Composition and Communication
Dr. Meehan / Multi-Media Writing
Spring 2007: Reading and Writing Schedule
The schedule is subject to change: check for updates and announcements on this page as well as at the beginning of each class.
All reading and writing assignments are due in class on the date listed.
Part I: Theory of Media; Getting Started with Writing
Class Date Assignment Focal Point
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1/10
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First Class |
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1/12
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Reading: Remediation, Introduction
Writing: starting your electronic journal (Reading Log) Description for Reading Logs here. |
Consider how the authors define their word "remediation." What seems to be the thesis and focus of this book, based on the introduction? |
Class Date Assignment Focal Point
1/15
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Reading: Remediation, chapter 1 + Reading Log |
some keywords to consider: hypermediacy, immediacy |
1/17
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Remediation: chapter 2 + Reading Log |
some keywords: mediation. From the reading, what does this word mean, what are its connotations? What does it mean for communication in general? What does it mean for us as writers? |
1/19
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Applied/Experimental Writing: compost ideas for your first essay and develop a focus (can do this in your journal, do not need to post this or turn it in). Outside of journal, you will write and post 2 paragraphs (un-edited). First, write a 1 paragraph, provisional introduction/overview of your focus for this first essay, with a thesis or something that is moving toward a thesis, your most likely approach to the essay. Then write a second paragraph that tries an alternate approach, perhaps even a different thesis or focus. |
Our focus is how at the beginning stages of the writing process we work toward developing a focus (and something that will in the end include a thesis, neatly stated and defined) but need to keep our options open, experiment with several ideas and alternatives. |
Class Date Assignment Focal Point
1/22
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Revision workshop: Essay #1 [exploratory draft due]
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Work towards a complete draft (that has a beginning, a middle, and an end of some sort), but one that is still exploring its focus, might be incomplete in sections; and do not get caught up at this point on the introduction and conclusion. Focus on the middle: what are the key examples you will look at and explain in your focus on this new media site? Why these? |
1/24
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Further draft due. In class, will focus on editing.
Reading: in preparation for editing workshop, browse the guide to grammar and writing site (and/or the Hacker book, if you prefer) and identify at least 1 or 2 areas on your grammar/mechanics to-do list that you want/need to work on for this essay--look into the issue and be prepared to report back |
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1/26
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Essay #1 due |
At beginning of class, we will post the essays to Blackboard and Turnitin |
Class Date Assignment Focal Point
1/29
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[Reading: Public Speaking, Part 5] |
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1/31
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Remediation: chapter 3 + reading log [speech continued if necessary] |
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2/2
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[no class meeting: CC faculty meeting] |
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Part II: Practice of Media; Beginning Research
Class Date Assignment Focal Point
2/5
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Remediation: chapters 4 - 6 + reading log |
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2/7
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Individual conferences: Meet with me in my office 310 Lewis Hall at the assigned time. Come prepared to ask and to answer questions about your work thus far, specifically the first essay. 10.30: Elizabeth 10.40: Chris 10.50: Eric 11: Adriane 11.10: Amanda 11.20: Kelsey 11.30: Laura 11.40: Katie |
Will not meet as a class. Half of the class will sign up to meet with me for a 10 minute conference to discuss your initial essay and any questions you or I have. |
2/9
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Remediation: chapter 7,8 + reading log
Further Readings: Those of you not signed up for conferences this week will complete a further reading assignment. You will select a particular medium from this week's reading of interest to you, and do some initial research. Find an essay, article, or digital resource that provides further discussion and insight into the medium. On Blackboard by Friday class, post the reference for this resource (information so other people can get to it: the link, the basic citation information) and a brief summary (2-3 sentences) of what the article/resource is about--its focus and its thesis, if it has one. In class, be prepared to talk to us further about this medium (you are in effect our expert), perhaps demonstrate something about it, show it to us (if possible). |
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Class Date Assignment Focal Point
2/12
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Remediation: chapters 9,10, 11 + reading log |
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2/14
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Individual conferences: Meet with me in my office 310 Lewis Hall at the assigned time. Come prepared to ask and to answer questions about your work thus far, specifically the first essay. 10.30: Mario 10.40: Eddie 10.50: Maggie 11: Thomas 11.10: Nick 11.20: April 11.30: Kevin 11.40: Amanda
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Will not meet as a class. Half of the class will sign up to meet with me for a 10 minute conference to discuss your initial essay and any questions you or I have. |
2/16
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Remediation: chapters 12, 13, 14 + reading log
Further Readings: Those of you not signed up for conferences this week will complete a further reading assignment. You will select a particular medium from this week's reading of interest to you, and do some initial research. Find an essay, article, or digital resource that provides further discussion and insight into the medium. On Blackboard by Friday class, post the reference for this resource (information so other people can get to it: the link, the basic citation information) and a brief summary (2-3 sentences) of what the article/resource is about--its focus and its thesis, if it has one. In class, be prepared to talk to us further about this medium (you are in effect our expert), perhaps demonstrate something about it, show it to us (if possible). |
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Class Date Assignment Focal Point
2/19
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Essay #2: composting Reading: Research book (Rules for Writers) pp. 370-400. [library visit] |
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2/21
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Applied writing due: Initial Research Your notes and initial ideas and brainstorming are due. These notes should include whatever you discover in your initial library research, and must include at least 2 possible resources, including an abstract (or summary: a 3-4 sentence paraphrase of the article/essay, its thesis and key evidence) for one of the resources, with full citation information. |
Post your notes to BB |
2/23
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Essay #2: proposal due Reading due: Rules for Writers, pages 400- 412.
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Post proposal to BB
Guidelines for the proposal: This is a full page of writing--not a draft of the essay, but an articulation of your focus and how you plan to develop and support it. Required elements: [1]Overview of your focus: what your topic for this essay is [1-2 sentence general description] [2]Possible thesis: what your thesis statement at this point is. [3]Evidence: a listing and description of 2-3 key examples you are planning to explore, to support your thesis [4]Resources: thus far list (with full citation) 3 resources you have found in your research that seem important and will likely inform your essay. For each citation you must include a brief abstract or paraphrase of the overall focus of that resource as well as any direct quotations that you plan to use from that resource. |
Class Date Assignment Focal Point
2/26
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Further reading: Continue research. 2 additional sources (with abstract and citation information) are due: posted to BB. This should be about a page. |
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2/28 [midterm week]
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Midterm |
The midterm invites you to apply some key concepts and passages from Remediation to our understanding of writing and communication. You will be expected to use the book during the midterm, so need not memorize it. However, reviewing your own logs and notes is a good idea. |
3/2
[spring break begins after last class] |
Essay #2: draft due [revision workshop] |
Full draft of your essay due: your draft should be a minimum of 2 pages and include at least 1-2 places where you have begun to incorporate your research, either through direct quotation or paraphrase |
Class Date Assignment Focal Point
3/12
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Editing workshop |
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3/14
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Remediation: chapter 15, 16 + reading log [also: we will continue to workshop/edit the essays--bring in the latest version] |
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3/16
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Essay #2 due: posted to Blackboard |
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Part III: Remediating Ourselves, Our Writing
Class Date Assignment Focal Point
3/19
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[no class: CC faculty meeting]
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3/21
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Remediation: chapter 17 and Conclusion |
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3/23
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Essay #3: composting
[library research: meet in library]
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Class Date Assignment Focal Point
3/26
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Further research due: 2 new resources (articles, books, sites; print or electronic) that you locate for the third essay. Turn in (post to Blackboard) a 1 page summary of the resources: full citation plus paraphrase of what the resource offers. |
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3/28
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Essay #3: proposal due |
Guidelines for the proposal: [if yours doesn't include all of the following, it will not receive credit] This is a full page of writing, possibly 2--not a draft of the essay, but an articulation of your focus and how you plan to develop and support it. Required elements: [1]Overview of your focus: what your topic for this essay is [1-2 sentence general description] [2]Possible thesis: what your thesis statement at this point is. [3]Evidence: a listing and description of 3-4 key examples you are planning to explore, to support your thesis [4]Resources: list (with full citation) at least 5 resources you have found in your research that seem important and will likely inform your essay. For each citation you must include a brief abstract or paraphrase of the overall focus of that resource as any key points or words you might directly quote. The format for the citations should be correct (consult the Research book or the electronic resources I have provided regarding MLA citation format) [5]Questions: at least one (most likely more than one) question you have at this point--something you need help with from a peer and from me.
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3/30
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Readings: [1] Pocket Guide to Public Speaking, pages 140-157 (in 2nd edition) [Presentation Aids, Part 6] [2] Power Point is evil [linked here]: http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/11.09/ppt2.html
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beginning to think about the remediation (and mediacy) of our essays and speech. |
Class Date Assignment Focal Point
4/2
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Essay #3: full draft |
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4/4
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Essay remediation: in addition to taking some more time for further research and reading, begin to experiment with a digital remediation of your essay (hypermediacy and/or immediacy that might help you develop the essay) |
focus: illustration--a key for developing persuasive examples. consider how you need to illustrate with your writing, but might also do so literally using digital technology. |
4/6
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No class: Easter Break |
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Class Date Assignment Focal Point
4/9
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No class: Easter Break |
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4/11
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Editing workshop: complete draft (with citations) of essay due. Bring Rules for Writers to class. |
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4/13
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[no class: CC faculty meeting]
Essay #3 due posted to Blackboard and turnitin.com by noon |
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Class Date Assignment Focal Point
4/16
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Speech workshop: Read in the Public Speaking guide Part 3 "Organization" and begin to outline your speech.
Begin to translate your essay/research into a 5-7 minute informative speech. Bring your Public Speaking guide to class |
Begin the process of transforming your written research into the material for your second speech. The speech assignment and evaluation rubric is linked here: http://webs.morningside.edu/meehan/writing/candc/speech.htm
the workshop over the next two classes will be hands-on opportunity to prepare and organize your speech and practice the presentation (including working on any slide presentation or multi-media component). You will also have an opportunity to see yourself on video. |
4/18
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Speech workshop: A complete speaking outline is due; you will be practicing in class. |
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4/20
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Speech #2 due. |
Everyone needs to be prepared to deliver the presentation today; not all will go today (schedule handed out in class) |
Class Date Assignment Focal Point
4/23
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Speech #2 continued |
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4/25
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[Speech #2 continued as needed] Assignment: bring in an example of your favorite new medium--or (if possible) the medium itself. Something that you can share with us, apply ideas from the course and our readings, etc. For example: if mine is film, bring in a clip or sample of your favorite film; if it is web-based, have the site ready to show us; cell phone, video games, etc. We will start to wrap up our focus by taking some hands-on, final looks at the issue of new media and remediation in our world. |
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4/27
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Final Portfolio Workshop: Read through the portfolio description [linked here], begin to compost ideas for the self-reflection and quiz; work on the web pages [will continue this in class] |
What are the key lessons from your experience in this course that you want and need to emphasize in the portfolio: lessons about new media, about remediation, about research, about your strengths as a writer and communicator? |
Class Date Assignment Focal Point
4/30
[last class]
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Final Portfolio Workshop [self-quiz due] |
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5/4
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Final Exam: Friday May 4, 10 am in the classroom. |
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