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CREATING AN ACADEMIC COMMUNITY
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WEEK 1: AUG. 23-29 AUG. 23: FIRST DAY OF FALL SEMESTER CLASSES WRITING FOCUS: BLOGGING This module explores the challenges of communicating civilly and professionally with other business students and the instructor. The goal is to achieve authentic expression while discussing sometimes difficult topics. The class will establish its own norms of acceptable online behavior for the rest of the semester.
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| READINGS | ACTIVITIES | DUE DATES FOR ASSSIGNMENTS |
| BEFORE CLASS |
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DAY 1 AND BEFORE: You should have received a Welcome email from the professor in the week before classes started. You also received an email message to the class on Monday which has important instructions for starting the class. If you did not receive either or both, contact the professor immediately to get them. Email Prof. Johnston at jjohnsto@gmu.edu |
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Getting Started:
In the Course Menu on the left, click on the second item from the top, Orientation to Our Blackboard Home Page. If the screencast does not start immediately, click to advance the slides.
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BEFORE YOU DO ANYTHING ELSE, be sure to watch two important screencasts:
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Watch on Monday, Aug. 23, or as soon as you register for the course. |
| IN CLASS |
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--Welcome --Access to Blackboard --Why English 302? Why George Mason? --Resources and communication --Preview of class activities and goals --Importance of class atmosphere |
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| NEXT STEPS |
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The big picture by a famous philosopher: Why Civility Is Necessary For Society's Survival by P. M. Forni. (If the link fails, Google the name of the article in The Dallas Morning News.)
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Establish your class presence by creating or updating your profile in on Blackboard. (Remember that the profile you create will appear in all of your Blackboard course folders.) Go to our course menu on the left side of the screen. Under the Academic Resources for Students heading, click Blackboard Help for Students, then "Creating a Blackboard Profile." |
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Basic guide to civil online communication: The Core Rules of Netiquette, by Virginia Shea |
Shea's ten "rules" were among the first to encourage considerate treatment of others in virftual environments, but continue to be relevant today. |
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The special
challenges of communicating online:
Civility Demands Less Preaching, More Teaching
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Participate in our Class Civility Blog,
found under the Communication heading in the Course Menu. Read
the directions at the top to access the questons. Post your
responses as COMMENTS in reply to the instructor's posts to the TWO REQUIRED QUESTIONS (#1 AND #2).
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Posting your blog entries: If you have not used the Blackboard blog function previously, go to our Blackboard Course menu on the left side of the screen. Under the Academic Resources for Students heading, click Blackboard Help for Profiles and Functions, then "Videos for Common Blackboard Functions." At the very end of the file, watch the video on "Creating a Blog Entry" (3:24) |
POST RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS #1 AND #2 by Thursday, Aug. 26, by 11:59 PM |
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The instructor’s point of view:
Dont Email me This Way, by Ms. Mentor
Sending Email to Faculty and Administrators
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Continuing with our blog, choose and respond to TWO of the five remaining questions (#3-#7) Select the two that allow you to contribute to the exchange of ideas in the most insightful and thoughtful fashion. |
POST 2 BLOG ENTRIES by Friday, Aug. 27, by 11:59 PM |
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Dealing with communication problems:
Conflict in Cyberspace: How to Resolve Conflict Online, by John Suler
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Complete the Essentials of Class Interaction SURVEY to establish our class code of behavior It is available under Instructions for Assignments in the course menu. Click on the folder Creating an Academic Community. After everyone has expressed his/her opinion, you will receive an email the next week containing the class consensus on best practices online.
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POST RESPONSE TO SURVEY by Sunday, Aug. 29, by 11:59 PM |
Actively promoting digital civility: Microsoft's Council for Digital Good Calls on US Policymakers to Promote Digital Civility by Jacqueline Beauchere Text of the Council's Open Letter |
Learn your classmates' preferences for a civil atmosphere in our class by reviewing the results of the Essentials of Class Interaction Survey in a class email on Sunday, Sept. 2. Compare to the behaviors stressed by the Council. |
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WEEK 2: AUG. 30-SEPT. 5 FRIDAY, SEPT. 3: LAST DAY TO ADD CLASSES CONTENT FOCUS: CONVENTIONS OF ACADEMIC WRITING AS A GENRE, CHARACTERISTICS OF EMPIRICIAL RESEARCH, APPROPRIATE DOCUMENTATION FORMAT WRITING FOCUS: CONVENTIONS OF ACADEMIC VOCABULARY, PHRASING, AND TONE This module offers training in locating, reading and analyzing a recently published primary/empirical article in the student's academic discipline. Results will be presented through annotations. Valid sources for the article and related instructional readings will appear in correct documentation format used in the student's discipline |
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READINGS |
ACTIVITIES |
DUE
DATES FOR ASSIGNMENTS |
| PREPARATION FOR CLASS |
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In the course folder in Blackboard, go to Course Overview, the top category in the Course Menu. Click on Surviving and Thriving in English 302. Click Slide Show, then From Beginning so the audio will play as the presentation advances itself. |
Starting with the positive atmosphere established in Week 1, make yourself a list of ten ideas for academic and personal success in this course. |
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Assigment requirements: Available in the files Instructions for Analyzing Academic Discourse and its accompanying Scoring Rubric. They can be found in the folder by the same name under Instructions for Assignments in the Course Menu. |
Get an overview of the requirements and goals for the Academic Analysis essay.The skills from this assignment will be used in the Annotated Bibliography and the Research Paper for this class, and for research projects in other classes. |
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Software necessary to complete this assignment, the Public Writing assignment and the Annotated Bibliography: Acrobat Reader DC |
If you do not have a PDF reader that allows you to edit or comment upon a PDF file, download Acrobat Reader DC for free immediately. It is available from the link to the left. |
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PowerPoint presentation on Acrobat Reader DC. Available in the folder Analyzing Academic Discourse under Instructions for Assignments in the Course Menu. |
Complete and thorough instructions for downloading and commenting are in the PowerPoint presentation on Acrobat Reader DC. |
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| IN CLASS |
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-- Knowing the rules: equipment for success --Conducting and writing original research --Importance of empirical research academically and professionally --GMU library resources --Annotation as a learning tool --Connection between writing style and academic discipline --PDF readers |
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| NEXT STEPS |
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The file needed to complete the quiz: Course Policies and Procedures (also available from within the class Blackboard folder under Course Overview, near the top of the Course Menu.) |
Show that you understand the formal structure of our classroom community by completing the Quiz on Course Policies. It is available under Instructions for Assignments in the course menu. Click on the folder Characterizing an Academic Community |
SUBMIT THE QUIZ ON COURSE POLICIES by returning to the instructions file for the quiz. If unsure how to submit, watch Submit an Assignment (Student) (0:56) Submit by Wednesday, Sept. 1, by 11:59 PM |
Understanding academic discourse in your career or major: o Scroll far down the page to Related WiseGEEK Articles o Read What is the Relationship Between Language and Discourse? o Read What are the Different Types of Academic Discourse? o Read What is Scientific Discourse? if you are a science major
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Focus on the differences between academic writing and other professional writing tasks and styles. The focus is on understanding and critiquing empirical research as reported in scholarly journals (a highly specialized genre that is the pinnacle in publishing success for academic writers.) |
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Understand discourse communities in action:
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Use these examples to influence your own style and approach. |
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UPLOAD WHAT IS YOUR ACADEMIC DISCIPLINE? WORKSHEET assignment by returning to the instructions file for the worksheet. Submit by Sunday, Sept. 5, by 11:59 PM
If unsure how to submit, watch Submit an Assignment (Student) (0:56)
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MONDAY, SEPT. 6: LABOR DAY; UNIVERSITY CLOSED FOR FACE-TO-FACE CLASSES TUESDAY, SEPT. 7: LAST DAY TO DROP CLASSES WITH 100% REFUND |
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READINGS |
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DUE DATES FOR ASSIGNMENTS |
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PREPARATION FOR CLASS |
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Choose an empirical research study for this assignment: Writing a Scientific Research Report Education (Research Resources): Finding Empirical Research DO NOT choose any form of grey literature for this assignment: What is Grey Literature and How Do I Find It? |
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An overview of the basic criteria for researched publications: NOTE: Be sure to view these, as they are the basis for the Academic Analysis: Evaluating Resources (4:40) This concise video is hosted on the GMU Library website, so you will need to log in to access it How Should Research Sources be Evaluated? Step-by-Step Guide & Research Rescue: Evaluating Credibility |
Select a current research study on a topic relevant to your discourse community and published in a respected scholarly journal. | |
Begin your research by viewing this guide to locating sources using the Mason Library, by Instructional LIbrarian Kayla Gourlay: NOTE: Be sure to watch this, as it is the basis for identifying scholarly research which is not available on the open Web. Eng 302 |
Select current research (no more than 5-7 years old) on a topic relevant to your discourse community and published in a respected scholarly journal or outside publication. NOTE: Since the library resources are restricted to the Mason community, you will need to log in to access the video, using your Masonlive user name and password. |
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| IN CLASS |
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Why locating quality research publications can be difficult: All Scientific Papers Should be Free; Here's Why They're Not (4:42) Landmark Research Integrity Survey Finds Questionable Practices are Surprisingly Common |
GMU's superior collection of research databases provides reliable articles through the GMU Library collection, free and pre-screened, to users in the Mason community. 70% of these articles cannot be found on the open web, so use the library's resources! NOTE: Since the library resources are restricted to the Mason community, you will need to log in to access the video, using your Masonlive user name and password. |
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Looking for excellence in research and writing: Analyzing Research Articles: A Guide for Readers and Writers |
An extremely thorough review of the criteria required to meet the highest standards |
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Understanding the different parts of an empirical research study: Sample Article: Computer Science and IT |
Mason science librarian Theresa Calcagno annotated this article to discuss the conventions of reporting out empirical/primary research. Just click on each part of the article for a discussion of the content that explains the rationale. |
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Comprehend research articles: Tutorial: How to Read and Comprehend Scientific Research Articles (5:03) Strategies for Reading Academic Articles How to Read and Understand a Scientific Paper: A Step-by-Step Guide for Non-Scientists |
Use these strategies to make sure you thoroughly understand the study you intend to write about so you can analyze it accurately and thoughtfully. |
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Comprehending technical research: How to Read a Paper How to Read a Coronavirus Study, or any Science Study NOTE:You may need to access this article from The New York Times through Mason's library database collection |
The first article uses IEEE format to describe reading different parts of an empirical article for different information needs. The second demystifies the construction of a research article for a well-educated, intelligent reader who is not a trained researcher. |
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Recognize poorly written or conducted studies: 10 Tips for Writing a Truly Terrible Journal Article Many Scentific Studies Can't be Replicated. That's a Problem. A Scholarly Sting Operation Shines a Light on 'Predatory' Journals NOTE:You may need to access this article from The New York Times through Mason's library database collection |
Check your proposed article to make sure it avoids the (humorous, but real) errors listed in the first link. The other two point to serious vulnerabilities within the current academic research system. |
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WEEK 4: SEPT.13-19
TUESDAY, SEPT. 14: LAST DAY TO DROP WITH 50% REFUND
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| READINGS |
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DUE DATES FOR ASSIGNMENTS |
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Review of purposes and skills used in annotation: Annotating Text (7:07) A Guide to Annotating Texts (1:51) |
Annotation is widely regarded as a major tool for reading comprehension and retention. Review its purposes to see how your skills will progress. |
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Raising annotation to another level: Why Intelligent Minds Like Jeff Bezos Embrace "The Rule of Writing" More Than Highlighting: Creative Annotations |
Increase your engagement by varying the format of your annotations |
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Get ready to write: Quick review of critical thinking: Critical Thinking Definition, Skills, and Examples |
Reviewing appropriate content for your annotations |
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Combining Two Skills: What is the Difference Between Analysis and Annotation? |
Employing two important reading skills and articulating them in one assignment |
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Getting help with writing assignments from the Mason Writing Center: The Writing Center: Introduction to Our Services (3:44) |
The Writing Center offers virtual or f2f tutoring and assistance with revisions on drafts of student work. Since tutors often get very busy at the end of the semester, you may want to make appointments early of you would like a review of your drafts for future writing assignments in our class. |
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Create In-text citations and references for quotations and borrowed material: In-Text Citations: The Basics GMU Writing Center Quick Guides Scroll down to Citing Sources, then chose between APA, Chicago, MLA or Turabian. For other formats, consult the Help with Formatting Research Papers link on our Blackboard course menu |
Along with the References page, this will prevent plagiarism |
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Include a references page for your article and any other resources in the paper, using the style appropriate to your discipline In Blackboard, locate the subheading for Academic Resources for Students. Click Help with Formatting Research Papers for any array of support sites for the different styles. |
If using APA style, also remember to check out the APA Style Blog for changes since the newest version came out in October 2019. |
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SUBMIT THE FILE CONTAINING THE SCHOLARLY ARTICLE, ANNOTATED TO MEET THE CRITERIA IN THE ANALYSIS OF ACADEMIC DISCOURSE, to Blackboard by Sunday, Sept. 19, at 11:59 PM. If unsure how to submit, watch "How to Submit an Assignment in Blackboard Learn" |
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WEEK 5: SEPT. 20-26
MONDAY, SEPT. 20: MIDTERM EVALUATION PERIOD STARTS
CONTENT FOCI: ANALYSIS OF STYLE, AUDIENCE AND TYPICAL CONTENT FOR A PUBLICATION CONVEYING RESEARCH FINDINGS TO THE PUBLIC
WRITING
FOCI: CHANGING STYLE AND VOCABULARY FROM ACADEMIC TO POPULAR, PRODUCING
A TEXT TYPICALLY APPEARING IN POPULAR OR TRADE PUBLICATIONS
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READINGS |
ACTIVITIES |
DUE
DATES FOR ASSIGNMENTS |
| PREPARATION FOR CLASS |
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Begin the Public Writing Assignment: Go to the Instructions file on Public Writing in the folder for Public Writing in Blackboard under Instructions for Assignments, |
Get a thorough overview of the requirements and goals for the Public Writing assignment Look CAREFULLY at both the instructions file and the scoring rubric. |
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| IN CLASS |
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It's important to select a public article from a quality publication: The Truth is Paywalled but the Lies are Free |
Decide whether to work with the scholarly article you previously analyzed, or whether to choose another. If changing, repeat the choice process from that assignment. Highlight the important content that will be explained in the public article. OPTIONAL: If you are already clear about your research paper topic, you may be able to use the two pieces in this assignment for your research paper as well. |
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Review publications by professional associations: Associations Unlimited in GMU library databases Top 10 Newspapers in the World 2020 Top USA RSS feeds |
As the source for your public article, choose either a respected major outlet such as a newspaper, newsfeed or magazine, or a respected trade publication. Read its instructions to authors about the style of public writing they prefer. |
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Appealing to magazine readers: 6 Important Tips for Magazine Article Writing How to Write a Magazine Article |
Look over all the article types to select the one that you think will best convey the content of the scholarly article to the reading public |
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Appealing to news article readers: How to Write an Effective News Article How to Write a Science News Story Based on a Research Paper |
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Appealing to readers of press relelases: A Complete Guide to Writing an Effective Press Release Scientific Press Releases 2021 |
By the end of this week, decide which one of the article types will best serve your subject matter and audience |
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Confirm your choice of empirical and public articles by downloading and completing the Public Writing Worksheet found in the Public Writing folder. Fill out the Worksheet to compare and contrast the scholarly and popular approaches to the same material, |
UPLOAD THE PUBLIC WRITING WORKSHEET TO BLACKBOARD by Sunday, Sept. 26, at 11:59 PM If unsure how to submit, watch "How to Submit an Assignment in Blackboard Learn" |
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MONDAY, SEPT. 27: UNRESTRICTED WITHDRAWAL ENDS TUESDAY, SEPT. 28: SELECTIVE WITHDRAWAL BEGINS WITH 100% TUITION LIABILITY |
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READINGS |
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DUE DATES FOR ASSIGNMENTS |
| PREPARATION FOR CLASS |
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IMPORTANT: This week, you will receive an email inviting you to sign up for a conference day/time, to be held within the next two weeks: OCTOBER 4-17. (Weeks 7-8). Conferences may be by Zoom or telephone . You will be discussing and determining your research paper/lit review topic. Students who have not responded by Friday, MARCH 5, will be assigned any remaining dates/times. |
Sign up for research conference on Google Docs by Friday, October 1 at 11:59. |
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Consult a sample paper: Translating a Scholarly Article for a Public Audience |
Completing your assigned task: see whether you can do a better job of analyzing the differences between the two types |
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| IN CLASS | ||
Understanding the needs of the audience:
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Think through the characteristics of the publication's readers as demonstrated in other articles in that publication. Especially consider how the heavy use of scientific jargon drives most readers away; avoid choosing a public article that does this. |
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Keeping annotations brief but on-point: |
As you begin writing your chosen format, be sure you are switching code from academic vocabulary to the vocabulary suitable to the audience for the publication you selected. |
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Reread Steps 4 and 5 of the Instructions file, plus the Scoring Rubric, to prepare you to write the annotations that accompany your public article. (HINT: Read them again after you think you have completed the asignment to be sure that you have included all elements.) |
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You do not need to annotate the scholarly article. All material to be graded should appear in the annotations of the public article. |
UPLOAD THE SCHOLARLY ARTICLE TO BLACKBOARD by Sunday, October 3, at 11:59 PM. |
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By the end of the week, review your scholarly and public articles to be sure you have important inisights into the differences between them. This is especially important because science and technology are areas where the ability to explain complex content to the public is extremely important but relatively rare. |
ALSO SUBMIT THE FILE CONTAINING THE ANNOTATED PUBLIC ARTICLE to Blackboard by Sunday, October 3, at 11:59 PM. If unsure how to submit, watch "How to Submit an Assignment in Blackboard Learn" |
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WEEK 7: OCT. 4-10 CONTENT FOCI: INTELLECTUAL INTEGRITY, INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND PLAGIARISM IN ACADEMIA WRITING FOCI: PARAPHRASE, DIRECT AND INDIRECT QUOTATION, ATTRIBUTION This module stresses the accurate, responsible use of research sources such as those located in the previous module. Beginning in the academic environment, including the upcoming Research Paper, it also emphasizes the ethical use of intellectual property related to public-facing sources and gray literature. |
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Sample cases shows the need for ethical behavior at the college level: In Their Own Words: CSU Students Explain Why Academic Integrity is Important More than 800 Russian Academic Articles Retracted after "Bombshell" Report Reveals Plagiarism and Other Misconduct |
The importance of research integrity in a university setting. An ongoing problem in countries where universities and their research libraries are poorly funded but commerical research publishers demand high prices. George Mason has one of the best collections of research databases in the United States, so our students are very fortunate. (NOTE: If you are off campus, the library website may prompt you to log in, as access is restricted to the GMU community.) |
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Celebrating Academic Integrity: World Book and Copyright Day A Video for World Book and Copyright Day by UNESCO (3:26) Public Domain Day provides free books: Public Domain Day 2021 |
The importance of books and copyright worldwide is now recognized by UNESCO, protector world heritage--sites, intangible cultural heritage and intangible legacy Once a year--on January 1--materials published in the United States 95 years ago lose their copyright protection and become available to the general public |
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| IN CLASS |
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Including legends and traditions in modern copyrighted works: Disney Trademarked Loki, the Marvel Movie Character. Some Fans of the Norse God Were Not Happy |
Understanding the difference between public domain material and its copyrighted presentation in art, music and film |
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Respecting copyright for visual images as well as text: 17 Top Websites for Free and Royalty-Free Photos (2021 Update) Finding Public Domain and Creative Commons Media |
Remember that Google Images contains both copyrighted and copyright-free images unless you specify "copyright free" or "public domain" in your search string |
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NEXT STEPS
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Accelerated speed causes quality issues with researched publication: How a Torrent of COVID Science Changed Research Publishing--in Seven Charts |
The desperate need for information and prevention jump-started a worldwide rush to research and report, with less than reliable results due to the lack of peer review and replication studies |
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The struggle over pirated academic papers: How Academic Pirate Alexandra Elbakyan is Fighting Scientific Misinformation Archivists Want to Make Sci-Hub 'Uncensorable' |
Sci-Hub, the largest archive of stolen academic papers in the world, is not only illegal in the United States and Europe, but unnecessary at Mason, where a top-quality collection of research databases provides free access to all students through the library website. The two article show the pro's and cons of circumventing established practices for scientific publication |
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WEEK 8: OCT. 11-17 MONDAY, OCT. 11: FALL BREAK FOR FACE-TO-FACE CLASSES TUESDAY, OCT. 12: FACE-TO-FACE MONDAY CLASSES MEET; TUESDAY CLASSES CANCELLED |
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| READINGS | ACTIVITIES | DUE DATES FOR ASSIGNMENTS |
| TUESDAY CLASSES DO NOT MEET THIS WEEK, BUT EXTREMELY IMPORTANT INTELLECTUAL INTEGRITY READINGS AND ACTIVITIES CONTINUE |
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IMPORTANT: This week, you will receive an email inviting you to sign up for a conference day/time, to be held NEXT WEEK: OCTOBER 18-22 (Week 9). Conferences may be by Zoom, face to face or telephone . You will be discussing and determining your research paper/lit review topic. Students who have not responded by Friday, OCTOBER 15, will be assigned any remaining dates/times. |
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GMU's policies on plagiarism: GMU Academic Integrity The GMU Honor Code |
Learn the university policies that govern cheating, plagiarism and copyright for faculty, administrators and students |
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Reviewing your background Knowledge: Nine Things You Should Already Know About Plagiarism How to Recognize Plagiarism |
Develop an understanding of importance of intellectual property in higher education. Also note the "Three Things You Don't Need to Worry About." |
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Practical results of plagiarism for college students: 6 Consequences of Plagiarism What are the Consequences of Plagiarism in College? |
Violations of intellectual integrity are regarded very seriously by the academic community, both for students at all levels and for professors and researchers. |
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Keeping current with intellectual property cases and policies: Reuters Week Ahead in Intellectual Property |
Every Monday morning, a highly respected European news agency provides weekly updates on international developments in intellectual property |
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In Blackboard, go to Instructions for Assignments, then the folder for Researching Ethically, then the file named "IRIS Plagiarism Test--Instructions." Carefully follow the directions in the file of Instructions, since the procedure is different from the usual submission. |
Submit the emailed results of the IRIS PLAGIARISM TEST by returning to the test instructions file in the folder Researching Ethically. Be sure that the screen shot shows your name as well as your score. Submit by Sunday, October 17, by 11:59 PM If unsure how to submit, watch Submit an Assignment (Student) (0:56) |
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CONFERRING ON RESEARCH PROPOSALS
WEEK 9: OCT. 18-24 CONTENT FOCUS: PEPARING FOR THE RESEARCH PAPER BY DETERMINING AN APPROPRIATE TOPIC WRITING FOCUS: CONVENTIONS OF RESEARCHED WRITING; REVIEWING PERSUASIVE WRITING TECHNIQUES This module ensures that all students have a viable, researchable topic which covers an important development which is projected to significantly change their disciplines within the next 5-7 days. It requires a conference with the professor, either face to face, by telephone, or video chat. |
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PREPARATION FOR CONFERENCE AND CLASS |
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STOP RIGHT HERE while you thoroughly reread the requirements for the Annotated Bibliography and the Research Paper. If you have questions about them, contact the professor NOW so you can proceed through Weeks 9-15 with confidence. |
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In Blackboard, go to Instructions for Assignments then the folder for Conferring on Research Proposals, then file containing the Scoring Rubric for Research Paper |
Review the Scoring Rubric so you know how your participation will be scored. A successful conference is highly correlated to success on both the Annotated Bibliography and the Research Paper. |
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Using the Instructions file for the Conference on Research Paper, prepare the proposal document. Items 2,4,5 and 7 must be contained in the document.
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Upload the Conference document to the Instructions file for the Conference on Research Paper in the folder Conferring on Research Proposals. Submit BEFORE your research conference. |
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| IN CLASS |
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| NEXT STEPS: RESEARCH PAPER CONFERENCES |
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This week, your sole assignment is to be prepared for the research conference by choosing a viable topic for your research for the remainder of the semester. Make sure it is a new and important development in your discipline which is visible in scholarly research as well as in the commercial or nonprofit world. Above all, be sure it is interesting and valuable to you. |
Attend your research conference at the time you signed up for. Since conferences are only 15 minutes long, it is mportant to be on time, organized and ready to talk. DO NOT BE LATE, as it cuts into others' conference time. (Last date for conferences is Friday, Oct. 22) |
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Begin research as soon as you have successfully completed your conference with an agreed topic for the Innovations Research Paper. Be sure to use highly reliable examples of different types of sources to anchor your paper both in theory and in reality. |
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WEEK 10: OCT. 25-31
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 27: END SELECTIVE WITHDRAWAL; NO TUITION REFUND
CONTENT FOCUS: ASSESSING THE QUALITY AND SCOPE OF RESEARCH ON A SPECIFIC TOPIC; IDENTIFYING GAPS AND FUTURE NEEDS FOR RESEARCH
WRITING FOCUS: CRITICAL ANALYSIS, PERSUASIVE WRITING TECHNIQUES, TRANSITIONAL
EXPRESSIONS, FIELD-APPROPRIATE DOCUMENTATION, COMPARISON AND CONTRAST,
This module synthesizes all the major elements of your learning this semester:
At the same time, it offers an opportunity to expand the functionality of a scholar into the 21st century by projecting ways that your field can be extended and enhanced
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READINGS |
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First, understand the task at hand for this most important assignment of the semester |
Review the requirements for the Innovations Research Paper very carefully by going into Blackboard, to the folder on Researching in a Discipline, then the instructions for Research Innovations Paper and its accompanying Scoring Rubric. |
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Using interviews as sources in a research paper: Ted-Ed Talk: How to Use Experts and When Not To (10:38) |
Adding commercial and industry sources Including expert interviews, both live and recorded Reliability and validity of consumer/user input |
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Researching ways to effect professional or social change: Qualities of Effective Change Agents Want to Advocate for Change? Here are Three Realities You Need to Know Advocating for Change |
Consider the social and emotional demands of acting in the public interest. Review some approaches that can be effective for either a young professional or a private citizen. |
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| IN CLASS |
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Specialized sources that indicate sophisticated research skills: Extended Source Types Module. In Course Menu, go to the folder on Researching in a Discipline. The module is the fourth item from the top. |
Five new and advanced types of research resource are described, with examples and uses. Created for us by GMU Instructional LIbrarian Kayla Morrow. Begin compiling sources in class. |
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Third, when ready to start writing, become familiar with modern trends in researched writing:
How to Write a Paper to Communicate Your Research (8:39) |
A Chemistry professor at Harvard explains the synchronicity between research and writing. |
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Understanding types of research papers: Persuasive Research Paper Writing Guide The Differences Between an Analytical and an Argumentative Paper |
Describes types of research paper. Note that "Persuasive paper" and "Argumentative paper" are the same thing, although persuasion is favored in researched writing so that the audience feels free to make up its own mind based on the quality of your insights an research rather than feeling the oppositional attitude implied by argumentation. |
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Recognizing an excellent combination of research and persuasion APA Research Paper by Luisa Mirano APA 7th Edition Sample Papers IEEE General Format |
Observe how strong research pursues a research question to come to a distinct conclusion. NOTE: Ms. Mirano's paper used the 6th edition of the APA Publication Manual, so do not use it as a model for fomatting the references page, which now relies on the 7th edition. |
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List of steps for incorporating research into argumentation: Persuasive Research Paper Writing Guide |
Thesis vs. research question. Thesis statement creator. Workshop on audience expectations: review each other’s theses/questions and list desired information |
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WEEK 11: NOV. 1-7
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Fourth, develop a succinct plan for pulling it all together: Help! I've Been Asked to Synthesize! |
Summarizes do's and don'ts in synthesis writing |
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Coursera describes the rationale for synthesis writing for its Advanced Writing course: Synthesis Essay Video Lecture |
A clear explanation of the finer points of writing a perceptive and original synthesis essay |
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Choosing an organizational strategy: Patterns of Organization |
Decide on the optimal organizational strategy for incorporating empirical research, public writing, grey literature and persuasion |
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Fifth, choose persuasive strategies: The Rogerian approach to persuasion: What is Rogerian Argument? (2:13) The Santa Myth--Rogerian Argument (3:03) |
Rogerian argumentation: Using shared ground to reach agreeemnt. The second video contains an example.
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The Toulmin approach to persuasion: Toulmin Model of Argument (8:34) Toulmin's Model of Argumentation Example (4:52) |
Toulmin argumentation: The use of logic and evidence to prove one's point. The second video contain an example.
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Handling the opposition: Showing Awareness of the Counter Argument (5:51) |
Recognizing and dealing with counter-arguments and opposition Appropriate langauge for constructing a counterargument |
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| IN CLASS |
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Use quoted material strategically: When to Summarize, Paraphrase and Quote How to Use Quotations in Writing Essays--APA or MLA (2:53) How to Frame Quotations Quotations (a thorough guide) |
Choosing and using quotations sparingly but effectively. Advanced writing skill workshop: mechanIcs of punctuating quotations. This is a defining characteristic of academic style as well as the most confusing skill in English writing. |
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| NEXT STEPS |
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Sixth, be sure your draft shows advanced academic writing style. Quick review : Using academic style while constructing your argument: Formal Writing Voice Reducing Informality in Academic Writing |
Third Person Point of View and other traits of formal academic writing as you begin drafting your paper |
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Advice on showing the relationships between ideas: Improving Cohesion: The "Known/New Contract" Writing Transitions and Transitional Devices Sentence Templates + Transitions |
Using transitions and connectors to show interrelationships between texts. The second link provides a list of words that cue readers to interpret ideas the way you want them to. |
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To show your readiness to include key quotations in your research paper, complete and submit the quiz. IMPORTANT NOTE: Do NOT check your work against the answers provided, as they are taken from an outdated version of the APA Handbook and, of course, do not even apply to students usIng other formats. |
Submit the QUOTATIONS QUIZ to Blackboard by Sunday, Nov. 7, at 11:59 PM. Look for the Instructions file in the folder for Annotating Research Sources If unsure how to submit, watch "How to Submit an Assignment in Blackboard Learn" |
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WEEK 12: NOV. 8-14 |
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| READINGS |
ACTIVITIES |
DUE DATES FOR ASSIGNMENTS |
| PREPARATION FOR CLASS |
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Seventh, create your own preprint so you can gain the benefits of giving and receiving your classmates' feedback on your draft. |
Carefully read the Instructions for Peer Review of Research Paper in the Blackboard folder on Researching in a Discipline |
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By Tuesday, Nov. 30, write a complete draft of your Research Paper (not including the Title Page or References page) so it is ready for the benefit of your classmates' critiques |
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UPLOAD YOUR DRAFT to the Peer Review of Research Paper (under My Groups heading at bottom of course menu in the class Blackboard folder). In the message, tell your reviewers about the issues you would most like feedback on. Attach the draft; do NOT paste it into the body of the message. On the home page for your group, be sure to read the instructions for the peer review process |
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| IN CLASS |
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MIT professors explain why peer review is central to academic practice, both for students and professionals:
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Also by Tuesday, Nov. 9, locate and fill out the Formative Review in the folder for Researching in a Discipline. Complete it in reference to your own paper so you can see what elements need addressing while your draft is still in development. |
Upload Research Paper DRAFT AND THE FORMATIVE REVIEW to the Peer Review of Research Paper discussion board by Tuesday, Nov. 9, by 11:59 PM |
Workshop on Peer Review. Groups may meet and complete reviews in person during class time if they prefer. Professor is available for consultation. |
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| NEXT STEPS |
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Five tips for writing helpful peer reviews: How to Give Constructive Feedback (1:03) Five Tips for a Constructive Peer Review |
REVIEW YOUR GROUP MEMBERS' DRAFTS, following the Instructions in the file for Peer Review of Research Paper and post to your group. Remember to complete both the Summative rubrics for each draft, then paste it into the end of the person's draft file. |
Complete PEER REVIEW by Friday, Nov. 12, at 11:59 PM |
Last and far from least, submit your paper on time to complete our course. |
Revise and COMPLETE YOUR RESEARCH PAPER AND SUBMIT to Blackboard. Remember to upload articles reviewed in your paper- that were NOT included in your Annotated Bibliography--not just links to them |
SUBMIT THE RESEARCH PAPER by returning to the Instructions file for the Research Innovations Paper. Submit by Sunday, Nov. 14, at 11:59 PM. |
If unsure how to submit, watch "How to Submit an Assignment in Blackboard Learn" |
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Keep
firmly in mind that the Research Paper cannot be submitted late
If you do not submit this paper, complete with title page, abstract, body, internal citations and references, by Sunday, Nov. 14, by 11:59 PM, YOU WILL NOT PASS THE CLASS. |
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WEEK 13: NOV. 15-21
MONDAY, NOV. 15: END MIDTERM EVALUATION PERIOD
CONTENT FOCI: EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP, CONTRIBUTING TO A SOCIAL OR PROFESSIONAL CAUSE The semester culminates in this module, a synthesis activity which combines a major behavioral model, personal essay material and formal research data. It uses the organizational structure of a critical analysis to construct an effective visual presentation.
WRITING FOCUS: CRITICAL ANALYSIS, PERSUASIVE WRITING TECHNIQUES, TRANSITIONAL
EXPRESSIONS, FIELD-APPROPRIATE DOCUMENTATION, COMPARISON AND CONTRAST,
This module synthesizes all the major elements of your learning this semester:
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READINGS |
ACTIVITIES |
DUE
DATES FOR ASSIGNMENTS |
| PREPARATION FOR CLASS |
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Prepare for the Presentation: Read the instructions file and scoring rubric for the assignment on "Visual Presentation on Leadership," located in Blackboard under Instructions for Assignments, in the folder for Contributing to Public Discourse |
Become thoroughly familiar with the instructions and the scoring rubric by class time on Tuesday, Nov. 16. Go into Blackboard, to the folder on Leading for Change, then the instructions for Visual Presentation on Leading for Change and its accompanying Scoring Rubric. |
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Seriously reflect on a major professional or social issue that is very important to you. Decide how you could contribute to resolving that issue using your academic and/or public discourse skills. |
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| IN CLASS |
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Effecting professional or social change: Qualities of Effective Change Agents Want to Advocate for Change? Here are Three Realities You Need to Know Advocating for Change |
Consider the social and emotional demands of acting in the public interest. Review some approaches that a private citizen can take. |
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Deciding whether to approach a professional or a social issue: 10 Ways to Effect a Positive Change at Work Even if You're Not the One in Charge 15 Ways to Advance Social Justice in Your Community Political Activities and the Hatch Act |
Distinguish between resources and approaches to take as a professional versus as a private citizen. NOTE: Since the federal government is the largest employer in tmetropolitan Washington area, be aware that the Hatch Act defines and limits participation in "partisan political activity" by federal employees. |
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| NEXT STEPS |
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Acting within the community or as a private citizen: 8 Ways to Meaningfully Support Social Justice Movements 15 Ways to Support Social Justice or Civil Rights What You Can Do If You're Not Able to Participate in a Peaceful Protest |
IOne approach is to advocate for change outside of work while maintaining a neutral profile to your employer. Investigate practical ways to find like-minded others and to accomplish somethng concrete. |
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The challenges of moving up as a young scientist: Help Young Scientists |
A realistic assessment of the challenges faced by young researchers as they try to move forward and become influential within their disciplines |
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Transitioning to leadership and management roles: Mason Impact: Mason Impacts Students; Students Impact the World Promoted from Peer to Leader? 17 Ways to Make a Smooth Transition Hit the Ground Running: Transitioning to New Leadership Roles |
How to make the essential career shift that opens paths to increased effectiveness with minimum stress combined with maximum comfort and success |
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Buildng professional connections to create change: 3 Reasons to Get Involved in Professional Organizations List of Professional Associations and Organizations by Industry |
Ways to reach and involve like-minded people from within a university, internship or job |
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WEEK 14: NOV. 22-28 WEDNESDAY, NOV. 24-SUNDAY, NOV. 28: UNIVERSITY CLOSED FOR THANKSGIVING RECESS
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ACTIVITIES |
DUE DATES FOR ASSIGNMENTS |
| PREPARATION FOR CLASS |
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Some options if you prefer not to use PowerPoint: 5 Best Free Animated Presentation Software and PowerPoint Alternatives Best Presentation Software of 2021 |
Decide on the software you will use for your presentation |
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| IN CLASS |
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Quick advice on both content and design: Top 10 Slide Tips 8 Tips To Create Epic Visual Presentations How to Create Prezi Effect in PowerPoint 2016 |
Plan the appearance of your presentation, avoiding text-heavy slides. If needed, view help files if you are using Power Point or Prezi |
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Up-to-the-minute advice: How to Design a Good Slide PowerPoint Tutorial (6:43) How to Avoid Death by PowerPoint (20:31) |
Avoiding the worst; emphasizing the best Troubleshoot your presentation. Make adjustments as needed |
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Top-quality examples: Top 20 Best PowerPoint Presentations--Cubicle Ninjas Welcome to the Prezi Gallery |
See complete, highly effective presentations on various topics. (Scroll down to access individual presentations and their strengths) |
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| NEXT STEPS |
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Writing tip: why viewers/readers want you to use parallel structure: Parallel Structure: Patterns are Pleasing |
Learn to format bulleted lists correctly in your presentation. (Note: ALL written lists should have parallel structure, not just PowerPoint presentations!)
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REMINDER: Respect copyright for visual images as well as text: 17 Top Websites for Free and Royalty-Free Photos (2021 Update) Finding Public Domain and Creative Commons Media |
Remember that Google Images contains both copyrighted and copyright-free images unless you specify "copyright free" or "public domain" in your search string. If using a copyrighted image, you must treat it as you would any other research source: with an entry in your References slide and an internal citation on the slide where the image appears. |
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WEEK 15: NOV. 29-DEC. 5 TUESDAY, NOV. 30: LAST CLASS SESSION IN THIS COURSE SATURDAY, DEC. 4: LAST DAY OF UNIVERSITY CLASSES FOR FALL 2021 |
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| READINGS |
ACTIVITIES |
DUE DATES FOR ASSIGNMENTS |
| PREPARATION FOR CLASS |
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Revise and COMPLETE YOUR VISUAL PRESENTATION AND BRING IT TO CLASS. Check any added audio to be sure it will play correctly. |
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| IN CLASS |
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Workshop on completing individual presentations and obtaining peer review. Professor is available for consultation. |
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| NEXT--AND FINAL--STEPS |
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Last and far from least, submit your VISUAL PRESENTATION on time to complete our course. |
SUBMIT YOUR VISUAL PRESENTATION ON LEADING FOR CHANGE in Blackboard by returning to the file for that assignment in the folder for Leading for Change Submit by Tuesday, Nov. 30 by 11:59 PM. |
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If unsure how to submit, watch "How to Submit an Assignment in Blackboard Learn" |
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ONE LAST THING: MAKE SURE YOUR GRADES IN THIS CLASS ARE CORRECT |
In Blackboard, go to My Grades. Check to make sure that all grades (possibly excepting the Research Paper, which may not be graded by that time) appear and are recorded accurately. Notify the instructor IMMEDIATELY of any errors. If all grades are correctly recorded, no action is needed. IMPORTANT: This is an opportunity to correct errors only, not to rewrite, resubmit or ask for extra credit. As per the Course Description, none of these options is available in our class. |
EMAIL ANY RECORDING ERRORS to the professor by FRIDAY, DEC. 3, by 11:59 PM |
WEEK 16: DEC. 6-12 MONDAY AND TUESDAY, DEC. 6-7: READING DAYS WEDNESDAY, DEC. 8: SEMESTER EXAMS START |
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HAPPY NOTE: since this is a writing class without tests, there is NO final exam. Once you have submitted the Visual Presentation, your work in this class will be complete. |
IMPORTANT NOTE: Class grades will become final on Wednesday, Dec. 15, at 11:59 PM. Any material submitted after that will not earn credit. |
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Go to the Course Policies and Procedures
Go to Joyce
Johnston's Home Page