ENGL 482

Fall 2012 Part of Term 1

Part of Term 1
Aug 27-Dec 12

Writing Technologies

Credit: 3 OR 4 hours.

Examines the relationship of computer technology to the larger field of writing studies. Topics include a historical overview of computers and other writing technologies; current instructional practices and their relation to various writing theories; research on word processing, computer-mediated communication, and hypermedia; and the computer as a research tool.

Same as LIS 482. 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. Prerequisite: Junior standing and consent of instructor. Students must have a basic knowledge of word processing.

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ENGL 482 class schedule data for fall 2012
	CRN	Type	Section	Time	Day	Location	Instructor	Section Details
	40463	Lecture-Discussion	1G	3:30PM -4:45PM	MW	English Building	Baron, D	Part of Term: 1 Date Range: 08/27/12-12/12/12 Credit: 4 hours Section Info: In this course, we?ll look closely at the new genres of communication that the digital computer has enabled: email, instant messaging, texting, the blog, the web page, Twitter and Facebook, the wiki (Wikipedia), the cell phone video and the whole YouTube phenomenon. By the time the semester is done, new genres we have yet to imagine may be on the scene. These electronic genres may not be entirely ?literary,? but they are conventional forms of writing nonetheless, and because they are soooo successful, they have brought everyday writing into focus more sharply than anything that?s preceded them. While we can only look back and guess at the development of earlier genres?the heroic and lyric poems, the novel, the diary, the memo, the drama?we are in the enviable position of being able to watch the new digital genres establish themselves as cultural practices. It?s a little like being present at the birth of stars. We will examine the impact of the new digital genres on our reading and writing practices and look at ways in which the requirements of readers and writers impact the direction of technology. We?ll look as well at how these genres arise; what their relationships may be to earlier, more traditional genres; how they develop unique conventions and practices; how they self-regulate, moving from freewheeling anarchy toward definable forms and expected behaviors; how they deal with violations of conventional norms; and how new practitioners learn and perfect their art. We?ll consider how the new genres create an aesthetic, a rating system that allows us to determine what counts as a good email, an effective web design, an appropriate Facebook entry, or a blog worth reading. There will be a number of short essays and exercises, and a presentation. All readings will be available online. Copies of the syllabus, handouts, and supplementary readings will be posted on the class web page. Restriction(s): Restricted to Graduate - Urbana-Champaign.
	47720	Lecture-Discussion	1U	3:30PM -4:45PM	MW	English Building	Baron, D	Part of Term: 1 Date Range: 08/27/12-12/12/12 Credit: 3 hours Section Info: In this course, we?ll look closely at the new genres of communication that the digital computer has enabled: email, instant messaging, texting, the blog, the web page, Twitter and Facebook, the wiki (Wikipedia), the cell phone video and the whole YouTube phenomenon. By the time the semester is done, new genres we have yet to imagine may be on the scene. These electronic genres may not be entirely ?literary,? but they are conventional forms of writing nonetheless, and because they are soooo successful, they have brought everyday writing into focus more sharply than anything that?s preceded them. While we can only look back and guess at the development of earlier genres?the heroic and lyric poems, the novel, the diary, the memo, the drama?we are in the enviable position of being able to watch the new digital genres establish themselves as cultural practices. It?s a little like being present at the birth of stars. We will examine the impact of the new digital genres on our reading and writing practices and look at ways in which the requirements of readers and writers impact the direction of technology. We?ll look as well at how these genres arise; what their relationships may be to earlier, more traditional genres; how they develop unique conventions and practices; how they self-regulate, moving from freewheeling anarchy toward definable forms and expected behaviors; how they deal with violations of conventional norms; and how new practitioners learn and perfect their art. We?ll consider how the new genres create an aesthetic, a rating system that allows us to determine what counts as a good email, an effective web design, an appropriate Facebook entry, or a blog worth reading. There will be a number of short essays and exercises, and a presentation. All readings will be available online. Copies of the syllabus, handouts, and supplementary readings will be posted on the class web page. Restriction(s): Restricted to Undergrad - Urbana-Champaign.