The Course Schedule

Below is our calendar. Module assignments are given a full week ahead of module lectures and class discussion. For example, assignments during #previewweek are handed in before, but for #tweetweek. The #tweetweek lecture starts a week of readings, feedback, and conversation around these assignments.

We write experimental, improvisational first drafts, discuss and critique them, and then rewrite.

The assignments are standard writing forms. They become examples of your ability and style as well as opportunities to explore how forms have or have not changed online. This unique class process takes some acclimation, but it is essential in a course about the dynamic Web and individual voice.

The only test is whether your creative choices and messages connect successfully with the class.

The writing decisions are yours. You are in control.

The Seven-Week Course

Getting Started | #previewweek

Welcome Reading

  • Welcome & Links

Module 1 Assignments

  • Pick a Pseudonym
  • Create a Blog & Twitter
  • Post a Sample
  • Register on Course Blog

 

Module 1: Interactivity | #gameweek

Module 1 Readings

  • Intro Lecture & Links
  • Purchase Zinsser & read Chapters 1-7
  • Refer to Strunk, White & Kalman on questions of grammar & style

Module 2 Assignments

  • Write a Biosketch
  • Defend Your Subject
  • Tweet 5+ #taglines
  • Critique Your Classmates

Voice Assignments

  • 1 Additional Blog Post
  • Converse w/ Class

 

Module 2: Words | #tweetweek

Module 2 Readings

  • Twitter Lecture & Links
  • Read Zinsser Chapters 8-10, 14
  • Refer to Strunk, White & Kalman on questions of grammar & style

Module 3 Assignments

  • Post Your Resume
  • Tweet 5+ #bylines
  • Critique Your Group

Voice Assignments

  • Write Your About Page
  • 1 Additional Blog Post
  • Converse w/ Class

 

Module 3: Authors | #avatarweek

Module 3 Readings

  • Avatar Lecture & Links
  • Read Zinsser Chapters 11-13, 15
  • Refer to Strunk, White & Kalman on questions of grammar & style

Module 4 Assignments

  • Be the Devil’s Advocate
  • Tweet 5+ #results
  • Critique Your Group

Voice Assignments

  • Write Your Web Presence
  • 1 Additional Blog Post
  • Converse w/ Class

 

Module 4: Ideas | #linkweek

Module 4 Readings

  • Hyperlink Lecture & Links
  • Read Zinsser Chapters 16-19
  • Refer to Strunk, White & Kalman on questions of grammar & style

Module 5 Assignments

  • Write a Set of Instructions
  • Tweet 5+ #theses
  • Critique Your Group

Voice Assignments

  • Write an Audience Persona
  • 1 Additional Blog Post
  • Converse w/ Class

 

Module Five: Logic | #algorithmweek

Module 5 Readings

  • Algorithm Lecture
  • Read Zinsser Chapters 20, 21 & 23
  • Refer to Strunk, White & Kalman on questions of grammar & style

Module 6 Assignments

  • Write a Wikipedia Article
  • Tweet 5+ #questions
  • Critique Your Group

Voice Assignments

  • Write a Wireframe
  • 1 Additional Blog Post
  • Converse w/ Class

 

Module 6: Knowledge | #wikiweek

Module 6 Readings

  • Wiki Lecture & Links
  • Finish Zinsser Chapters 22, 24 & 25
  • Refer to Strunk, White & Kalman on questions of grammar & style

Module 7 Assignments

  • Post Self-Evaluation
  • Submit a Full Length Article & Publishing Plan
  • Tweet Classmate #ghosts
  • Critique Your Group
  • Converse w/ Class

 

Module 7: Editing | #blogweek

Module 7 Readings

  • Blogging Lecture & Links
  • Refer to Strunk, White & Kalman on questions of grammar & style

 

*Seven-week sessions end here. Fourteen-week sessions continue below with assignments for module 8, #pitchweek.

The Fourteen-Week Course

Module 8 Assignments

  • Tweet Many Idea #pitches
  • Make 2 Elevator Speeches
  • Critique Your Group

Voice Assignments

  • 1 Additional Blog Post
  • Converse w/ Class

 

Module 8: Audience | #pitchweek

Module 8 Readings

  • Search Lecture & Links
  • Refer to Strunk, White & Kalman on questions of grammar & style

Module 9 Assignments

  • Write an Executive Summary
  • Tweet 5+ #steps
  • Critique Your Group

Voice Assignments

  • 1 Additional Blog Post
  • Converse w/ Class

 

Module 9: Proposals | #fundweek

Module 9 Readings

  • Crowdfunding Lecture & Links
  • Refer to Strunk, White & Kalman on questions of grammar & style

Module 10 Assignments

  • Write a Presentation
  • Tweet 5+ #asks
  • Critique Your Group

Voice Assignments

  • 1 Additional Blog Post
  • Converse w/ Class

 

Module 10: Presentations | #showweek

Module 10 Readings

  • Slideshow Lecture & Links
  • Refer to Strunk, White & Kalman on questions of grammar & style

Module 11 Assignments

  • Design an Infographic
  • Tweet 5+ @Replies
  • Critique Your Group

Voice Assignments

  • 1 Additional Blog Post
  • Converse w/ Class

 

Module 11: Images | #picweek

Module 11 Readings

  • Infographic Lecture & Links
  • Refer to Strunk, White & Kalman on questions of grammar & style

Module 12 Assignments

  • Write a Script
  • Tweet 5+ #images
  • Critique Your Group

Voice Assignments

  • 1 Additional Blog Post
  • Converse w/ Class

 

Module 12: Media | #clipweek

Module 12 Readings

  • Script Lecture & Links
  • Refer to Strunk, White & Kalman on questions of grammar & style

Module 13 Assignments

  • Analyze a Campaign
  • Write a Press Release
  • Tweet 5+ #clips
  • Critique Your Group

Voice Assignments

  • 1 Additional Blog Post
  • Converse w/ Class

 

Module 13: Social Media | #shareweek

Module 13 Readings

  • Share Lecture & Links
  • Refer to Strunk, White & Kalman on questions of grammar & style

Module 14 Assignments

  • Post Final Evaluation
  • Tweet Class #favorites
  • Write Course Reflections & Evaluations

Voice Assignments

  • 1 Additional Blog Post
  • Converse w/ Class

 

Module 14: The End | #

Module 14 Readings

  • Imperfection Lecture & Links