ENGLISH 302-B40
Advanced Composition    

Fall 2019

 

Tu/Thurs 10:30-11:45 AM
West Hall Room 1004
CRN 78492

Prof. Joyce Johnston
jjohnsto@gmu.edu
703.993.1176

Office Hours Thursdays 9:00-10:15 AM
FSF: Room 206 Robinson Hall B
Virtual: Skype: joyce.johnston48





A week begins on Monday and ends on Sunday. Assignments are due by 11:59 PM on the dates listed.

All major assignments are due on Sunday.

Both the Course Description and the Course Schedule can also be accessed on Professor Johnston's website, available at http://mason.gmu.edu/~jjohnsto


 

COURSE SCHEDULE

CLICKABLE MENU

 


 


Week 1
Aug. 26-Sept. 1
Collaborating Courteously


 

Weeks 2-3
Sept. 2-15

Representing Yourself





 

Weeks 4-6
Sept. 16-Oct.6

Academic Writing


 

Weeks 7-8
Oct. 7-20

Code Switching


 

    Week 9
Oct. 21-27

Researching Ethically




Weeks 10-12
Oct. 27-Nov. 17

Researching
a Career




Weeks 13-16
Nov. 18-Dec. 15

Setting
an Example





COLLABORATING COURTEOUSLY




WEEK 1:    AUGUST 26-SEPT. 1

TUESDAY, AUGUST 27:  FIRST DAY OF FALL CLASSES

CONTENT FOCUS: CIVILITY

WRITING FOCUS: BLOGS

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.


READINGS


ACTIVITIES


DUE DATES FOR ACTIVITIES


 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 the link at the bottom to begin.



 BEFORE YOU DO ANYTHING ELSE, be sure to watch the screencast so you will know how to find the materials and functions you need for our course in Blackboard.  Then click around to make sure you are comfortable accessing materials and resources on your own.


 Watch on Tuesday, Aug. 26 or as soon as you register for the course.



 

The big picture:


Why Civility Is Necessary For Society's Survivalby P. M. Forni.


The Silent Killer of Workplace Happiness, Productivity and Health is a lack of Basic Civility



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."





T
he  special challenges of communicating online:


Online Civility and Its (Muppethugging) Discontents” by Sheril Kirshenbaum


“You’ve Got Trouble,” by Dave Barry



Before beginning our Class Civility Blog, check the Scoring Rubric to understand the criteria you will be graded on.  It is available under Instructions for Assignments  in the course menu. Click on Collaborating Courteously

 


Blogging at your best:

"Guidelines for Posting to Discussion Boards"


Before composing your response, read the Handout from GMU's Writing Center on how to prepare an effective entry to a blog or discussion board



Posting your blog entries:


If you have not used Blackboard’s 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 Students, the "Help with Common Blackboard Functions."  At the very end of the file, watch the video on "Creating a Blog Entry" (3:24)



Participate in our Class Civility Blog, found under Communication in the course menu. Read the directions at the top to access the questions.  Post your responses as COMMENTS in response to the TWO REQUIRED QUESTIONS (#1 AND #2)



POST RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS #1 AND #2  BY Friday, Aug. 30, at 11:59 PM


The instructor’s point of view:


Don’t Email me This Way,” by Ms. Mentor


Sending Email to Faculty and Administrators



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 RESPONSES TO TWO MORE QUESTIONS by Sunday, Sept. 1, by 11:59 PM


Preventing Problems:


“Conflict in Cyberspace: How to Resolve Conflict Online,” by John Suler



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 Collaborating Courteously. After everyone has expressed his/her opinion, you will receive an email the next week containing the class consensus on best practices online.

 

POST RESPONSE TO SURVEY  by Sunday, Sept. 1, by 11:59 PM






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REPRESENTING YOURSELF



WEEK 2:  SEPT. 2-8

TUESDAY, SEPT. 3: LAST DAY TO ADD CLASSES

CONTENT FOCI: PERSONAL AND SOCIAL MEDIA BRANDING, SWOT ANALYSIS

WRITING FOCI: ESSAY, CRITICAL ANALYSIS, APA STYLE REFERENCES




READINGS



ACTIVITIES



DUE DATES FOR ACTIVITIES


Essential information for course success:

The Course Description, found in the course menu in our Blackboard folder


In Instructions for Assignments, go to the folder Representing Yourself and open the QUIZ ON COURSE POLICIES.  Follow the directions there to complete and submit your quiz. 
If unsure how to submit, watch How to Submit an Assignment (Student)   (0:56)


SUBMIT THE QUIZ ON COURSE POLICIES TO THE INSTRUCTIONS FILE  on Wednesday, Sept. 4, by 11:59 PM

      Orientation

O   to the SWOT concept:

O  "SWOT Analysis for Personal Development Planning”  (2:45)



Learn about SWOT analysis by completing the first three readings



Key SWOT questions to ask yourself:


Conducting a Personal SWOT Analysis for Your Career
(Scroll down to questions.)


Conduct a SWOT analysis of yourself.  First, identify positive traits using the worksheet  "Defining Your Brand"



Learn from a SWOT case study:


"Know Yourself: SWOT Analysis of Microlevel Entrepreneur"


Use SWOT to identify the traits that make you unique using the "Personal Branding Worksheet"

Do not submit the SWOT Analysis or Personal Branding Worksheet; keep for use in the Personal Branding Analysis paper.



Orientation to the concept of Personal Branding:

"Ten Key Benefits of Personal Branding"

What Personal Branding is Not and What it Should Be (4:07)


Notice ways that other people present themselves, especially if they behave differently online or at work versus face to face interactions


.


 Who controls your brand now?

Define Yourself or Be Defined'  - 3 Ways to Enhance your Personal Presence

Dear Students, What You Post Can Wreck Your Life


Note the amount of control others have over your outward identity. Who has the strongest influence--parents? friends? spouse/partner? employer?  etc.


    ·

     Taking control of your image:        

“    Branding Yourself: Not as Painful  as You Think


Decide the type of image you wish to present and how it differs from the one you actually present academically, socially and professionally


 

Assessing Yourself:

"10-Step Personal Branding Worksheet"  by Meg Giuseppi

Respond honestly to the worksheet questions.  (Note: You have already completed #8. Do not submit; keep for use in the Personal Branding Analysis paper.)

.



Complete all readings and worksheets by the end of week 2 (Sunday, Sept. 8) so you will be ready to begin the paper



WEEK 3: SEPT. 9-15



Preview the instructions file and the scoring rubric for the Personal Branding Analysis paper by Monday, Sept. 9 at 11:59 PM. It is available under available in Blackboard under Instructions for Assignments in the Presenting Yourself folder.




Please be on time on Tuesday, Sept. 10.  Marlene, a tutor from the Writing Center, will be with us at 10:45 to share the Writing Center's services  and show you how to register.


 
Orientation to Critical Thinking:

Critical Thinking Definition, Skills, and Examples


Compare the information you have collected about yourself and your brand to see whether you have exhibited all six desirable traits as you reviewed your personal brand




Get ready to write your paper:

"Writing Critical Analysis Papers"


Prepare to write the Personal Branding Analysis paper from written instructions by Friday morning,Sept. 13,  at the latest.  Sooner would be much better!




Write your  paper following  Instructions for Writing the Personal Branding Analysis available in Blackboard under Indstructions for Assignments in the Presenting Yourself folder





SUBMIT YOUR PERSONAL BRANDING ANALYSIS to Blackboard by Sunday, Sept. 15, by 11:59 PM.
If unsure how to submit, watch 
"How to Submit an Assignment in Blackboard Learn"






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ACADEMIC WRITING



WEEK 4:    SEPT. 16-22


CONTENT FOCI: CONVENTIONS OF ACADEMIC WRITING AS A GENRE, FEATURING APA FORMAT, ESPECIALLY FOR THE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS


WRITING FOCI:  CONVENTIONS OF VOCABULARY AND PHRASING, TONE, COMPARISON AND CONTRAST

 

This module offers training in locating, readings and analyzing a recently published scholarly article in the student'sacademic discipline. Results will be presented ias a critical analysis. Valid online sources for the memo will appear in correct APA format used by the School of Business.

 



READINGS



ACTIVITIES



DUE DATES FOR ACTIVITIES



Assigment requirements:

Instructions for Analyzing Academic Writing, found in the folder by the same name under Instructions for Assignments and its accompanying Scoring Rubric


Get an overview of the requirements and goals for the Analysis essay.The skillls from this assignment will be used in the Research Paper, both for this class, and for research projects in other classes.



Special option for this Assignment:

Students have the option to Revise the Analysis of Scholarly Writing.
In Backboard, go to Instructions for Assignments, then the folder for Analysis of Scholarly Writing,  then scroll down to the very last file, Option to Revise the Analysis of Scholarly Writing)



Note that this assignment ONLY offers an opportunity to revise the paper if the original submission is not satisfactory.  Specific requirements are attached to this chance to improve your writing, so read the file carefully if interested.




PLEASE BE ON TIME OR EVEN EARLY ON TUESDAY, SEPT. 17, AS WE WILL BE MEETING IN FENWICK LIBRARY, ROOM 4010, FOR A SESSION WITH RESEARCH LIBRARIAN KAYLA MORROW.  She will be training you in how to use GMU's extensive database collection to locate scholarly research articles in the business fields.



Understanding academic writing in your career or major:

“What is a Discourse Community?”

o     Scroll far down the page to “Related WiseGEEK Articles”

Read “What is the Relationship Between Language and Discourse?”

Read “What are the Different Types of Academic Discourse?”

Read “What is Scientific Discourse?” if you are a science major


Focus on the differences between academic writing (a highly specialized genre) and other professional writing tasks and styles.





Understand discourse communities in action:




Use these examples to influence your own style and approach.





Download and complete the worksheet on "What is Your Academic Discipline?" available in Blackboard under Instructions for Assignments, in the folder for Validating Information. Type answers directly into the worksheet underneath the appropriate question.



SUBMIT "WHAT IS YOUR ACADEMIC DISCIPLINE" WORKSHEET  to the instructions file for the worksheet.
Submit by Sunday, Sept. 22, by 11:59 PM



WEEK 5:  SEPT. 23-29


FRIDAY, SEPT. 27:  LAST DAY TO DROP CLASSES



Learn the classic definition of publishable science writing:

Chapter 3 (What is a Scientific Paper?) in How to Write and Publish a Scientific Paper, 5th edition, by Robert Day



Be sure to read this chapter carefully, as Dr. Day is credited with standardizing the writing conventions for scholarly research as we now know it. It will be the basis for your next paper, the Analysis of Academic Writing.



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.



Check your proposed article to make sure it avoids the (humorous, but real) errors listed.



Select a current research study on a topic relevant to your discourse community and published in a respected scholarly journal.



Comprehend research articles:

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.


Looking for excellence in research and writing:

Analyzing Resarch Articles: A Guide for Readers and Writers


Check that the study includes these criteria to be sure that it meets the highest standards


Get ready to write: Quick review of critical thinking:

Critical Thinking Definition, Skills, and Examples







WEEK 6:  SEPT. 30-OCT. 6


Use quoted material strategically:

How to Use Quotations in Writing Essays--APA or MLA (2:53)

How to Frame Quotations

Quotations (a thorough guide)

When to Summarize, Paraphrase and Quote


One of the key identifiers of academic writing.  It signals that the writer understands the material s/he read, can idenitfy key points and express them concisely, and can proficiently use the most difficult punctuation set in English


Create In-text citations for quotations and borrowed material:

In-Text Citations: The Basics


Along with the References page, this will prevent plagiarism


Write for the university discourse community:

Using Academic Language


Be sure you are writing for the university discourse community


Let the GMU Writing Center help fnalize your paper:

Revising

23 Ways to Improve Your Draft

How to Edit Your Own Essays: Strategies for ESL Students


Make final edits (Small) and/or revisions (large) as needed to prepare an excellent intellectual analysis phrased in academic style.





UPLOAD THE SCHOLARLY ARTICLE TO BLACKBOARD by Sunday, Oct. 6, at 11:59M.




SUBMIT THE FILE CONTAINING ANALYSIS OF ACADEMIC WRITING to Blackboard by Sunday, Oct. 6, at 11:59 PM.

If unsure how to submit, watch "How to Submit an Assignment in Blackboard Learn"








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CODE SWITCHING


WEEK 7: OCT. 7-13

CONTENT FOCI: ANALYSIS OF STYLE, AUDIENCE AND TYPICAL CONTENT IN A PROFESSIONAL TRADE PUBLICATION

WRITING FOCI: CHANGING STYLE AND VOCABULARY FROM ACADEMIC TO POPULAR, PRODUCING A TEXT TYPICALLY APPEARING IN POPULAR OR TRADE PUBLICATIONS



Go to the Instructions file on Code Switching
in the folder for Code Switching in Blackboard under Instructions for Assignments,

Get a thorough overview of the requirements and goals for the Code Switching assignment   Look CAREFULLY at both the instructions file and the scoring rubric.



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 iexplained in the popular article.



Appealing to your magazine readers:

6 Important Tips for Magazine Article Writing

How to Write a Magazine Article


Look over all three article types to select the one that you think will best convey the content of the scholarly article to the reading public



Appealing to news article readers:

How to Write an Effective News Article

How to write a science news story based on a research paper





Appealing to press release readers:

How to Write the Best Press Releases With 21 Examples and 7 Templates


By the end of this week, decide which of the three article types will best serve your subject matter, audience and publication


WEEK 8: OCTOBER 14-20

MONDAY, OCTOBER 14: UNIVERSITY CLOSED FOR COLUMBUS DAY

TUESDAY, OCT. 15: TUESDAY CLASSES DO NOT MEET; MONDAY CLASSES MEET INSTEAD

CONTENT FOCI: ANALYSIS OF STYLE, AUDIENCE AND TYPICAL CONTENT IN A PROFESSIONAL TRADE PUBLICATION

WRITING FOCI: CHANGING STYLE AND VOCABULARY FROM ACADEMIC TO POPULAR, PRODUCING A TEXT TYPICALLY APPEARING IN POPULAR OR TRADE PUBLICATIONS


Review publications by professional associations:

Associations Unlimited  in GMU library databases

Top Professional Associations for Business Students

The 10 Most Popular Newspapers in the World

Top USA RSS feeds

Choose a publication to write for: either a respected major outlet or a respected trade publication.  Read its instructions to authors and several items in the style you have chosen.


Consult a sample paper:

Translating a Scholarly Article for a Public Audience


See whether you can do a better job


Understanding the needs of the audience:

Communicating your Research to the Public: What to Say and How to Say it  (2:22)



Think through the characteristics of the publications readers as demonstrated in other articles in that publication



Use professional vocabulary:

Word Bank of Business Terms


As you begin writing your chosen format, be sure you are switching code from academic vocabulary to business professional vocabulary suitable to the audience for the publication you selected.




Reread Step 4 of the Instructions file to prepare you to write the Reflective Analysis that accompanies your article.Reread it again after you think you have completed the asignment to be sure that you have included all elements.





UPLOAD THE SCHOLARLY ARTICLE TO BLACKBOARD by Sunday, Oct. 20, at 11:59M.




SUBMIT THE FILE CONTAINING BOTH THE CODE SWITCHING ARTICLE AND THE ANALYSIS to Blackboard by Sunday, Oct. 20, at 11:59 PM.

If unsure how to submit, watch "How to Submit an Assignment in Blackboard Learn" 






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RESEARCHING ETHICALLY


WEEK 9: OCT. 21-27


FRIDAY, OCT. 25: END SELECTIVE WITHDRAWAL PERIOD


CONTENT FOCI: INTELLECTUAL INTEGRITY, INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY IN ACADEMIA AND BUSINESS

WRITING FOCI: PARAPHRASE, DIRECT AND INDIRECT QUOTATION, ATTRIBUTION

This module stresses the responsible, accurate use of research sources such as those located in the previous moduleBeginning in the academic environment, including the upcoming research paper, it also stresses ethical use of intellectual property in a commercial business environment.


Reviewing your background knowledge:

 “Nine Things You Should Already Know About Plagiarism”


Develop an understanding of importance of intellectual property in higher education. Also note the "Three Things You Don't Need to Worry About."



GMU's policies on plagiarism:

The GMU Copyright Office Policy

The GMU Honor Code

The GMU English Department’s Policy on Plagiarism


Learn the university policies that govern cheating, plagiarism and copyright  for faculty, administrators and students



Checking your own academic behavior:


Overview: How to Recognize Plagiarism


Fitting Direct Quotes into Your Own Writing


How to Avoid Plagiarism in Writing a Paper: An Example



Be sure you have not been plagiarizing--or self-plagiarizing--without realizing it



Applying the concept of intellectual property to
 U. S.  business
:

The Fundamentals of Intellectual Property for the Entrepreneur 
  

Small Business Legal Issues: Copyright Basics
  


Major legal concepts explained by the office that defines and regulates intellectual property in the United States.


.


Protecting visuals and slogans that reflect a company's brand:


Protecting Your Brand with Trademarks



Compare business practices with the private ones you have used to create and protect your own personal brand



Misconceptions about businesses' intellectual property rights:

Intellectual Property


Compare with effective practices described in the previous three articles



Safeguarding a business from attack:


How to protect your business from intellectual property theft



Strategize policies and practices you would need if you started your own business



Checking your knowledge of plagiarism in an academic environment:

Practice Test: How to Recognize Plagiarism


To prepare for the  Plagiarism Test, follow the directions in the Instructions file . Review the materials on Copyright, Intellectual Property and Fair Use
 and take the practice test.



Avoiding intellectual property violations as a student:

In Blackboard, under Course Materials, go to the folder on Researching Ethically. Open the "University of Indiana Plagiarism Test--Instructions"  file


Take the Plagiarism Test. 

If unsuccessful, review the tutorials and retake the test. Once successful, be sure to follow submission instructions carefully.


SUBMIT THE PLAGIARISM TEST in Blackboard by returning to the file for that assignment in the folder for Researching Ethically.  Submit by Sunday, Oct. 27, by 11:59 PM.

If unsure how to submit, watch 
"How to Submit an Assignment in Blackboard Learn"






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RESEARCHING A CAREER



WEEK 10: OCT. 28--NOV. 3

CONTENT FOCI: ETHICAL RESEARCH ON A PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION, PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL BRANDING PRACTICES

WRITING FOCU: RESEARCH PAPER FORMAT, APA DOCUMENTATION, COMPARISON AND SYNTHESIS, FORMAL ACADEMIC DISCOURSE

This module will combine your education with your professional goals by using academic research skills to help create a successful business career.  You will be identifying your ideal employer, then devising specific strategies for professional branding that align corporate ethos with your personal values


Understanding the Assignment:

In Blackboard, go to Instructions for Assignments,, then the folder for Researching a Career. Open the file on "Instructions for Writing the Research Paper"


Get a thorough overview of the requirements and goals for the Research Paper on Professional Branding.  Look CAREFULLY at both the instructions file and the scoring rubric. BE SURE to watch Kevin deLaplante's video on structuring the argumentative (a/k/a persuasive) essay.




ON TUESDAY, OCT. 29, THE CLASS WILL MEET IN FENWICK 1014A.   PLEASE BE ON TIME--OR PREFERABLY A FEW MINUTES EARLY--WITH RESEARCH TOPIC IN MIND, AS A COURTESY TO OUR GUEST.
Kayla Morrow, liaison librarian for English 302, returns to our class to cover Grey Literature, as well as researching government and industry sources of employment



Documenting your academic training:

How to Order an Official Transcript

The Truth About Transcripts: What Matters and What Doesn't


Obtain a copy of your academic transcripts, including GMU and any other colleges you may have attended. Evaluate how well prepared you are for the position and company you desire.  Plan future coursework to strengthen your credentials.



Considering your career options:

Review the worksheet on "What is Your Academic Discipline?" and the memo on "Networking Professionally"


Review your own practical employment choices



Fortune magazine's opinion 2019:

The Best Companies to Work for are Beating the Market


Read other people's research on best workplace environments



Employees' opinions:

Best Places to Work (2019 Employees' Choice)

100 Best Workplaces for Millennials


Factor in subjective, social media responses from employees




Investors' opinions:

The World's 100 Most Valuable Brands  in 2019


Rank US and international companies by income and valuation



Getting started:

Job Search Strategy and Research


Tentatively select an employer, then investigate to make sure that the company is successful, admirable and consistent with your values



How to check out a company:

8 Ways to Know Everything About a Company--Even Before the Interview


Scrutinize your top 3 choices more intensely



Compiling company branding information:

Brand Values Worksheet.  Located in Blackboard under Instructions for Assignments, in the folder for Researching a Career


As you learn more about your potential target company, complete the Brand Values Worksheet as if you were speaking for the target company. Constantly compare to your own Personal Branding Worksheet to make sure there is a good match

(Hint: do not submit this worksheet to Backboard. It is intended to assist you in clarifying your relationship to your target company.)





Decide on the optimal future employer and complete the Brand Values Worksheet on that company.   Do not submit the worksheet. Keep it for use in identifying your ideal employer and explaining its fit to you in your research paper.



Student positions with commercial firms:

GMU's internship/job database and interview scheduler, connecting students with employers

The Best Student Internship Platforms for 2019


Locate profiles of companies providing career shifters and students with internships. Figure out the credentials you need to be hired by your target company, then look for ways to gain relevant experience through internship or earlier employment



Working for the DC area's largest employer:

Ten Ways to Find Federal Internships

Pathways for Students and Recent Graduates to Federal Careers


Investigate these links if you wish to begin as a student and eventually become a Civil Service or other US government employee



Getting international work experience:

Passport Career

GMU Career Center: International Students


Begin here if looking for overseas employment or if an international student looking for a position in the United States



Improving your networking skills:

Networking for Job Seekers: The Good, the Bad and the Almost Perfect


Read before reaching out to an association member.
 Decide whether or not to join and if so, at what point in your college or professional career.  (Hint: if joining, remember that you should start  at least 6-12 months BEfo


education with your professional goals by using academic research skills to help create rategies for professional branding that align corporate ethos with your personal value

WEEK 11:  NOV. 4-1012: APR.8-14


Quick 5-minute recap:

The Basics of Branding


Review branding techniques



Reviewing your personal and career values:

Your completed "10-Step Personal Branding Worksheet"

11 Jobs to Avoid if You Prefer to Work Alone


Seven Personal Branding Solutions for Introverts



Review your own longterm goals, ethical position and personal style

Assemble the materials about yourself specified in Step 2 of the Instructions file.



Building an action plan:

 ·   How to Make Your Brand Image More Credible, Believable & Profitable

        Plan actions you can take, advertising campaigns you can begin, public service initiatives you can begin, etc., to grow your company’s presence and effectiveness in an ethical manner. Possible sources include:



Matching values between employers and employees:

Are Corporate Values Yucky?  (17:10)


Decide how you can best enhance your own and the company's brand and values by your leadership techniques.


 


Enhancing a brand with limited resources:

Ten Ways to Build a Brand for Your Small Business



 


Example of company branding strategies:

The George Mason University Brand Profile


Look at George Mason's brand profile to see how it has marketed itself to future students and to you. Use the menu at the left to access various GMU's strategies, then compare to the specific strategies you plan to employ.



Quick 2-minute review of the essence of academic writing:

Genre and the Research Paper


Begin organizing and drafting your paper.  If needed, review Kevin deLaplante's video on structure.


 



Determine your 2-part thesis: (1) why you and your target employer's brands are a good fit and (2) how your plan of action can achieve synergy between your core values, your professional image and your target employer's brand.



Help with writing in formal academic style:

Reducing Informality in Academic Writing

Hedges: Softening Claims in Academic Writing


Remain conscious of the special style required as you compose your draft




Optional help with different ways to organize:

GMU Writing Center Quick Guides on Outlining , Organizational Maps or Reverse Outlining (under the heading Writing as Process)


Organize and begin to write your COMPLETE draft.




Optional help with counter arguments (challenges or obstacles in our paper):

All About Counter Arguments under General Writing Practices. Very thorough.

Writing Counter Argument Paragraphs. (Prezi) 3:16.


Include all five sections in your paper, with research support for each. 
Complete the draft  and add the references page



WEEK 12: NOV. 11-17


Check your progress:

"Formative Rubric for Research Paper," located in Blackboard under Instructions for Assignments, in the folder for Researching a Career


Review your draft for completeness and quality. Answer the questions in the Formative Rubric to see where improvement is needed or material is missing. Revise or add material as needed




Make sure you can access your Peer Review Group on Blackboard from the Course Menu.
Check by Monday, Apr. 16, by 11:59 PM
 If not, email the professor IMMEDIATELY to get access


 


How to do our peer review:

"Instructions for Peer Review of Research Paper," located in Blackboard under Instructions for Assignments,, in the folder for Researching a Career


Review the procedure for participating in the Peer Review activity.


Review file by Monday, Nov. 11, by 11:59 PM



Upload your own draft as an attachment to a message to your peer review group


UPLOAD YOUR DRAFT to your peer review group by Tuesday, Nov. 12, by 11:59 PM



How to be an excellent reviewer:

Guidelines for Posting to Discussion Boards

Providing Feedback to Writers


Read and critique others' drafts, using both the FORMATIVE and the SUMMATIVE rubrics and explaining your ratings.


COMPLETE DRAFT CRITIQUES by Friday, Nov. 15, by 11:59 PM


Help with revision:

Revising Drafts


Finish rrevising your draft by Saturday, Apr. 21, by 11:59 PM, so you have time for one more review before submitting on Sunday.


SUBMIT THE RESEARCH PAPER
in Blackboard by returning to the file for that assignment in the folder for Researching a CareerSubmit by Sunday, Nov. 17, by 11:59 PM.

If unsure how to submit, watch 
"How to Submit an Assignment in Blackboard Learn"

 

    Remember: if you do not submit a complete paper on time

(including title page, abstract, body, references and internal citations)

YOU WILL NOT PASS THE COURSE



 

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SETTING AN EXAMPLE

 


WEEK 13: NOV.18-24



CONTENT FOCI: EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP, PERSONAL BRANDING, SWOT

WRITING FOCI: SYNTHESIS, CRITICAL ANALYSIS, PARALLEL STRUCTURE

The semester culminates in this module, a synthesis activity which combines a major business behavioral model, personal essay material and formal business research data. It uses the organizational structure of a critical analysis to construct an effective visual presentation.



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 Setting an Example


 Become thoroughly familiar with the instructions and the scoring rubric by Tuesday, Nov. 19
 






Prepare to evaluate yourself as a future business leader by assembling your worksheets, personal branding analysis essay and research paper all in one place.



Why leadership style matters:

The Importance of Leadership
in Business


Consider the importance of your own future leadership role in your career planning; compare yourself to the qualities explained in the reading.



Is it possible to change your personal leadership style?

Eight steps to Turn an Entrepreneur Introvert into a World-Class Business Leader


Addressses the expectation that business majors--not just entrepreneurs--will be extroverts.  Allows the reader to reflect on whether or not s/he wioshes to pursue large-scale leadership



Considering your options as a leader:

In the Instructions for Assignments, go to the folder for Setting an Example.  Open the file on "Resources for Three Leadership Styles" and follow the links to learn about each one.



  IMPORTANT: By the end of the week, review Three Major Models of  Leadership: Situational, Inspirational and Transformational,  to  decide which style best suits you and your leadership goals.  You may combine elements from different styles if you wish



Transitioning from employee to leadership and management roles:

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 advancement with minimum stress combined with maximum comfort and success


WEEK 14: NOV. 25-DEC. 1

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 27-SUNDAY, DEC. 1:  UNIVERSITY CLOSED FOR THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY



Action patterns to avoid:


4 Behaviors You Never Want to See in a Leader     (2:10)



Determine whether you exhibit any of these threats to positive leadership and if so, how you will compensate. Complete this step thoughtfully and honestly



Advantages of introversion:

What is Good Leadership? Introverts Break it Down (5:01)  
(Note; If you have not taken the Myers-Briggs, test, you can safely ignore remarks about it in the video.)


If relevant to you, assess the SWOTs of being an introverted leader.



US government job descriptions:

Occupational Outlook Handbook

Best commerical sites:

10 Best Job Search Websites


Refer to your target company's materials or other job board  (such as Indeed.com or Monster) for the description of desired position.

If you cannot find a posting for your target employer, supplement with similar positions in other companies from job boards to get a detailed list of job responsibiities or consult the Occupational Outlook Handbook. Prepare composite description  of target position


 



Conduct any needed research to achieve 8 or more high-quality, relevant sources relating to your desired employer, Situational Leadership, personal or corporate branding or any other topic necessary to your presentation



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!)


Read and check your presentation wording before submittng



WEEK 15: DEC. 2-8

SATURDAY, DEC. 7:  LAST DAY OF CLASSES



IMPORTANT: No later than Friday, Dec. 6 of this week, you will receive an email to the class informing you that your Class Participation grade has been posted to Blackboard.  The Scoring Rubric and grade will be available in My Grades.



Some options if you prefer not to use PowerPoint:

5 Best Free Animated Presentation Software and PowerPoint Alternatives

How to Create Prezi Effect in PowerPoint 2016


Decide on the software you will use for your presentation



Current design advice:

How to Design a Good Slide PowerPoint Tutorial (6:43)


Learn general design principles for presentations



Quick advice on both content and design:

Top 10 Slide Tips
or
8 Tips To Create Epic Visual Presentations


Plan the appearance of your presentation, avoiding text-heavy slides.

If needed, view help files if you are using Power Point or Prezi



Top-quality examples:

Top 20 Best PowerPoint Presentations—Cubicle Ninjas


See complete, highly effective presentations on various topics.
(Scroll down to access individual presentations and their strengths)




Prepare presentation, following  directions in the file Visual Presentation on Leadership--Instructions, found in Blackboard under Instructions for Assignments in the Setting an Example folder



Up-to-the-minute advice:

PowerPoint Isn't Dead Yet: Three Presentation Tips that Still Work in 2017

How to Avoid Death by PowerPoint (20:31)


Avoiding the worst; emphasizing the best

Troubleshoot your presentation. Make adjustments as needed





SUBMIT YOUR EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP PRESENTATION in Blackboard by returning to the file for that assignment in the folder for Researching a Career.  Submit by Sunday, Dec. 15 by 11:59 PM.

If unsure how to submit, watch 
"How to Submit an Assignment in Blackboard Learn"

IMPORTANT: Class grades will become final on Tuesday, Dec. 17, at noon.  Any presentation submitted after 9:00 AM that day will not earn credit.


WEEK 16: DEC. 9-15

MONDAY AND TUESDAY, DEC. 9-10:  READING DAYS


WEDNESDAY, DEC. 11:  EXAMS BEGIN


WEDNESDAY, DEC. 18:  EXAMS END


THURSDAY, DEC. 19:  WINTER GRADUATION

 


One last--but important--task


In Blackboard, go to My Grades.  Check to make sure that all grades (except the final presentation) appear and are recorded accurately.  Notify the instructor IMMEDIATELY of any errors
 
 

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.


CHECK YOUR GRADES by Monday, Dec. 16, at 11:59 PM. Any errors MUST be communicated by the deadline.  After that, all grades will be considered to be correct and will not be changed.



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