ENGLISH 302-B02
Advanced Composition    

Spring 2019

 

Distance Learning
CRN 10477
Dept. Of English

Prof. Joyce Johnston
jjohnsto@gmu.edu
703.993.1176

Office Hours Wednesdays 10:30-noon
Room 206 Robinson Hall B
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
Jan 21-27
Collaborating Courteously


 

Weeks 2-3
Jan. 28-Feb. 10

Representing Yourself





 

Weeks 4-5
Feb. 11-24

Networking Professionally


 

Weeks 6-9
Feb. 25-Mar. 24

Validating Information


 

Week 10
Mar. 25-31

Researching Ethically




Weeks 11-13
Apr. 1-21

Researching
a Career




Weeks 14-16
Apr. 22-May 12

Setting
an Example






COLLABORATING COURTEOUSLY




WEEK 1:    JAN. 21-27


TUESDAY, JAN. 22:  FIRST DAY OF SPRING SEMESTER 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, Jan. 22, or as soon as you register for the course.



 

The big picture:


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



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, Jan. 25, 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, Jan. 27, 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, Jan. 27, by 11:59 PM






Return to Menu



REPRESENTING YOURSELF



  WEEK 2:    JAN. 28-FEB. 3

  TUESDAY, JAN. 29:  LAST DAY TO ADD CLASSES

  CONTENT FOCI: PERSONAL AND SOCIAL MEDIA BRANDING, SWOT ANALYSIS

  WRITING FOCI: ESSAY, CRITICAL ANALYSIS, APA STYLE REFERENCES


This module combines two leading concepts in business management:  conducting a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analysis of yourself to determine factors that can affect your success in establishing a PERSONAL BRAND (the consistent impression you create in your personal, business and online interactions with others.)  The results will be presented in a critical analysis paper
.



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, Jan. 30, by 11:59 PM

     · 

Orientation 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 Engineer"


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, Feb. 3) so you will be ready to begin the paper



WEEK 3: FEB. 4-10



Preview the instructions file and the scoring rubric for the Personal Branding Analysis paper by Monday, Feb. 5, at 11:59 PM. It is available under available in Blackboard under Instructions for Assignments in the Presenting Yourself folder.


 
Orientation to Critical Thinking:

"Six Critical Thinking Skills You Need to Master Now," by Grant Tilus


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, Feb. 8 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.
If unsure how to submit, watch 
"How to Submit an Assignment in Blackboard Learn"
by Sunday, Feb. 10, by 11:59 PM.






Return to Menu



NETWORKING PROFESSIONALLY



WEEK 4:    FEB. 11-17


CONTENT FOCI: PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS, NETWORKING


WRITING FOCI: MEMO FORMAT AND CONVENTIONS, COMPARISON AND CONTRAST, APA STYLE REFERENCES

 

This module offers a pathway—the professional or trade association--to social and professional success through networking, publications, conferences, forums or professional contacts. You will consider whether you want to ally yourself with the associations’ professional brands.  Results will be presented in a common business format, the memo. 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 the Professional Associations Memo and Scoring Rubric for Memo


Get an overview of the requirements and goals for the memo on Choosing a Professional Association. (In Backboard, go to Instructions for Assignments, then the folder for Joining a Professional Community



Special option for this Assignment:

Option to Revise Memo


Note that this assignment ONLY offers an opportunity to revise the memo if the orignal submission is not satisfactory.  Specific requirements are attached to this chance to improve your writng, so read the file carefully if interested. In Backboard, go to Instructions for Assignments, then the folder for Joining a Professional Community,  then scroll down to the very last file, Option to Revise the Memo.)



The nature and benefits:


Why Join a Professional Association?


Orient yourself to professional (a/k/a/ trade) organizations in general



Gaining maximum benefits from a PA:


Professional Associations |Round 32| 3 Minute Rounds  (4:24)


Watch an entertaining version of analyzing an association's brand presence



Special focus on networking:

Networking Tips For Finding Beneficial Professional Associations In Your Industry
(1:47)


Consider networking as a group social skill



Browse a complete list of US professional groups:

Associations Unlimited in GMU Library's list of databases


Scroll down the page of databases and click on Associations Unlimited. (If you are off-campus, you may be asked to provide your GMU username and password to show that you are entitled to use these materials.)




Consider business organizations for GMU students:

SOM Student Organizations

Top Professional Associations for Business Students


College chapters often allow best access to advantageous professional groups. Decide whether GMU offers this advantage given your goals.



Browse a list of international organizations:

Yearbook of International Organizations Online in  GMU Library's list of databases


If intending an international career, Click the Y under Databases byTitle to find the Yearbook. Note that you can search the Yearbook by subject to identify the type of groups that interest you




Select two professional associations that will help you achieve your career goals  and increase your business network , then locate at least three valid, professional sources of information about each of the associations you selected.




WEEK 5:  FEB. 18-24


FRIDAY, FEB. 22:  LAST DAY TO DROP CLASSES



Formatting a business memo:

Parts of a Memo

Format (of a Memo)


Become familiar with memo format.



Sounding professional:

Diplomacy, Tone and Emphasis in Business Writing

      Effective Business Writing: Use Appropriate Writing Style



Learn memo style and conventions of writing.  Compare to Scoring Rubric for the Professional Association Memo, available in Blackboard under Instructions for Assignments, in the Joining a Professional Community folder.



Review APA format for references:

 Reference List: Electronic Sources from The OWL at Purdue

GMU Writing Guides (scroll down to Citing Sources, then click on "APA Style Quick Guide")


Prepare a References page for the 6 or more resources you consulted, using correct APA format. Remember to add the References page to the end of the memo before submitting on Sunday.



Write your memo following  Instructions for Choosing a Professional Association Memo, available in Blackboard under Instructions for Assignments in the Joining a Professional Community folder





SUBMIT YOUR MEMO ON CHOOSING A PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION, with references page attached, to Blackboard.
If unsure how to submit, watch 
"How to Submit an Assignment in Blackboard Learn" .
 
Submit by Sunday, Feb. 24, by 11:59 PM.




Return to Menu



VALIDATING INFORMATION

WEEK 6:   FEB. 25-MAR. 3

MONDAY, FEB. 25:  START SELECTIVE WITHDRAWAL PERIOD, A/K/A WEB WITHDRAWAL


CONTENT FOCUS: DISCIPLINARY RESOURCES


WRITING FOCUS: WIKIS, PARALLEL STRUCTURE


This module offers practice in working collaboratively to construct a wiki that explores the writing culture of a particular academic discipline. Students also assemble and validate diverse reseach materials within that discipline.


READINGS

ACTIVITIES

DUE DATES FOR ACTIVITIES



On Monday, Feb, 25, receive email invitation to join PB Wiki.  Immediately accept by clicking the link provided and following instructions to log in. (Bypassing the link and going directly to PBWiki will result in your being blocked and having to email the professor for access. Use the link!)



The nature of wikis for constructing information:

“Why Wiki Works”
and
pb wiki--What is a Wiki? (1:48)


Introduction to wikis--note individual and group options. Receive email from the instructor containing your group assignment

If working in a group, contact each other by email to introduce yourselves and arrange ways/places to meet, either f2f or online



Grasping your task:

Summary of GROUP Wiki Requirements or Summary of INDIVIDUAL Wiki Requirements, as appropriate to you


Find the appropriate instructions file in Instructions for Assignments under the folder Validating Information. Carefully read the GOALS section to know why you are working on this project. Preview the remainder of the assignment as well., including the Scoring Rubric



Using wikis for collaboration:

pb wiki--Collaboration (2:07)

“Wikimedia Principles” 



Wiki group dynamics/Wikimedia principles

Choose appropriate interviewee for the group; contact to schedule interview



Understanding 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



Understand discourse communities in action:






Essential features of discourse communities:


Engh 1102 Discourse Community Introduction (3:38)

Swales' Six Characteristics of Discourse Communities


Watch the video before going any further, then carefully study Swales six characteristics.




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, Mar. 3, by 11:59 PM


WEEK 7: MAR. 4-10


Summary of GROUP Wiki Requirements or Summary of INDIVIDUAL Wiki Requirements, as appropriate to you


Reread the appropriate Instructions file for the wiki, available in Instructions for Assignments under the folder Validating Information.



Finding resources by discipline and by country:

GMU Library Infoguides

e-journals.org


Click your Subject area, then your specialty.  Especially look for research resources.  Locate the name and contact information of the liaison librarian for your discipline.

Review progress in groups




Simple instructions for formatting in PB Wiki:

Simple Guide to Creating Wiki Pages


Enter PB Wiki  by logging in to PB Works. 
Set up your GROUP or INDIVIDUAL home page.
Be sure that a link YOUR page appears on the CLASS home page
.




Learning from the most famous wiki:

Wikipedia: Strengths and Weaknesses


Be prepared to avoid comon wiki errors by studying Wiki strengths and weaknesses plus hoaxes/blunders
Pros and cons of using wikis
Wiki guidelines—check group progress



Conducting an academic information interview:

Possible Questions for Use in the Personal Interview


Good questions for academic  interviews. Select about 10 questions.  Add any others you feel are necessary.

Conduct interview ASAP.  Professional hint: Send a thank-you note or email after completion.




In Blackboard, look in the course menu under the heading Academic Resources for Students. Click on Help with Formatting Research Papers.


Resources for APA format
Bibliography composers and help in our Blackboard folder
As a group, list items needing citation and format them.  Place them at the end of your wiki



n Blackboard, go to the folder on Validating Information. Open the file titled "Instructions for Test on APA Format." Complete the Preparation section of the instructions


Becoming comfortable with APA format for researched work



In file above, complete remainder of the "Instructions for Test on APA Format."


Take test on APA format and submit as instructed in the file


FINISH AND SUBMIT "TEST ON APA FORMAT"  by
Sunday, Mar. 10, at 11:59 PM.  Follow submissions instructions carefully as they differ from our usual procedure. DO NOT submit "Test on APA Format" to Blackboard.The instructor will enter your score based on the e-mail generated when you followed  the instructions file to submit your test for electronic scoring


 

WEEK 8: MAR. 11-17        UNIVERSITY CLOSED FOR SPRING BREAK .



WEEK 9: MAR. 18-24


NO LATER THAN FRIDAY, MARCH 22: MIDTERM GRADES AVAILABLE


A quality test for web sites:

The CRAAP Test


Check your wiki against the CRAAP Test; revise as needed




Post draft of wiki to PB Wiki if you have not aleady done so. 



Thinking back over group performance:

Remember the Titans: Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing, Adjourning (8:33)


Introduce Individual Assessment of Wiki Group Functioning (in Instructions for Assignments,  in folder for Validating Information.)








COMPLETE YOUR WIKI ENTIRELY IN PB WORKS by Sunday, Mar. 24, at 11:59 PM.
  Remember that a link to the group page(s) MUST APPEAR on the class home page.  Otherwise, it will not be scored.



Remember to evaluate each person, including yourself, and to give reasons for each number assigned.  Submit directly to Blackboard.


SUBMIT "ASSESSING YOUR WIKI GROUP'S FUNCTIONING"" to Blackboard by Sunday, Mar. 24, at 11:59 PM.
 




Return to Menu




RESEARCHING ETHICALLY


WEEK 10: MAR. 25-31

FRIDAY, MARCH 29: 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 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



Be sure you have not been 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 two 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



Avoiding intellectual property violations as a business student:

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


To prepare for the IRIS Plagiarism Test, follow the directions in the Instructions file . Review the materials on Copyright, Intellectual Property and Fair Use
Review materials and take practice quiz. 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 I the folder for Researching Ethically.  Submit by Sunday, Apr. 1, by 11:59 PM.

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




Return to Menu



RESEARCHING A CAREER



WEEK 11:  APR. 1-7

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

WRITING FOCI: 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.



Reviewing your personal and career values:

Your completed "10-Step Personal Branding Worksheet"

11 Jobs to Avoid if You Prefer to Work Alone

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


Review your own longterm goals, ethical position and personal style

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



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:

Map: The World's Most Valuable Brands 2017 By Country


Rank US and international companies by income and valuation



Getting started:

Step by Step Guide to Researching Companies: How to Conduct Job-Search 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.)




When you're seriously considering working there:


The Ultimate Guide to Researching a Company Pre-Interview


If planning to apply, be well prepared for the interview




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 10 Best Websites for Finding an Internship


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:

How to Find the Perfect Federal Internship

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



Leveraging professional memberships:

Return to your memo on Networking Professionally
 


Use networking to get your desired job:
Do a cost/benefit analysis of joining the professional association you identified as most productive for you . How can you use its job postings and personal contacts?

 


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 BEFORE you start seriously job searching so you have your support network in place.)



WEEK 12: APR.8-14


Quick 5-minute recap:

The Basics of Branding


Review branding techniques



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:



Seeing the company brand from the customer's point of view:

Brand Image

"Brotherhood of the Traveling Pants" gives Vineyard Vines a Social-media Boost


Decide how you can accurately represent your employer while raising your customers' satisfaction and brand awareness


 


Enhancing a brand with limited resources:

Ten Ways to Build a Brand for Your Small Business



 


Example of company branding strategies:

How the Boring Brown Box on Your Doorstep Became an Object of Desire


Prepare a list of specific strategies you can employ



2-minute review of the essence of a research paper:

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 13: APR. 15-21


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, Apr. 16, 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, Apr. 16, 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, Apr. 19, 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 Career.  Submit by Sunday, Apr. 21, 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



 

Return to Menu


 

SETTING AN EXAMPLE

 


WEEK 14:  APR. 23-29

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 "Becoming a Effective Situational Leader," located in Blackboard under Instructions for Assignments, in the folder for Setting an Example


 Become thoroughly familiar with the instructions and the scoring rubric
 



Getting promoted from within:

How Do I Brand Myself Within My Company?


How to Use Marketing Automation Tools to Build YourOwn Personal Brand



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



SLM--Video versions:

OPD4835 - Situational Leadership (4:14) 


Choose among various formats listeed below for learning about the Situational Leadership model. Be sure you thoroughly understand the Situational Leadership model before continuing.



SLM--Summaries in chart form:

See the file "Situational Leadership: Visual Representations" available in the folder Setting an Example"in Instructions for Assignments


See whether the chart version is a useful format or whether you are more comfortable with the video.



SLM--Thorough text explanation:

A Leader Lives in Each of Us 


Supplemental file contains complete details about the model.



SLM--Illustrations from popular movies:


Situational Leadership Types: Examples from Film (8:32)



An enjoyable way to see examples of SLM in action. BE SURE you have a thorough understanding of Situational Leadership and can apply it to yourself and your desired management job 



Action patterns to cultivate:

How Situational Leadership Works
(12:46)


Match your own SWOTs to the four leadership styles, using worksheets and previous essays.



WEEK 15: APR. 29- MAY 5


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 ob 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. Prepare composite description  of target position


 



Compare the four roles of a Situational Leader to your future job functions. VERY IMPORTANT: also estimate the readiness of the employees you will supervise as a manager



.


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




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 16: MAY 6-12

MONDAY, MAY 6: LAST DAY OF CLASSES

TUESDAY, MAY 7: READING DAY

WEDNESDAY, MAY 8: EXAMS BEGIN


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 Becoming an Effective Situational Leader, 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 SITUATION LEADERSHIP PRESENTATION in Blackboard by returning to the file for that assignment in the folder for Researching a Career.  Submit by Sunday, May 12, by 11:59 PM.

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

 


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, May 13, 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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