Class URL: http://webct.csuohio.edu
Time: Fall, 2001; Tuesday and Thursday 8:30 - 9:45 am.
Location: UR 108
Instructor: Harriet Tramer
Phone: 1-216-321-8250(h) 1-216-687-6893(w)
e-mail: harriet@urban.csuohio.edu
Office:My office is Room 135 in the new Urban Building, the large
glass structure at the corner of E. 17th Street and Euclid Avenue with
the words "Cleveland State University" written on it. This office is in
a suite accessible through doors by Room 120 and by Room 145.
If I am not in my office, please check the computer lab, Room 40 in
the basement of the Urban Building.
Office hours: Before and after class; by appointment.
TEXT: Piotrowski, Maryann V. Effective Business Writing: A Guide
for Those Who Write on the Job. Second Edition, HarperPerennial, 1996.
USEFUL RESOURCE: http://www.csuohio.edu:80/writingcenter/writproc.html
CLASS OBJECTIVES
This class is designed to acquaint students with the writing process
as it is utilized to present information about the urban experience.
Class discussion is encouraged and will definitely serve to make
sessions more educational and lively. From time to time, you will also
be expected to complete in class writing assignments or research
projects.
SCHEDULE FOR THE CLASS
Segment One: Journalism August 28, 30, September 4, 6
Segment Two: Journalist as Crusader September 11, 13, 18, 20
Segment Three: Research September 25, 27, October 2, 4, 9
Segment Four: Documentaries October 11, 16, 18, 23, 25, 30 November 1
Segment Five: Web Sites November 6, 8, 13,15, 20
Segment Six: Final Paper November 27, 29, December 4, 6
ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE CLASS
You will be required to complete six written assignments, each of which
is to be approximately 750 words (three type written pages) in length.
The papers will be due September 11, September 25, October 11,
November 6, November 27 and December 11, 2001.
You can earn 100 points on each paper, for a total of 600 points in the
class. The details about each assignment are presented within the modules
for that particular segment. If you turn in a paper early, you will
receive comments and a tentative grade. You can then rewrite your
project taking this information into account and earn a higher grade.
When completing the papers, remember the following:
1. Focus fully on the topic at hand, instead of flitting from one idea
to another. This strategy will help you to organize your thoughts and
present cohesive, easily comprehended arguments.
2. Clearly state your point of view. Often, it is best to do this at
the very beginning of your paper.
3. Define important terms; doing that will help you to focus your thinking.
4. Give specifics whenever possible. This will make your paper stronger and
work to retain the reader's interest.
5. Whenever possible cite where you got your information. This will make
obvious the fact you have been reading assigned material.
OPTION
If you would be more comfortable doing a variation of the assignments that
are discussed in this syllabus, that is acceptable. You should, however,
discuss your idea with the instructor before you start any work.
ATTENDANCE POLICY
It is strongly advised that you attend class. Your attendance will be
reflected in your final grade, as material relavent to the papers will
be discussed during class.
GRADING POLICY
Record your grades on this chart
Paper One _____
Paper Two _____
Paper Three ______
Paper Four _______
Paper Five _______
Paper Six _____
Total_________________
Your final grade will be determined in accordance with this chart
600 558 A
557 540 A-
539 522 B+
521 498 B
497 480 B-
479 462 C+
461 420 C
419 360 D
359 0 F
POLICY FOR AN INCOMPLETE GRADE
If you have not turned in all five papers by the end of the end of the six
week period, you will receive a X, I or a NA depending upon which
is applicable. DO TRY TO TURN IN ALL ASSIGNMENTS ON TIME.