Course Description
English 306 introduces you to the rhetorical principles and theoretical concepts that you will need as a professional writer. These principles and concepts will help you analyze and respond effectively to a variety of workplace writing scenarios. While the course will address some practical skills such as how to write memos, emails, and reports, we will focus most of our attention on theories of rhetoric, language, and information. We will learn how information operates in organizations, theories about information architecture, as well as rhetorical concepts that will allow you to effectively assess and approach any writing situation you might encounter. Additionally, the course will introduce you to the strategies and skills necessary for using various communication technologies in workplace contexts.

Required Materials
Wurman, Richard Saul. Information Anxiety 2. Indianapolis, IN: Que Press, 2001.
Coursepacket from Copymat.

Evaluation
75% Portfolio
25% Participation

Portfolio
This class uses the portfolio method of assessment to evaluate your performance throughout the semester. The portfolio method is a process whereby students extensively draft, revise, and edit a variety of projects during the course of the semester and include their best work in a portfolio at the end of the term. Each of you will submit your projects to me and to your peers throughout the term, and we will provide suggestions and commentary for subsequent revisions. Formal grades will not be assigned on these drafts. Rather, you will each have a chance to revise your work further using those comments and suggestions. The purpose of this method of assessment is to allow students to intensely focus on improving their writing and thinking processes without an emphasis on letter grades or rankings. Your portfolio will consist of three main projects. Handouts on each of these specific assignments will be reviewed as we move through the semester.

Participation
Participation includes active and constructive involvement in class discussions, participating on the course email list, as well as being prepared for class by doing the assigned reading and writing assignments. If it becomes necessary for me to hold you accountable for the readings, we will periodically have pop reading quizzes, which will figure into your participation grade. Participation also includes active and constructive involvement in peer review sessions, turning in projects to group members for feedback, giving effective feedback on projects, and learning to work diplomatically with others to achieve common goals. Since this course includes collaboration, please familiarize yourself with some of the principles of collaboration contained in the brochure, Group Work and Collaborative Writing <http://www-honors.ucdavis.edu/vohs/index.html>.

Late Papers
Simply put, I do not accept late papers. I expect all papers to be submitted by the beginning of the class period on which they are due.

Attendance
Attendance is required at all scheduled electronic and face-to-face (F2F) meetings. You are allowed three absences, no questions asked. For each class absence over three, your final grade will be lowered by one letter grade. More than six absences will result in a failing grade for the course. You are responsible for obtaining all information about missed class meetings from a classmate and for turning in assignments on time. Additionally, excessive tardiness will not be tolerated. Three tardies equals one absence. If you enter the class more than 30 minutes late, you will be counted absent.

Academic Integrity
Academic dishonesty is a serious crime. If you are suspected of academic dishonesty, you may be reported to the Office of the Dean of Students to receive disciplinary action. Forms of academic dishonesty include: Collusion - lending your work to another person to submit as his or her own; Fabrication - deliberately creating false information on a works cited page; and Plagiarism - the presentation of another person's work as your own, whether intentional or not. Please read and familiarize yourself with Purdue's student guide to academic integrity located at: <http://www.purdue.edu/odos/administration/integrity.htm>.

Technology Requirements
Because much of the exchange of information and materials in this class will be electronic, familiarity with certain technologies is crucial for participation and success in the course. If you need any assistance now or at any point during the semester, please do not hesitate to ask. Very early in the semester, you will need to make sure that you can meet the following responsibilities:

--Have access to your Career Account.
--Set up your @purdue.edu email address and regularly check your email.
--Become proficient sending and receiving email attachments, resolving file compatibility issues, and following email decorum.
--Send email messages to the class list
--Check the course calendar before the beginning of each class.
--Become more proficient with unfamiliar computer technologies and applications, such as html editors and web-page design, desktop publishing applications, Acrobat, MOOs, and graphics editors.
--Maintain back-up copies of all assignments via your home directory, disks, and/or email attachments to yourself.