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Module Overview for Week of October 15: White Paper

Logistics Note

We will work on the same project for three weeks, so that you have time to research, write, and design your White Paper Project. To help clarify that these next three weeks are related, the modules will have the following names:

  • Project Module 8-A: White Paper Project (Week of October 8)
  • Project Module 8-B: White Paper Project (Week of October 15) ← This Week
  • Project Module 8-C: White Paper Project (Week of October 22)

OverviewKeep Calm. It's almost Fall Break!

This week, you continue working on your White Paper Project. Review the overview from October 8 for additional details on white papers. The White Paper Project began on October 8 and will end on November 26, when you submit Portfolio 2.

Fall Break and the Course

You probably want to avoid work during Fall Break, so I have adjusted the Peer Feedback dates. Your Draft Update Post is due to your Writing Group on Wednesday, rather than Thursday; and you should try to reply to your Writing Group members by Thursday. Naturally, you will have a grace period that will end on Monday if you need more time.

There will be no #FridayFact post this week, since Fall Break is this weekend. There will also be no #WeekendWatch posted on Saturday, October 20.

I will take a break this weekend too. If you post in Piazza or send any messages via Canvas or email on Friday, October 19 through Sunday, October 21, I will reply on Monday, October 22.  

Objectives

Upon completion of your White Paper Project, you will be able to:

  • Analyze the rhetorical situation, select an audience for the report, and be able to address that audience appropriately through language, including the definition of technical terms, and overall design. (CLO 1)
  • Conduct research in order to write knowledgeably about the subject, integrate research materials fluidly into the report, and utilize documentation techniques accurately in order to avoid plagiarism. (CLO 2)
  • Apply the techniques of plain language to produce a writing style that is clear and precise. (CLO 1)
  • Potentially collaborate with classmates in planning, researching, writing, revising, and presenting the report. (CLO 5)
  • Design a report that shows evidence of effective visual design, including appropriate use of internal headings, inclusion of bulleted and numbered lists, and incorporation of visuals to enhance text. (CLO 4, 6)

Note that you can find the full text of the Course Learning Objectives on the Syllabus.

Readings & Resources for Week of October 15

Activities for Evaluation for Week of October 15

(5–6 hours total)

  • No Reading Quizzes this week
    • Since there are no new readings, you can spend your time working on your White Paper Project. Remember that you need to have a draft ready to share with your Writing Group on Thursday, October 25.
  • Daily Discussion Posts (70 minutes—4 posts @ ~15 minutes each plus self-assessment @ ~10 minutes) Due 11:59 PM on Thursday, 10/18; grace period ends at 11:59 PM on Monday, 10/22.
    • These posts supplement the textbook readings. As part of your participation grade, read all the posts (listed above), and then reply to meet your participation goal.
  • Question of the Week (15 minutes) Due 11:59 PM on Thursday, 10/18; grace period ends at 11:59 PM on Monday, 10/22.
    • This optional discussion question is posted in Piazza. It provides an alternative to discussing course logistics each week.
  • Research and work on White Paper Project (3 hours or more)
    • Continue the process of taking notes for your white paper. Aim to have all your notes complete and a draft started by Monday, 10/22. Remember that you need to provide appropriate citations for all ideas, words, and phrases that are not your own, so keep track of exact quotations, page numbers, web addresses, and other documentation details. You will post a draft of your white paper to your Writing Group on Thursday, October 25.
  • Draft Update Post (15 mins) Due 11:59 PM on Wednesday, 10/17; grace period ends at 11:59 PM on Monday, 10/22.
    • Check-in with your group on the work you are doing on your White Papers Project. There are five questions you can respond to below. The idea is to share a little about what you’re doing, where you are in the process, and what your plans are. You are also letting your group know the kind of advice or help you need from them. (If you do not post your update by noon on Sunday, October 21, your group may not have time to provide a response.)
  • Support and Advice to members of your Writing Group (1 hour—four or five updates @ ~10–15 minutes each) Due 11:59 PM on Thursday, 10/18; grace period ends at 11:59 PM on Monday, 10/22.
    • Read through the responses from your group members and provide support and advice. Try to help with whatever questions your group members have. You can also share anything about research projects that you feel you do well to let others in your group know how you might help them. You are not obligated to provide support and advice for any updates posted after noon on Sunday, October 21.
  • Ask any questions about the readings or the White Paper assignment in Piazza.
    • Asking a question is not required. Remember to post in Piazza rather than sending me private messages so that everyone can benefit from the Q&A. Use private messages in Canvas for questions about grades or personal information that should not be shared with the class.