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Module Overview for Week of October 22: 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)
  • Project Module 8-C: White Paper Project (Week of October 22) ← This Week

Next week, we will move on to your Research Posters Project.

Overview

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.

Falling, Grading, and Course Prep

I am finally back at the computer this week, after time off because of my fall a week ago. I do apologize for being unavailable. I am doing my best to catch up. I will keep you updated.

Note that I will read your Midterm Evaluation comments after I have the grading caught up. I do care greatly about your feedback, and I promise to respond to the points you raise as soon as possible.

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 22

Activities for Evaluation for Week of October 22

(7–8 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 Friday, 10/26; grace period ends at 11:59 PM on Monday, 10/29.
    • 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 Friday, 10/26; grace period ends at 11:59 PM on Monday, 10/29.
    • This optional discussion question is posted in Piazza. It provides an alternative to discussing course logistics each week.
  • Work on White Paper Project (3 hours or more)
    • Continue working on your white paper. Remember that you need to provide appropriate citations for all ideas, words, and phrases that are not your own, so indicate the source for all exact quotations, paraphrased information, borrowed visuals, and other information.
  • Draft of White Paper, shared with your Writing Group (2 hours, including additional time to write). Due 11:59 PM on Thursday, 10/25; grace period ends at 11:59 PM on Monday, 10/29.
    • Your White Paper Project is the second of the pieces that will go in your Project Portfolio 2. If you do not post your update by noon on Sunday, October 28, your group may not have time to provide a response.
  • Formative Feedback to members of your Writing Group (1.5 hours—four or five drafts @ ~15–20 minutes each) Due 11:59 PM on Friday 10/26; grace period ends at 11:59 PM on Monday, 10/29.
    • Provide formative feedback on the drafts submitted by your Writing Group members, following the guidance on the Writing Groups page about how feedback works. You are not obligated to provide support and advice for any drafts posted after noon on Sunday, October 28.
  • 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.