TWC 5/421 Principles of Writing with Technology


Barry Maid

CNTR 80

(480) 727-1190

Barry.Maid@asu.edu


Material to be covered:

The historical and social impact of technologies on writing from papyrus to pixels.

Multimedia design

Computer mediated communication

Hypertext

Database generated information

Course Objective:

This course will give students an understanding of the historical and social impacts of differing technologies on writing. There will be an emphasis on multimedia design, computer mediated communication, and hypertext. Students will be expected to learn which medium is the most appropriate for each task.

Assignments:

All students will be expected to produce a

Memo and email
Students will be assigned a scenario where they must compose both a memo and an email to respond to the same situation. They will then compose a short (3-5 page) analysis of the differing constraints and freedoms faced by the writer in both media. They will also be expected to look at the impact the method of delivery has on the audience.

Paper? HTML? or Portable Document Format (.pdf)?
Students will draft a short (3-5 page procedures manual in paper, html, and .pdf formats. They will then write a short (3-5 page) analysis of the same document in the different media.

Multimedia website
Student teams will develop a website for an existing organization making use of appropriate multimedia technologies

Oral presentation
Students will find one existing corporate, government, or non-profit website and give a 10 minute critique.

Grad studentswill do a short (5-7 page) annotated bibliography of current books (no older than two years) in the field.


You can find assignment due dates here, and the course evaluation criteria here. Suggested extras readings are located here.