1. INSTRUCTOR: Whitney Rose DuBose
UNIT 1 SEMINAR CM107
INSTRUCTOR: Whitney Rose DuBose

2. INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION
Name: Whitney Rose DuBose
AIM: MRSWHIDUBOSE

3. CM107: Course Overview COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Students will learn how to communicate effectively in their professional field using various writing styles. Students will also identify and further develop their own writing process. Grammar and mechanics will be reviewed, helping students focus on the areas that will improve their writing.
COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES:
By completing this course, you will be able to:
CM107-1: Compose original materials in Standard English
CM107-2: Use appropriate documentation as required
CM107-3: Illustrate the steps in the writing process
CM107-4: Apply course knowledge of communication to a chosen profession

4. Journey of the Hero
CM107 introduces you to and uses the metaphor of the Journey of the Hero to emphasize the importance of the writing process.
Joseph Campbell Video reviews this journey
Writing is a journey, a process of self-discovery and development
The Quest has powerful benefits, both to you and for those you write to inform or persuade through your words

5. ACCEPT THE CALL
What is the Call to Adventure in Joseph Campbell’s monomyth?
Why is this relevant to you and your WRITING JOURNEY?
What will your JOURNEY involve? What challenges will you face? What will you do to overcome them?
What is the GOAL of your QUEST FOR WRITING EXCELLENCE?

6. Course Requirements
Discussion Board, 40 points each unit (1-9), for a total of 360 possible points
Seminar, 10 points each unit (1-9), for a total of 90 possible points
Journal, 10 points each unit (1-8), for a total of 80 possible points
Grammar Review, pretest in unit 2 (ungraded) and Post-Test in unit 8, 50 possible points
Unit 3 project, 3 paragraph analysis of a courageous figure, 70 possible points
Unit 6 Project, Outline and Draft of Final Project Essay, 150 possible points
Unit 9 Final Project, Informative Essay, 200 possible points

7. Grade Distribution

8. DISCUSSION BOARD 360 possible points, over 1/3 of the course grade
Excellent writing practice opportunity
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: One initial response and at least 2 responses to classmates
Initial response must be well-developed, respond fully to all questions, and must reference reading and video material
Responses to classmates should be at least a paragraph, advance the discussion, and go beyond simple praise or agreement. They MUST follow specific directions.
If you want MAXIMUM points, do not do MINIMUM work. Simply posting 1 initial discussion and responding to 2 classmates does not guarantee full points.
SAMPLE DISCUSSION BOARD POSTS IN EACH UNIT
QUESTIONS: What is an effective DB post? What are ways to respond EFFECTIVELY to classmates’ posts? What are some strategies for making the most of the DISCUSSION BOARD EXPERIENCE?

9. SEMINAR 90 possible points
Follow the Announcement instructions to enter seminar.
Attending is not participating. In order to earn points in seminar, you must participate.
Make sure your participation is on-topic and that you participate consistently throughout the hour.
If you are unable to attend live seminar, complete seminar OPTION 2 before the end of the unit. You must listen to the complete seminar recording and then summarize the most important issues covered in seminar and then ANALYZE how this information is beneficial to you. This must be submitted as an attached Word document to the unit seminar dropbox.
QUESTION: Why is seminar valuable to your success in the course?

10. JOURNAL Units 1-8, possible 80 points CREDIT/NO CREDIT
LOW STAKES WRITING
SELF-REFLECTION
QUESTIONS: How is journal writing different than DB and Project writing? What is the value of Self- Reflection?

11. GRAMMAR REVIEW
Pre-test in unit 2, 50 questions covering major grammar and punctuation issues. Not Graded, for feedback
Units 2-8 include grammar review and interactive exercises to prepare for Grammar Post-Test
Writing Center links in each unit
Grammar Post-Test in unit 8, 50 questions, NOT the same questions in unit 2 pre-test.
QUESTIONS: Why study grammar? Why is appropriate grammar important to writing and speaking?

12. WRITING PROJECTS
Unit 3 Project is a 3 paragraph assignment that analyzes the definition of courage through an example. Must be in APA format. 70 possible points.
Unit 6 Project is an OUTLINE and DRAFT of the FINAL PROJECT ESSAY. It must be in APA format and use and cite reliable sources. 150 possible points.
Final Project, due in unit 9, is the final draft of the informative essay. It must be in APA format and use and cite reliable sources and demonstrate substantial revision of the Unit 6 Draft. 200 possible points.
SAMPLE PROJECTS AVAILABLE. THEY ARE NOT PERFECT BUT OFFER AN OPPORTUNITY TO DISCUSS ISSUES TO AVOID AND THINGS TO DO. THEY ARE ANNOTATED and are available in the unit.
QUESTIONS: What strategies help to create WRITING SUCCESS on projects? Why are Planning, Drafting and Revising important? How can PROJECT RUBRICS be of value?

13. LATE POLICIES
Late work submitted after 11:59 pm et on Tuesday will receive a late deduction. 10% for 1 day to 1 week, 20% for 2 weeks, 30% for up to 3 weeks.
NO late work submitted more than 3 weeks late.
You must contact your instructor before hand.
Late DB work-ONLY initial posts can be accepted, as late responses to classmates will not be read by classmates.
Seminar Option should be completed within the unit it is due.
No Unit 9 projects accepted late.
QUESTIONS: Why are deadlines important? How can you make sure you do not fall behind?

14. WRITING AND ITS IMPORTANCE
Writing allows us to demonstrate knowledge to others.
Writing also helps us to learn.
Writing allows us to inform others and shape their lives, thoughts and actions.
Writing can create change and motivate others to action.
QUESTIONS: How can writing well help YOU? How can you use your writing SKILLS to your advantage?

15. WRITING AT WORK Writing is a large part of many careers.
It is used as part of the HIRING process and companies promote at least in part because of strong communication skills.
QUESTIONS: How is writing a part of YOUR FUTURE CAREER? How can you build your writing strengths? What are the qualities of GOOD writing in your field? How can you learn to be an effective writer in your field?

16. RHETORICAL SITUATION Writing is SITUATIONAL.
The information included, the level of formality, and the format all depend upon the specific SITUATION.
Effective writing considers AUDIENCE and PURPOSE.
Consider the difference between an to a friend, a memo to your supervisor, an essay written in class, or a report written to a potential business investor. What are the differences? How are they situational and how do AUDIENCE and PURPOSE control how they are written?

17. WHAT ABOUT YOU? What are your writing strengths and weaknesses?
How can you strengthen your strengths?
How can you improve on and remove weaknesses?
Why is being PROACTIVE important to writing improvement?
Why is seeking HELP important to writing improvement?
What is your BEST writing experience?

18. QUESTIONS? What SYLLABUS questions do you have?
What questions do you have about the course?
Be sure to review the video about Joseph Campbell’s concept of the Journey of the Hero consider how this is relevant to your OWN writing process