Writing for business and professions/Assignment descriptions

Cover letter / resume (1 page each), Magrino, p. 125

 * in response to a job posting on the Internet (bring / submit a copy of it with FINAL DRAFT.
 * Prepared according to standards discussed in class
 * Proofread, no errors
 * On time for Peer Revision
 * On time for FINAL Submission for Grading

White Paper (1-2 pages) - Magrino p. 145

 * A document that describes a current problem - i.e., documenting and quantifying the problem IN ADVANCE OF THE MIDTERM / SALES LETTER.
 * Focused on the Funding Source's Needs
 * Helps you organize information, define scope
 * Includes significant Fieldwork covering:
 * 1) Identifies with People
 * 2) Points to a problem
 * 3) Faces complexity (for a sufficiently detailed proposal)
 * 4) Suggests lines of research (i.e., library research, other kinds of research)
 * 5) Positions the work within a paradigm (i.e., a definite approach to the problem or issue? Or, within a discipline or field of study?

MLA Style, Magrino pp. 153-155

 * Modern Language Association
 * Description, samples
 * Also, Purdue Online Writing Laboratory (OWL) website

Annotated Bibliography - Magrino, pp. 155-163

 * a preliminary Works Cited page with notes or "Annotations" are added after each entry - summarizing what the sources says and how it will be useful to a project. Also - is this quantifying the problem or setting up the research paradigm
 * includes description, samples and peer review form(s)

Benefits

 * DRAFT of the Final Project Proposal
 * Organize your research, presenting information clearly
 * Obtain feedback on work-to-date
 * Practice in presentation writing

Key Elements

 * Single spaced, not including Works Cited - (re: 500 words per page)
 * Represents initial correspondence to Patron
 * Addresses specific person by name
 * Explains a current problem
 * Explains some of iniital research towards a solution (your paradigm)
 * Cites research (MLA Style)
 * Plan of action and associated costs
 * Closes w/ invitation to Oral Presentation
 * Appends list of Works Cited with at least eight (8) sources cited in MLA Style -

Requirements

 * Adheres to proper letter or memo format
 * Discussions, documents and quantifies the problem
 * Highlights the reader's concerns about the topic
 * Cites specific facts and examples from your research
 * Briefly proposes a plan and provides rationale for it
 * Convinces reader to hear / learn more
 * Provides list of Works Cited (MLA Style)
 * Proofread for errors and appearance

Oral Presentation to Patron (10-15 minutes) - Magrino, pp. 191-206, Chapter 6

 * Not including preparation time, class Q&A
 * Rationale: make a leadership statement for a specific audience - that puts info into action - by proposing a research-justified solution to a well-defined problem.
 * An "Oral Draft" of Final Proposal Project
 * Use 6Ps to create presentation and close with Call to Action. (Magrino, p.292)
 * Use visual / graphic aids

Benefits

 * rehearse audience-awareness
 * organize your research
 * develop your plan
 * get feedback from class and instructor
 * guidance for improving project
 * public speaking practice / oral persuasion

FINAL Paper "Project Proposal" - (15-20 pages) - Magrino, pp. 211-277 (Chapter 7)-

 * Rationale: make a leadership statement for a specific audience - that puts info into action - by proposing a research-justified solution to a well-defined problem.

Features

 * consistent professional tone
 * clearly numbered pages
 * coherence - rhetorical, design and signposting strategies
 * clearly distinguished headings and subheads - to guide the reader - easy comprehension
 * list items with bullets or numbers
 * label and number all graphics and figures
 * consistent typography, style

Sections (parts)

 * 1) Cover Letter - generally 1 page (not numbered or titled)
 * 2) Title Page - 1 page (not numbered)
 * 3) Abstract - 1 page (Roman numeral i)
 * 4) Table of Contents - 1 page (Roman numeral ii)
 * 5) Table of Figures - 1 page (Roman numeral iii)
 * 6) Executive Summary - 1-2 pages (Roman numerals (iv-v)
 * 7) Introduction - generally 2+ pages (Arabic numeral 1+)
 * 8) Literature Review - generally 2+ pages (or Research)
 * 9) Plan - generally 1-2 pages (or Procedures)
 * 10) Budget
 * 11) Discussion (perhaps including an Evaluation Plan)
 * 12) Works Cited (MLA style)
 * 13) Visual Aids (or Figures) - incorporated into the text when possible
 * 14) Appendix (if necessary)

Newspaper Exercise, Magrino, p. 7

 * Choose 1 article that could be the basis of a project proposal.
 * Practice the process of Project Development

Six Ps Exercise, Magrino, p. 9

 * A means for analyzing a project idea in terms of:


 * Patron, Population, Problem, Paradigm, Plan, Price

Discussions - Weekly Articles

 * TBD

Peer Review Workshops & Presentation Evaluations

 * TBD