1
CM 220College Composition II
Unit 1 Seminar
Instructor: Nicole McInnesCheck Course Syllabus for other Flex Seminar
times
Contact and Flex Seminar Information
• Email: [email protected]• Office hours: by appointment (on AIM)• AIM: nimcinnes
2.
Seminar tips
• Hit F11 if the box to type text disappears; this will enlarge your screen and should bring the box back
• Make sure speakers are on• If you cannot hear me, try logging out and
back in• Once class starts, keep comments on-
topic. and respect your classmates (see Netiquette tab).
3
Changing the world, one idea at a time. . .What is a “Big Idea” and how do I come up with one?
4
Narrowing Down Ideas
Issue/problem Limiting topic Audience Solution/Argument
Obesity Obesity among the young
A specific school district
Mandatory physical education courses OR banning soda machines in the schools OR creating an on-site garden for improving school lunches
Hunger Hunger in a particular community
A community or business
Create a food-bank OR create a community garden or co-op
Homelessness FamiliesTeenagers
Community, churchCommunity
“Foster Homes for Families”Shelter for teens
5
Course Description
CM220 is designed to develop the writer’s skills in:• Research, both primary and secondary• Evaluation of research • Application of critical thinking skills • Development of effective arguments • Supporting arguments with credible sources• APA citation• Collaboration• Prewriting, editing, and revision process
6
Course Outcomes
• CM220-1: Construct logical arguments• CM220-2: Develop strategies for effective problem
solving• CM220-3: Conduct research to support assertions
made in personal, academic, and professional situations
• CM220-4: Articulate what constitutes effective communication in personal, professional and diverse contexts
• CM220-5: Demonstrate effective listening strategies
7
Important Course Policies and Information
• Project, discussion and seminar due dates
• Technology requirements • Posting option 2 seminar in drop box• Late policies• Plagiarism
8
Getting that A. . .Best Practices
• Don’t wait to make posts on Tuesday and turn in projects on time
• Write substantive responses to classmates• Edit and spell check before posting• Read instructions and rubrics carefully• Read all posts in discussions, especially the instructor’s • Review the unit “to do” lists and seminar info before the live
seminar• Read unit announcements carefully for additional
instructions and clarifications• Check e-mail frequently• Ask questions and communicate with your instructor!
9
Tour of Course
10
Doc Sharing
11
Invention Labs
12
Tech Labs (Units 2-7)
13
Scribus Poster Example
14
Units 2, 4, 6 projects
Unit 2: Create working thesis statement, research plan, and “pitch” for big idea
Unit 4: Primary and secondary research. Complete pre-
interview worksheet, summarize 3 outside sources (which ones helpful and why, one must be an opposing viewpoint), References page
Unit 6: 3-5 page draft, in addition to the title and
references page). Must include 3 sources (one must be academic)
15
Final Project: Portfolio
• Revision of draft (unit 6 project)• Revision of letter to the editor (unit
5 invention lab)• Revision of technology presentation
(unit 7 invention lab)• Responses to reflection questions
16
Reflection for finalFor the final, you will also write a reflection piece that
answers the following questions in paragraph form: • What did you learn about yourself as a writer? As a
thinker?• What did you learn about the process of writing?• What skills did you develop that might help you in the
future?• What did you take from the larger conversation with
others? • How did your feedback from peers and your
instructor affect the revision of your blueprint, letter to the editor, and presentation?
17
The Writing Center
18
Some questions to considerWhat are differences between informative and
persuasive writing?What kinds of persuasion do we see and use in
our daily lives? How might you use persuasive writing in your
professional life?What are some positive (or negative) experiences
you have had with writing?What apprehensions do you feel about this
class/final project?
19
Your Research Toolbox
• Kaplan library• Google Scholar• Google Books• Free academic
databases and electronic journals available on-line. See http://www.wholeagain.com/free_academic_databases.html
• Sites like The New York Times, Washington Post, NPR, PBS
20
USE BE CAREFUL
•Returns from internet searches
•Blogs
•Wikipedia
Discovering Ideas
Where do ideas for writing come from? • Newspapers, magazines and journals• Online discussion communities• Current events• Innovations Lab• Inspiration GalleryWhat are YOUR ideas for generating
ideas?
21
What are your BIG IDEAS?
Share some of the possible Big Ideas you have.What are some local, national and global problems
that you are interested in and that might be valuable to write about?
How about a new product or software, improving an existing product or concept, or possibly starting a movement or business?
Are there topics that might be problematic in any way, that might pose a challenge to the
writer/audience?
22
Thanks for being here!
• Don’t hesitate to let me know if you have questions.
• When I dismiss the class, if you have no further questions or comments, please exit out of the Seminar by clicking the “x.”
• See you in the Discussion!
23