attention to its use?
Yes, as the teacher (context!)
I expect you - as the student - to consider the question
and have an answer ready (content!) for an
in-class pop quiz.
Calendar and Grading
There are five major assignments for this class. The grading occurs on a two-tiered system: baseline points and earned points for quality.
Course Texts
Signs of Life in the USA: Readings on Popular Culture for Writers. Ed. Sonia Maasik and Jack Solomon. Boston: Bedford/St. Marten’s, 2006. The course textbook is available at Amherst Bookstore, on the Amherst Town Common.
The Penguin Handbook (if you wisely kept yours from ENG112) or Faigley, L. (2007). The Brief Penguin Handbook. New York: Bedford/St. Martin’s.
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