Techniques of Popularization



				WRIT 317 - Techniques of Popularization
			TEXTS Fryxell, David. Structure & Flow [S&F]. Gannon, Robert (ed.). Best Science Writing [BSF]. NOTE: FOR THE PURPOSES OF THIS COURSE, "TECHNICAL" REFERS TO A TOPIC FOR WHICH UNDERSTANDING REQUIRES SPECIAL TRAINING... describe and apply basic principles of adapting technical information for consumption by nontechnical audiences. describe and apply basic principles of conducting research and gathering information. write in a variety of styles appropriate to different audiences. write for both print and aural/visual media. describe and demonstrate the steps involved in getting an article published. ATTENDANCE More than two absences is likely to cause your grade to suffer. You may not make up missed assignments. Should class be canceled for any reason, be prepared, at the next class, to cover the work from both classes. GRADES Each paper will be graded according to the following criteria (in this order): fulfillment of the assignment; proper use of form and technical elements; creativity and originality. Because there are so many writing assignments in this class (for each one you have to write, I have to read a whole class's worth); because many of them are cumulative, each leading toward the next assignment; because I'll need to grade and return papers so fast; and because media-related businesses are built on tight deadlines, I will not accept late papers. If you can't get to class, send your paper with someone. Grades will be assigned as follows: F --UNACCEPTABLE. D --ACCEPTABLE: below average C --AVERAGE: turned in on time; fulfilled assignment; adequate use of creative and technical elements; not particularly creative or inspired. B --ABOVE AVERAGE: either one element was outstanding or the paper in general was better than average. A --EXCELLENT: entire assignment exceptional! 0 --assignment not turned in; counts as TWO "F"s. Assignments will be weighted as follows: Short Assignments 50% Final Project 50% Participation borderline determiner The relative weight of each assignment is listed in the syllabus. PRESENTATION OF ASSIGNMENTS Because this is a professional communication course, 1. All out-of-class papers must be typed. 2. All papers must reflect mechanical writing competence: if there are more than three mechanical errors per page (average) --spelling, punctuation, subject-verb agreement, etc.-- your grade will drop one letter; if there are more than the equivalent of six mechanical errors per page, your paper will receive an "F". 3. You may revise three assignments during the course (plus the final project). The revision is due at the next class meeting after the original paper has been returned to you. [NOTE: I will not grade a revision unless the original paper --with grade and comments--accompanies it.] Your final grade on that assignment will be the average of the original and revised grades. OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION My classroom manner tends to be casual and easygoing, loose, and seemingly disorganized. Don't let those cues mislead you! I am very serious about this course and about the caliber of your work. Anything short of excellent will be graded accordingly. Assignments and Due Dates Class 1 Course Overview and In-Class Writing IN-CLASS: WRITE ONE PAGE about Groundhog Day. Write in a style that feels comfortable for you --humorous, serious, anecdotal, factual, etc. Class 2 BSW: pp.1-17, 96-105 S&F: pp. 2-9 Write directions to your house from a location to be assigned. Class 3 S&F: pp. 10-39 FINAL PROJECT: Identify the technical subject on which you're going to oncentrate in this course. Read a popular article on a topic you know a lot about but the general public does not. Analyze the article for communicative accuracy. What material needs to be added? Deleted? Simplified? What techniques does the author use (successfully or unsuccessfully) to simplify and/or clarify the material? [NOTE: 300-500 wds. Please turn in a copy of the article with your paper.] Class 4 BSW: pp.158-186 FINAL PROJECT: Analyze the potential market/audiences. Find a pool of at least 20 appropriate publications that are targeted toward a variety of audiences. Write a J.Peterman-style catalogue description for an article of clothing or some other item that you own. Class 5 BSW: pp. 36-49 S&F: pp. 73-89 Write instructions for a process related to your technical topic. Compare and contrast two articles on the same subject, a subject that relates to your technical specialty. One article should be from a pop/general readership publication and the other from a technical journal or report. [NOTE: Your paper should be two to three pages long. Please turn in a copy of the articles with your paper.] Class 6 BSW: pp. 18-35, 138-157 S&F: pp.90-110, 111-136, 176-182 FINAL PROJECT: Choose three publications from your Feb. 23 list, each aimed at a different audience. Analyze those publications' writing/editorial styles. Class 7 BSW: pp. 72-96 S&F: pp.138-169 FINAL PROJECT: Decide upon article topics, and write query letters. NOTE: We will critique these letters in class. Revisions will be due Wednesday, March 29. In-Class Writing: Health Minute Class 9 BSW: pp. 64-71, 106-137 Write one 60-second informational television script and one 60-second radio script on a topic that relates to your specialty area. The scripts should be substantially different from each other; don't just add a couple pictures to your audio script and call it a separate video script! The scripts should be part of a real or hypothetical series that would run regularly on radio and television stations. Class 10 BSW: pp. 50-63 Adapt --for popular consumption-- a chapter --or part of a chapter (at least ten pages long) from a technically-oriented college textbook. The adaptation should be 750-1,000 words (three to four pages), appropriate for inclusion in a publication called "Everything You Always Wanted to Know About ..." Attach to your paper a copy of the original material. FINAL: Article #1/Profile Class 11 FINAL: Article #2 Class 12 FINAL: Article #3 Class 13 Class 14 FINAL PROJECT PACKAGE DUE Your final project package is due Wednesday, May 10. (In fact, you may turn it in any time before noon Thursday, May 11.) Leave it in my mailbox on the second floor, or slide it under my office door. It should contain the following items in this order: 1. Cover sheet with your name, the name of the course, and your technical topic. 2. Article One A. Analysis of the magazine you’re sending the article to. B. Copy of your query letter. C. Original draft of the article with my comments. D. Final Revision 3. Article Two A. Analysis of the magazine you’re sending the article to. B. Copy of your query letter. C. Original draft of the article with my comments. D. Final Revision 4.Article three A. Analysis of the magazine you’re sending the article to. B. Copy of your query letter. C. Original draft of the article with my comments. D. Final Revision home \| program requirements: entry pre fall 2003 - entry post fall 2003 \| elective groupings \| general education courses \| required courses: entry pre fall 2003 - entry post fall 2003