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PFWR 4600 schedule, spring 2025

Updated 5/3/25

This schedule is tentative.

Focus
Dates
Readings
Assignments

 Introduction(s)

Jan 8-14

– Course syllabus

– Introductions discussion (D2L)
– Initial reflection
 Drop/Add ends
Jan 14
 

Unit 1: A few basics

Jan 11-18

– MGA English Dept. Definition of Plagiarism

– Writing That Works, chapter 1: Workplace Writing Context

– Plagiarism pledge (D2L dropbox)
– Threaded discussion (D2L)
– Starting point survey (in D2L)
– Individual project 1

Unit 2: Process basics

Jan 19-25

 – Writing That Works, chapter 2: Planning, Drafting, Revising
      (okay to skim or skip the sections on outlines and drafting)		 – Threaded discussion (D2L)
– Individual projects 2 & 3

Unit 3: Design basics

 Jan 26-Feb 2

– Writing That Works, chapter 5: Designing Text and Visuals

– Excerpts from The Non-Designer's Design Book (in D2L)

 – Threaded discussion (D2L)
– Individual project 4

Unit 4: Rhetorical tactics:

 Feb 2-8

– Writing That Works:
     From chapter 7: Writing Emails, Memos, and Letters: 
          - "Using Professional Style and Tone" 
          - "Structuring Effective Messages"

     From chapter 8: Writing Routine and Sensitive Messages   
          - "Routine and Positive Messages"
          - "Sensitive and Negative Messages"

 – Threaded discussion (D2L)
– Individual project 5 

Unit 5: Collaboration basics

 Feb 9-16 – Writing That Works, chapter 3: Collaborating on Content – Threaded discussion (D2L)
– Reflection 2: collaborative writing 

Unit 6: Backpack letter

 Feb 19-25 – Writing for the real world
 – Collaborative project 1

Unit 7: Brochure

 Feb 27-Mar 6

– Rubbermaid Letter finish and brochure first steps

– Brochure and business card

 – Collaborative project 2

Unit 8: Brochure

 March 10-16 – Advancing the BBM brochure – Reflection 2: our collaboration
– Collaborative project 3
 Withdrawal deadline
March 12
 Last day to withdraw with "W" grade
Spring Break March 17-21

Unit 9: Interviews

March 23-Apr 3 – Interviewing for food bank impact
– Final polish of BBM letter		 – Threaded discussion (D2L)
– Individual project 6: quotes, photos, and more

Unit 10: Interviews & Grant project

 Apr 6-13

– Writing That Works, chapter 12: Formal Proposals
     [From "External Proposals to "Sales Proposals"]

– Video: Dr. Monica Miller, "Grant Writing Basics," March 2025

– Threaded discussion (D2L)

Unit 11:

 Apr 17-26

– Interview stories

– Revision and editing of BBM brochure

–Grant project, part 1

– Collaborative project 4: interview stories done

– Collaborative project 5 (polished brochure)
Unit 12: May1-May 3 Nothing! We're done! Nothing! We're done!