Description:

This course teaches students to apply the writing process as well as fundamental rhetorical and composition skills to various interactive media including web pages, CD-ROMs/DVD, e-mail, kiosks, support materials, simulations, social networking and other electronic media. The instruction will focus on skills essential to selecting, evaluating and synthesizing information from primary and secondary sources; in addition, it will emphasize the different approaches to organization that these media require as well as the variety of discourse styles used in informative, instructional, persuasive and entertainment media texts. 3 hrs. lecture/wk.

Associated Costs: These are additional (out-of-pocket) expense considerations that students should expect in addition to the course tuition, fees, and textbooks. $10 to $20.

Supplies: Refer to the instructor's course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Textbook(s): For information see - http://bookstore.jccc.net

Course Fees: NONE

Course Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course the student should be able to:

1. Compose written profiles of interactive media products identifying appropriate audiences, rhetorical purposes and appeals.
2. Summarize various experiences which separate audiences may encounter when using a single interactive media product with accuracy.
3. Evaluate professional and student interactive media products critically, including web sites, support documents, scripts for multi-modal and nonlinear products, and other assigned writing tasks.
4. Generate controlling concepts using brainstorming and research techniques.
5. Arrange materials according to the rhetorical aim of projects and the needs of various media.
6. Write text that fulfills the writing projects' rhetorical purpose by effectively utilizing appropriate style, rhetorical appeals and primary and secondary sources.
7. Make and assist others to make global, functional and editorial revisions in writing projects according to the conventions of the media and standard written English.
8. Compose spontaneous, accurate, effective replies for electronic correspondence.

Content Outline & Competencies:

I. Develop a writing process appropriate for creating interactive
texts.
   A. Compose written profiles of published interactive media to establish
criteria for effective writing with the genre.
   B. Generate controlling concepts using brainstorming and researching
techniques.
   C. Arrange materials according to the project's rhetorical aim and the
media's needs.  
   D. Write projects for appropriate rhetorical aims and audiences.
   E. Make and assist others to make global, functional and editorial
revisions in projects according to the conventions of the media and
standard written English.

II. Write and design materials suited to a hierarchical/clustered design.
   A. Develop a project with an expressed aim.
   B. Compose a written profile of the conventions for web sites or other
media with internal links.
   C. Outline organization of multi-page site.
   D. Select on-line materials to integrate and link to site.
   E. Write prose that complements but does not rely on graphics.
   F. Edit prose to fit into organization of site and dimensions of a
standard screen.
   G. Compose transitional words, phrases or icons to lead logically to
other pages within the site.

III. Create a multi-modal text.
   A. Develop a project with an expository or instructional aim.
   B. Describe conventions in virtual tour packages, slide shows, viral
videos and other linear, multi-modal texts.
   C. Select appropriate secondary (library/electronic) sources to
integrate into project.
   D. Write "voice over script" using conventions of spoken English.
   E. Coordinate visuals and "voice over" using a storyboard.
   F. Select appropriate materials to support the text's purpose.
   G. Compose proposal describing the project purpose and process.
   H. Write script using appropriate format.

IV. Write and design materials for an interactive simulation experience.
   A. Develop a project with an instructional/educational aim.
   B. Describe various "paths" individuals might take through the
simulation.
   C.  Propose an original training or learning simulation.
   D. Devise and organize non-linear, inner-connected nodules or scenes
using flowcharting strategies.
   E. Write scripts using appropriate format to indicate character
dialogue, action sequences and user interactivity.
      1. Compose scenes incorporating multiple user choices.
      2. Compose scenes with dialogue "triggers" that determine the
direction of the text.
   F. Write additional non-linear scenes.

V. Incorporate user-centered, highly-interactive media components.
   A. Demonstrate an understanding of searchable databases (kiosks).
      1. Analyze interactive databases and kiosks to identify current
conventions.
      2. Define concepts of Boolean logic.
      3. Compose a project proposal describing function and audience for a
searchable database.
      4. Evaluate methods to collect data through primary research.
      5. Identify and categorize desirable attributes to use as search
tags for data.
   B. Demonstrate an understanding of social networking tools.
      1. Identify and analyze popular online tools.
      2. Compose text for use on a variety of social networking cites.

VI. Write clear and effective supporting documents.
   A. Respond to e-mails using appropriate tone.
      1. Supply information in an accurate and timely fashion.
      2. Develop an impromptu written style within the conventions of
standard edited prose.
   B. Write effective letters, memos and proposals.
   C. Evaluate "Help" and supporting materials in currently published
computer applications.
      1. Identify concepts and functions in published program to be
included in a manual.
      2. Write primary (simple) and secondary (in-depth) definitions,
explanations and troubleshooting screens.

Methods of Evaluation of Competencies:

Evaluation of student mastery of course competencies will be accomplished using the following methods:

10-20% Analyses and reviews of previously published materials
60-70% 4-6 projects
10-20% Tests and in-class activities
100%   Total

FINAL GRADES
 A  90% - 100%    
 B  80% -  89.9%   
 C  70% -  79.9%        
 D  60% -  69.9% 
 F  under  60%

Caveats: NONE

Disabilities:

If you are a student with a disability, and if you will be requesting accommodations, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services. Access Services will recommend any appropriate accommodations to your professor and his/her director. The professor and director will identify for you which accommodations will be arranged.

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you desire support services, contact the office of Access Services for Students With Disabilities (913) 469-8500, ext. 3521 or TDD (913) 469-3885. The Access Services office is located in the Success Center on the second floor of the Student Center.