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, computer program packages 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, help screens, uni- and multi-directional scripts, and other assigned writing tasks. (see page 3 for glossary of terms), 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. The Writing Process
   A. Compose written profiles of published interactive media to establish
criteria for effective web, computer application, CD-ROM/DVD, and kiosk
package.
   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. Web Sites
   A. Develop a project with an expressed aim.
   B. Compose a written profile of the conventions for web sites.
   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. On-Line Help and Manuals (Computer Programs)
   A. Develop a project with an instructional aim.
   B. Evaluate on-line help in currently published computer applications.
   C. Identify concepts and functions in published program to be included
in a manual.
   D. Write primary (simple) and secondary (in-depth) definitions,
explanations and troubleshooting screens.
   E. Compile appropriate cross-references for terms and functions
explicated.

IV. Uni-directional Scripts (Virtual Tours or Powerpoint)
   A. Develop a project with an expository aim.
   B. Describe conventions in virtual tour packages or slide shows.
   C. Select appropriate secondary (library/electronic) sources to
integrate into project.
   D. Compose proposal describing the project concept.
   E. Write "voice over script" using conventions of spoken English.
   F. Coordinate visuals and "voice over" using a storyboard.

V. Multi-directional Scripts (CD-ROM/DVD)
   A. Develop a project with an entertainment aim.
   B. Summarize the various experiences which separate audiences may
encounter when using a single interactive media product (CD-ROM/DVD games
or cyberfiction).
   C. Adapt previously published non-linear text (Choose Your Own
Adventure book) to a computer game script.
   D. Organize non-linear, inner-connected scenes using flowcharting
strategies.
   E. Adapt scenes with description of visuals and scripts for
written/oral components.
   F. Write additional non-linear scenes.

VI. Searchable Databases (Kiosks)
   A. Describe conventions of kiosk design.
   B. Define concepts of Boolean logic.
   C. Execute Boolean searches successfully.
   D. Compose a project proposal describing function and audience for a
searchable database.
   E. Collect data through primary research.
   F. Identify desirable attributes to use as search tags for data.
   G. Chart data by determined tags.

VII. E-mail
   A. Respond to a series of weekly e-mails using appropriate tone.
   B. Supply requested information in an accurate and timely fashion.
   C. Develop an impromptu written style within the conventions of
standard edited prose.

Methods of Evaluation of Competencies:

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

Analyses and reviews of previously published materials   20%
4 - 6 projects                                           60%
In-class activities                                      10%
Final                                                    10%
Total                                                   100%

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.