Seminar:  Writing & Mass Communications

A Team-Project Workshop for Students About to Enter
Writing and Communications Professions


The Sequence of Our Projects

The regular assignments for each date will always be listed at the Blackboard, and that is also where assignments should be posted unless indicated otherwise.

Phase One: Career Planning, Web Page Construction

During the first phase of the course, you will:

  • identify your career target(s),
  • develop an analysis of that field,
  • assess the content and design of professional web pages,
  • begin a collection of links, graphics, and models for our future web work,
  • and develop your first iteration of a web page of resources on that topic.

This phase of our work will probably take place during the first two to three weeks of the semester.

Phase Two: Planning the Paper Portfolio

During this part of the course you will:

  • design a format for your paper portfolio;
  • collect and evaluate the materials you already have available for inclusion in your portfolio;
  • plan and begin to draft the extra pieces you will need for the portfolio, including such items as a resume; cover letter, reflective essay, and writing samples for any key areas not represented in your previous work;
  • present your porfolio plan at a special Design Challenge Sessions;
  • and continue your work on both your web page and web resource collection.

This phase of the course will probably begin during week three and should probably be completed by week five.

Phase Three: Constructing the Paper Portfolio & Designing the Electronic Portfolio

During this part of the course you will:

  • Revise and edit all of the materials to be included in your paper portfolio except for any new "samples" needed;
  • Develop a plan for completing the new samples;
  • Construct your paper portfolio (leaving room for any samples to come);
  • Develop a design for an electronic portfolio;
  • Present your e-portfolio design as part of the Design Challenge Session

This phase of the course will probably begin week six and should be completed by week eight.

Phase Four: Constructing the E-Portfolio & Developing an Up-to-Date Knowledge of Current Issues in Communications

During this part of the course you will:

  • Construct an e-portfolio using your own design or one selected from the entries at the Design Challenge;
  • Work with your team to lead a class discussion on one or more key issues in your field;
  • Present  your nearly-final portfolio at a special Project-in-Progress Session for class members and invited guests.

Course Guidelines

You are expected to attend each class, unless you have made alternate arrangements with the teacher.

You are expected to prepare for each class and submit your assignments when they are due.  You may receive a reduction in your grade for any assignment that is late.

You should keep a copy of each piece of work you do for this course, as well as a copy of several drafts of each substantial assignment.

You should collaborate in making the class as productive and successful as possible.  That means you should take the initiative in asking questions, raising important issues, providing appropriate feedback to the teacher regarding ways of improving the course, serving as a good colleague to the professor and students, and contributing to the best of your ability to the success of our team. For further comments on this subject, see The Village Elder.

It is the responsibility of the class, working together as a whole, to complete all of the projects in a timely fashion.  Since this is both a course and career preparation, it is in pirbest interests to complete these projects to the highest standard possible.  Since this is a group enterprise, it is important that each member of the class not only contribute to completing the projects but also participate in shaping and directing our work together.  The better we do, the better off you will be when it comes time to apply for jobs, graduate programs, or scholarships.

Grading

Career Web Page = 15%

Presentations: Design-Challenges = 15% (in total)

Paper Portfolio and Electronic Portfolio = 50% (You can designate which you wish to count as 20 and which as 30)

Contribution to the Course and Leadership: Blackboard Logs, Student-Led Discussions, Student-Initiated Workshops or Presentations, etc. = 20%

The web-pages, presentations, and portfolios will be evaluated for both content and design; in the case of the paper portfolio particular weight will be placed on the content.

 
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Any questions, comments, or suggestions about this web site or course should be directed to Dr. Lucia Knoles , Department of English, Assumption College.