Specifically, the learning objectives for this course are: Recognize and implement the qualities associated with effective business writing, particularly the hallmarks of ‘Plain English’ and its “4Cs”: conciseness, coherence, clarity, and correctness by planning, outlining and revising a variety of business documents. Identify and evaluate diverse communication goals of different audiences (especially, international audiences) and make effective choices about the tone, style, and form the communication should take by recognizing and discussing how to tailor communication to specific audiences. Select and strategically utilize traditional and new communication by learning about the applications and preferred usages of those media. Plan, create, and complete a variety of business documents—including, for example, memos, letters, emails, blog posts, proposals, and reports—using appropriate headings, layout, and typography by applying rules of document purpose and design. Conduct research using a broad range of sources by applying secondary and primary methods of research such as utilizing databases, open sources, practicing key word searches, and conducting interviews. Synthesize and evaluate the quality of collected information by critically analyzing the credibility, and applicability of sources. Support written claims with logical and persuasive reasoning, and critique the reasoning in the writing of others by applying critical thinking guidelines of Western traditions of thought. Understand the importance of business ethics and its implications for business and business communication by discussing moral decision-making and approaches to ethics, such as utilitarianism, and how they translate into business contexts. Collaborate productively with others by completing writing and editing tasks. Express your and conduct yourself in a professional manner by creating written communication that considers all objectives above. Alignment with USC and Marshall’s Learning Goals This course is designed to meet USC’s requirement for Advanced Writing as well as selected Marshall Learning Goals. Please see Appendix. TECHNOLOGY We will use the Blackboard course management system for posting assignments, grades, threaded discussions. All materials posted on Blackboard are exclusively for your use only and you are prohibited from distributing them to anyone else. TEXTS Author: Williams Title: Style: Lessons in Clarity & Grace Publisher: Pearson Edition: 12th ISBN: 9780134080413 Required: REQUIRED
Tentative Course Schedule (Subject to Change - all in-class announcements/changes will take precedent) WEEK DAILY ACTIVITIES HW Due: Week 1 T 1/9 Introductions Overview of Syllabus Writing audit due Wednesday Week 1 Th 1/11 Discussion of Writing Audit In-class read writing articles (forbes, wsj, etc.) Complete Writing audit Print out and bring to class Week 2 T 1/16 Discussion of knowledge framework and Rhetoric Rhetorical Analysis -- what is it? Bring in a printed out text that you find persuasive. Read Ogilvie “Rhetoric” bring to class Week 2 Th 1/18 Discussion of discourse community Read Gee “Literacy, Discourse, and Linguistics” and Ogilvie “ Discourse Community” Week 3 T 1/23 Th 1/25 Discussion of Genre linguistic features length tone Practice Rhetorical Analysis Read Ogilvie on Genre Week 5 T 1/30 Practice Rhetorical Analysis Read Ogilvie - “What is a Rhetorical Analysis?” Also assigned editorials Week 4 Th 2/1 Practice Rhetorical Analysis Read assigned editorials and do rhetorical analysis of each. Bring to class (on laptop) the rhetorical analysis of each Week 5 T 2/6 No class Meetings with AJ Bring in first draft /three editorials/analysis Week 5 Th 2/8 No class Meeting with AJ in first draft/three editorials/analysis Week 6 T 2/13 first draft rhetorical analysis due workshop project First Draft Rhetorical Analysis due Week 6 W 2/15 Discussion of and narration / Rubric for rhetorical analysis None Week 7 T 2/20 Discussion of Framing Rhetorical Analysis due Read X on framing “The Key to Political Persuasion” Week 7 Th 2/22 Discussion of Clarity / radical simplicity Read Williams Chapter 1 Week 8 T 2/27 Discussion of Rubric Workshop pitch First Draft - pitch due Week 8 Th 2/29 Discussion of Revision and Grammar Week 9 T 3/6 Discussion of Final project and Narration / Rubric Week 9 Th 3/8 First Draft editorial due Week 10 T 3/13 Elements of visual design Pitch/editorial due Week 10 Th 3/15 Elements of visual design Bring in examples of really good design