Assignments

The profession of editing is one that holds precision in high regard. All work submitted for this course must strive for correctness in all forms. The first two projects will be submitted in two stages: as drafts and as revised final drafts. Only your grade on the final draft will count toward your final grade. The third project will only be submitted once. All work submitted for workshop and as final must be typed and double-spaced. Do not use folders, binders, or other covers for your work. Use visuals and information design techniques if they are functional and enhance the content of the message.

Workshop:
In your review of the draft, read the paper as a process without thinking of the end. As you read, identify problems you find, point out strong sections and highlight weak ones. Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of your assigned draft in detail on a separate Editing Sheet. As you read, mark each draft, using the proofreading marks provided in class.

Editing Sheet:
When you finish reading your assigned draft, make at least three specific recommendations for improving the paper, citing weaknesses or errors and referencing specific pages in The Chicago Manual of Style and/or Alred. Copies of your editing sheet and the marked up draft will be submitted to the author and to the instructor. You will be graded on your thoroughness, clarity, and proofreading skill.

Grade components:

Project 1: Formal Email w/Instructions
Following the business, email, memo, and instruction writing guidelines discussed in class, assigned readings, and handouts, you will construct and office-wide email detailing hypothetical new company policy and procedures (covered in a detailed handout). Once the draft is completed and reviewed you will edit the draft into a final 2-page (or less) email.
20%

Project 2: Formal Report with PowerPoint Presentation
Using the principles and techniques that we discuss in class, you will revise and compile several hypothetical departmental updates into a formal 3- to 5-page report, which will be accompanied by 1 to 3 pages of text for supporting PowerPoint presentation. Once the draft is completed and reviewed you will edit the draft into a final report and PowerPoint outline.
25%

Project 3: Promotional Web Site/Resume
After reviewing the basic principles of effective writing for the web and promotion, you will revise your print resume into a personal Web site that could serve you for the rest of your professional career. Though I will establish a free hosted solution for each of your Web sites and provide instructions for how to manage your Web content, learning how to effectively manage the content and design of your site will be your responsibility. Those who cannot master the technical demands of the project will have the option of turning in their project on paper.
20%

Editing Sheets
See description of Editing Sheets.
15%

Class Participation
This course requires that you come to class prepared to discuss the readings and workshop drafts and that you engage actively with your peers.
10%

Final Exam
The final exam will test your knowledge and understanding of the principles of text editing that we discuss and practice throughout the term.
10%