Follow this link to read the course syllabus:
http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=ddx58nx8_158f5b3kcdc
Up until class starts Saturday, I will be working on the syllabus, hence the "draft" label; but, by-in-large, the big picture is there. As always, write with questions to: prof.brandon@gmail.com.
One essential lesson of the class is: start writing early, produce a draft, and then revise it as many times as you have time. Each step helps to produce a more successful document, that is, a document which does what you want it to do. Starting early and revising also allows you to produce the best work you can in the time you have to devote to it. Finally, note I don't just talk this method of writing, I practice it myself. To succeed it the class, you will need to give the method a chance and judge the results for yourself.
14 May 2008
12 May 2008
Welcome to the Class Blog
If you've never used a class blog before, you are in for a treat. Here, you'll find the reading for the class, your weekly assignments, a class calendar, and links to resources you can use to become a better writer.
Take a moment to look at the layout. At the very top, you'll see a navigation bar. You can use the search field to search the content of the blog. Below the navigation bar, you'll see the blog's banner, made up of the course title and an historic picture of a railroad in South Dakota.
Below the banner and to the left, there's a section called, "Need to Know." Check this section each time you check the blog. If there's an important class announcement, this is one place you'll see it. The announcements are followed by a blog archive, where you can go back, find, and review past posts. Below the archive, again in the left column, you'll see an "About me" entry. This entry provides an email address I check every week day and a profile of me, one of the audiences for whom you will write. Write my email address down now (prof.brandon@gmail.com), or add it to your contact list. It's your best way to get in touch with me. Monday-Thursday, you can usually expect a response from me within 24 hours. On the weekends, I will be hiking, sailing, working in the garden, etc., but if I'm around an email source, I'll check emails and try to get back to you.
Now look to the right hand side of the page below the banner. In this area, I'll post the reading or links to the reading you will need to do to succeed in the class. In the area, each week and, sometimes, several times a week, you'll see the new content, with the newest entries posted first. Make sure to read all the entries. This is the one equivalent of a text book. Your assignments will be posted here, so if you ever get behind, this is what you need to read. Since these entries are a major source of your reading, some of them will be pretty long. Set aside enough time to complete the reading. Unlike high school teachers, I assume you are doing the reading and will need it to succeed in the class. If you have any questions about the reading, write.
Following each post entry, you'll see a "comments" link. Click on it and leave comments. Each comment is channeled to my email account, so I see them when I read email. Your classmates also have access to your comments. These comments represent a good way for you to interact with your peers, comment on individual assignments, or ask questions about an assignment or post.
At the bottom of the page, you will find a class calendar. Click on any of the events, and you'll get an expanded view. Here, you will find due dates and other important days--as in 4 July, a class holiday.
A couple of folks have written to ask what they can do to get a head start on the class. Here is my recommendation:
1. This is a class about learning to become a better communicator, particularly in writing. Since it is an online class, the primary way you will be interacting is through email. As the session progresses, however, you'll use other online modes of communication. To get you started, I would like you to set up a special email account with google mail just for this class. To set up your gmail account, go to gmail.google.com and set up your account. Make sure to write down your new username and password, and save them in a safe place.
2. Using your new gmail account, write me at prof.brandon@gmail.com to introduce yourself. Along with your class email address, let me know your contact information and your background in English and in taking online classes. Don't worry about impressing me with your writing. This introduction is informal and is just a way for you and I to get to know one another. You'll also find I don't want to hear BS, so as always when interacting with me, the best notion is to be honest and straightforward. This is good general advice for any audience you don't know well.
3. Finally, this semester you will learn how to make yourself a better writer. One of the skills you will practice is how to identify the areas where you can improve and where you already have strengths. This reflection lets you know on what you need to work and about what you can feel confident, and becoming a better writer is all about making small improvements in your writing on a more-or-less regular basis. The confidence that comes from knowing your strengths is an essential asset to an author, because the notion of a calm, confident author(ity) and authorship are closely linked in our culture--especially in academic writing. I want you to start thinking about what you do well as a writer and where you need new knowledge and practice. When you write me to introduce yourself, let me know what you've come up with. Don't over think this last, a list will be fine.
Take a moment to look at the layout. At the very top, you'll see a navigation bar. You can use the search field to search the content of the blog. Below the navigation bar, you'll see the blog's banner, made up of the course title and an historic picture of a railroad in South Dakota.
Below the banner and to the left, there's a section called, "Need to Know." Check this section each time you check the blog. If there's an important class announcement, this is one place you'll see it. The announcements are followed by a blog archive, where you can go back, find, and review past posts. Below the archive, again in the left column, you'll see an "About me" entry. This entry provides an email address I check every week day and a profile of me, one of the audiences for whom you will write. Write my email address down now (prof.brandon@gmail.com), or add it to your contact list. It's your best way to get in touch with me. Monday-Thursday, you can usually expect a response from me within 24 hours. On the weekends, I will be hiking, sailing, working in the garden, etc., but if I'm around an email source, I'll check emails and try to get back to you.
Now look to the right hand side of the page below the banner. In this area, I'll post the reading or links to the reading you will need to do to succeed in the class. In the area, each week and, sometimes, several times a week, you'll see the new content, with the newest entries posted first. Make sure to read all the entries. This is the one equivalent of a text book. Your assignments will be posted here, so if you ever get behind, this is what you need to read. Since these entries are a major source of your reading, some of them will be pretty long. Set aside enough time to complete the reading. Unlike high school teachers, I assume you are doing the reading and will need it to succeed in the class. If you have any questions about the reading, write.
Following each post entry, you'll see a "comments" link. Click on it and leave comments. Each comment is channeled to my email account, so I see them when I read email. Your classmates also have access to your comments. These comments represent a good way for you to interact with your peers, comment on individual assignments, or ask questions about an assignment or post.
At the bottom of the page, you will find a class calendar. Click on any of the events, and you'll get an expanded view. Here, you will find due dates and other important days--as in 4 July, a class holiday.
A couple of folks have written to ask what they can do to get a head start on the class. Here is my recommendation:
1. This is a class about learning to become a better communicator, particularly in writing. Since it is an online class, the primary way you will be interacting is through email. As the session progresses, however, you'll use other online modes of communication. To get you started, I would like you to set up a special email account with google mail just for this class. To set up your gmail account, go to gmail.google.com and set up your account. Make sure to write down your new username and password, and save them in a safe place.
2. Using your new gmail account, write me at prof.brandon@gmail.com to introduce yourself. Along with your class email address, let me know your contact information and your background in English and in taking online classes. Don't worry about impressing me with your writing. This introduction is informal and is just a way for you and I to get to know one another. You'll also find I don't want to hear BS, so as always when interacting with me, the best notion is to be honest and straightforward. This is good general advice for any audience you don't know well.
3. Finally, this semester you will learn how to make yourself a better writer. One of the skills you will practice is how to identify the areas where you can improve and where you already have strengths. This reflection lets you know on what you need to work and about what you can feel confident, and becoming a better writer is all about making small improvements in your writing on a more-or-less regular basis. The confidence that comes from knowing your strengths is an essential asset to an author, because the notion of a calm, confident author(ity) and authorship are closely linked in our culture--especially in academic writing. I want you to start thinking about what you do well as a writer and where you need new knowledge and practice. When you write me to introduce yourself, let me know what you've come up with. Don't over think this last, a list will be fine.
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