1. 02086 Writing Inspirations Aalto University
School of Arts, Design and Architecture

2. Session 1 Intro to the course Getting acquainted
Intro to Mycourses (if needed?)
Intro to Learner Blogging
First Learner Blog in class
Instructions for next lesson: an online class
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3. Writing Inspirations Time: Wednesdays 13.00 to 15.30
11th January to 5th April
Place: room 5005
See possible exceptions to the schedule in Mycourses
Teacher: Will Sillitoe,
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4. Course Goals
Upon the completion of this course, students will be able to
write about concepts related to art, design and architecture
demonstrate the stages of writing from inspiration to revision and final work
construct sentences and paragraphs that are cohesive and easy to read
write both formal and informal texts
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5. Course Content (in class)
Elements of both creative and academic or professional writing.
Paragraph and essay structure as well as cohesion and coherence.
Collaboration with peers through brainstorming, sharing ideas, responding to each other’s writing, and giving feedback.
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6. Course Content (at home)
Four (longer) writing assignments
4 shorter Learner activities
Some exercises
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7. Assessment methods 1/2 Regular attendance required
(max two absences; 3rd > - 5% off the grade; more than 3> fail!!)
No compensation for missed classes.
No compensation for missed deadlines. (Mycourses missed deadlines.)
Work submitted late will NOT be accepted or commented on.
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8. Assessment methods 2/2 = total of 100%
Completion of four writing assignments (from planning stage to the final version)
1) Exhibition writing % (graded) = 5%
2) Artist Statement 5% +15% (graded) = 20%
3) Job Application 5% + 15% (graded) = 20%
4) Visual Analysis 5% + 20% (graded) = 25%
Completion of 4 learner activities
/ words each 20%
Active in-class contribution & participation  10%
= total of 100%
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9. Provided by the teacher
Study Materials
Provided by the teacher
(and you!)
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10. Still interested in the course?
Any questions?
Still interested in the course?
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11. Getting Acquainted Write a short (150 – 200 words) introduction to
yourself including the following:
who are you?,
what do you study, which year of studies?,
how do you like your studies here?,
how do you feel about being here today/ taking this English course? (be honest),
how do you see your own writing skills in English?
other comments?
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12. Getting Acquainted Swap your paper with your neighbor.
Read your neighbor’s intro to him/herself.
Introduce your neighbour to the rest of the class.
Help the rest of us remember your neighbour’s name! 
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13. Learner task 1: Go to mycourses.aalto.fi
Session 1: Writing Activities1
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14. Learner Blog .

15. Why use short writing activities on this course?
To write and express yourself in English.
A more informal way of expressing ideas & thoughts.
No teacher intervention/ comments on your language, only some comments on the content of your posts.
4 entries in total with each entry of min. 150 – 200 words.
Either your own independent piece of writing or a comment on/discussion about some previous post.
Must be submitted by the deadline. No work submitted after the deadline will be accepted!
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16. Why use Writing Activities?
Records progress of your learning
Helps you think deeply about any problems encountered in the process of learning,
The strategies you have taken to get around those difficulties
Your evaluation of your own performance
Communicates your thinking process: how and why you did what you did, and what you now think about what you did
Helps you to get to know the other students better and how they feel/write about the same issues
EVERYONE CAN READ YOUR WORK!
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17. Writing Activity 1:
Write a short introduction to yourself and your goals and expectations for this course
( words) in ’ format’ to your teacher.
Submit this in Mycourses – Session 1, Writing Activity 1 by Friday.
Your Background
as a (TAIK) Student
as a student of English
Your goals and expectations for the course
What are the skills you want to improve during this course?
Ideas, wishes?
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18. No class next week!
Please go through Session 2 slides in Moodle and acquaint yourself with the online sources mentioned.
Write your Writing Activity 2 ( words) on what you learned or found useful. You can also discuss an online tool you use that was not mentioned in my slides.
Submit your Writing Activity 2 before our next lesson (23:55).
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19. Intro to Exhibition writing (for next Monday)
The students choose exhibitions to visit this week
Opening hours/ cost: check online
Each student will work on a different aspect of the exhibition (see the following list; other aspects?).
Brainstorm your own topic.
Visit the exhibition, make notes while there.
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20. Intro to Exhibition writing
Read any texts on the walls.
If a brochure is available, take it and read it to get more out of the exhibition. Take notes on the comments, too.
Take notes of even all of your own responses to individual works.
Put down everything you think is worth saying, and don’t limit yourself. You will revise your writing only later.
Express your opinions by calling attention to details (Descriptive words).
Bring your draft ( words, full sentences) to class.
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21. Intro to Exhibition writing
Read any texts on the walls.
If a brochure is available, take it and read it to get more out of the exhibition. Take notes on the comments, too.
Take notes of even all of your own responses to individual works.
Put down everything you think is worth saying, and don’t limit yourself. You will revise your writing only later.
Express your opinions by calling attention to details (Descriptive words).
Bring your draft ( words, full sentences) to class next Monday.
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22. Exhibition writing A description of a layout ()
An observation of the viewers at the exhibition ()
An interview of another exhibition visitor ()
A poem ()
A description of the content ()
Other inspirations (creative, reflective, analytical) ()
Putting the subject in its art-historical context ()
A comparison to other exhibitions ()
Bringing out the negative side of the exhibition ()
Personal feelings, inspirations… ()
Relevance to your own field ()
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23. Exhibition writing
Then the pieces will be discussed and edited by the group
Useful for: appreciation of styles, practice in doing different alternatives, contribution of feedback, experience of editing
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