UMAR 355

 

 

INTERNET WRITING

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

University College

Uptown Campus

TULANE UNIVERSITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spring 2002

 

 

 

 

Paul A. Greenberg, M.A.

Instructor

 

 

WELCOME TO “INTERNET WRITING”

 

Just when those of us who write for a living thought we had exhausted all existing markets for our work, a whole new world of opportunity opened its doors for us.  It’s called the Internet, and although it is really still in its infancy, one thing has become clear:  There has never been a more efficient, far-reaching, pervasive communication tool than the Internet.

 

Traditional publications, such as newspapers and magazines, have all discovered the power of the Internet, and how much more readily they can reach a wider, international audience on the World Wide Web.  But being the ingenious creatures we humans are, some innovators have founded their own online publications.  These are news, feature and commentary-based publications that exist exclusively on the Internet, and cater only to those readers and interactive participants who use their computers as a source of information, either exclusively, or in concert with other media.  Such publications have come to be known as “New Media.”

 

As writing students, you are fortunate to be in the right place at the right time.  New Media are just set for takeoff.  Throughout the year new publications make their debut on the Internet, while traditional publications increasingly are moving substantial parts of their operations onto the Internet.   Predictably, writers are needed for content in the publications, as well as to write promotional copy for various online companies. Internet advertising is becoming an industry all its own, and also requires competent writers.  Additionally, companies and entire industries throughout the world are learning the importance of developing compelling, readable web sites.  Each site requires imaginative, concise writing.

 

In this course we will focus on three goals:

·        Learning the new art of writing for the Internet

·        Learning how to market our skills and our work to Internet clients

·        Learning how writers interact with other skilled professionals, such as graphic artists, editors and photographers.

 

My goal, as your teacher, will be to introduce you to the possibility of a career you may not yet have considered, since the field of Internet writing is still evolving.  Together we will explore ways to further develop your writing skills, but also ways in which you might use your talent to work as a freelance writer.  I will help you find places to sell your work, and ways in which you might make yourself more professionally attractive to individuals who hire writers for the Internet.

 

To be successful in this course, I encourage you to open yourself up to this whole new medium, the Internet, and to work through the systematic approach you will learn to sharpening your skills and finding appropriate outlets for your work.  By the end of the semester, I fully intend for you to be ready to sell your work to reputable online publications. 

 

Paul A. Greenberg

Instructor, UMAR 355

 

Note:  Please feel free to contact me throughout the week between class sessions, via email.  My email address is:

Pgreenbe@tulane.edu

If you do not have access to email, you may call me at (504) 523 – 1341.

 

Thanks…now let’s get started.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

UMAR 355:  General Course Information

 

 

ATTENDANCE POLICY:

*All class sessions in “Internet Writing,” UMAR 355, are interdependent upon each other.  One week's session leads directly into the following week's discussion.  You must be present to succeed in this class.  While I encourage you to contact me between class sessions if  you need assistance, I do not lend my own class notes or offer any outside tutoring on material you may have missed.  It is your responsibility to be in class each week and keep up with the subject matter.

 

*The following are attendance requirements:  1)  If you miss three class sessions during the semester, you final course grade drops one letter grade.  2)  If you miss six class sessions during the semester, you will receive a failing grade.

 

*If you have an emergency that prevents you from turning in a test, there is a possibility of scheduling a make-up within one week of the original test date.  A legitimate written excuse will be required. 

 

 

ASSIGNMENT DEADLINES:

*Deadlines and due dates for assignments are not negotiable.  These dates will always be specifically communicated to you and will be adhered to.  Late assignments will not be accepted.  Every assignment and test counts toward your final grade in this course, and everything must be completed.  No exceptions.

 

 

BASIC REQUIREMENTS:

*All assignments must be turned in typed or computer generated.  Do not hand in handwritten work, unless the instructions specify in advance that a particular assignment will be accepted hand written.  All materials must be turned in on standard 8.5" x 11" white bond, one-sided, black print, double-spaced with a minimum of 12 pt. type.

 

*Writing proficiency counts in this class.  Basic grammar, spelling and punctuation are to be correct on all assignments.

 

*It is my goal for you to derive as much information and knowledge as possible in the time we have allotted this semester.  As such, you are expected to do ALL of your own work.  Plagiarism will not be tolerated.  You are encouraged to use as many sources as possible to gather information, and then present it in your own style and words.

 

 

 

 

 

 

UMAR 355:  HOUSE RULES, REGULATIONS AND REQUESTS

 

1)  Be on time to class every week.  Entering the classroom late disrupts the activity and is disrespectful to your fellow students

 

2)  All assignments will be collected at the conclusion of the class period on the date they are due.  Requests for changes in deadlines will be considered, but rarely granted.

 

3)  Everyone in this class has a right to be heard.  It is a rule of my classroom that every person is to be afforded respect in the course of class discussion.  No one's opinions or comments are to be belittled, and no offensive language will be tolerated. 

 

4)  Only one person will speak at a time in the classroom.  Please do not interrupt others or talk while someone else is speaking.  Listening in this class is as important as speaking.  Please refrain from making any excessive noise or causing any unnecessary disturbances.

 

5)  You are allowed to use tape recorders in this classroom.

 

6)  I do not have regular office hours, but if you wish to see me regarding coursework, please contact me by telephone, email, or in person before or after class and I will be glad to meet with you at a mutually convenient time.

 

7)  If for any reason  you will need to miss a class session or leave a class session early, please let me know in advance.  If you are on a Tulane athletic team and will be absent due to game schedules, you are required to inform the instructor in advance and make all arrangements to get your assignments and turn in your homework on time.  NO EXCEPTIONS AND NO EXCUSES WILL BE CONSIDERED.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

UMAR 355 SPECIFICATIONS

 

 

ASSIGNMENTS

 

 

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READINGS

 

 

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GRADING

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

UMAR 355/SPRING 2002

 

 

                   GRADING SCALE AND FINAL GRADE BREAKDOWN

 

Each student will have the opportunity to earn a total of 500 points over the course of this semester.  Points will be earned via a combination of worksheet assignments and exams.  Grades are assigned on a scale, as follows:

 

         

 

The final grade breakdown will be as follows:

 

A  455 - 500 points

B  405 - 454 points

C  355 - 404 points

D  305 - 354 points

     F  less than 305 points

 

 

These grades will come from the following areas:

 

Exam #1  150 points

Final Exam  150 points

Written Assignments 200 points

 

NOTE:  PLEASE BE AWARE OF ATTENDANCE POLICY, AS STATED ON PAGE 4 OF THIS SYLLABUS.  EXCESSIVE ABSENCE CAN AFFECT YOUR FINAL COURSE GRADE.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

UMAR 355 – SPRING 2001 WEEKLY ASSIGNMENTS

 

While there is no primary textbook for this class, there will be a number of handouts which you will be required to read.  Additionally, there is a supplemental textbook which you will be required to use regularly.  It is the “Associated Press Stylebook,” and is available in the campus bookstore.  Students are required to read three online publications on a regular basis.  You will be introduced to a number of these online newspapers and E-Zines in the first weeks of class.  Some of your assignments will be based on your reading of these publications.  Students who find stories relevant to course material are encouraged to bring them to class to share with everyone.  Students may also bring relevant videotapes, sound recordings or visual arts.  PLEASE NOTE:  THE WEB SITE bb.tulane.edu WILL BE USED EXTENSIVELY IN THIS CLASS.  YOUR WEEKLY ASSIGNMENTS WILL BE POSTED ON THIS SITE.

 

1/9                   THE NEW WORLD OF INTERNET WRITING

                        Introduction to World Wide Web publications

                        The differences between Internet and traditional writing

                        Writing rules to live and work by

                        Are all those words you’re using really necessary?

                        The “Greenberg Rule” of Internet Writing

                        An overview of online publications

 

1/16                 THE POWER OF WORDS

                        Learning to use words economically on the Internet

                        The Inverted Pyramid style of writing

                        Finding your writer’s voice

                        The importance of rhythm in writing

                        Playing to your audience

 

1/23                 INTERNET PUBLICATIONS – A NEW ANIMAL

                        “HTML” – a foreign language?

                         The judicious use of links in your writing

                        Subheads—Why two heads are better than one

                        The all-important “Target Audience”

                        Communicating electronically with editors

                        Surfing for your supper

                        Writing is about re-writing

 

1/30                 GOOD WRITING IS GOOD WRITING

                        Distinguishing between good online and offline writing
                        Short and active wins the race

                                Brevity – the soul of the Web

                        Making every word and sentence count

                        The power of the lead

2/6                   GOOD WRITING IS GOOD WRITING – PART II

                        The perfect balance between good style and flexibility

                                The Greenberg Rule – A reminder

                        Thinking like the audience

                        Back to the basics – spelling, grammar, punctuation

                        The “You are There” style of Internet writing

                        A review of good and bad writing examples

 

2/13                 TBA

 

2/20                 GUERRILA SELF-EDITING

                        Fewer words-greater impact

                                The Once Over – Considering the first draft

                        The writer’s juggling act – Considering all aspects of  your work

                        Bit by Bit – Putting it together

                        The advantages of getting away from your work

                        Developing your own system for editing

 

2/27                 DIGGING FOR DATA

                        Research, fact finding and backgrounding

                        Search engines, meta-search engines and subject directories

                        Online libraries

                        Narrowing the search

                        Where are the experts?

                        Learning to write from writers

                        NOTE:  TAKE HOME MIDTERM EXAM WILL BE

HANDED OUT TONIGHT

 

3/6                   THE ART OF THE INTERVIEW

                        Primary and secondary sources

                        Innovative questioning

                        Hearing is a gift – listening is a skill

                        A primer on interview behavior

                        Using your intuition and wisdom during the interview

                        Your secret source list

                        The art of letting people talk

                        NOTE:  MIDTERM EXAM DUE MARCH 6, 2001

 

3/13                 PERSONAL ESSAYS – The Online Literary Soapbox

                        Finding the inner voice

                        Good writing is good writing – (Redux)

n      Length, form, word choice, subject matter

Art imitates life

“Blood on the page”

Sensory loading as writing device, strategic words, plot devices

Taking ownership of your words

 

3/20                 PERSONAL ESSAYS – PART II

                        Examples of strong essay writing

                        Discussion of structure, refining and subtlety

 

3/27                 SPRING BREAK – CLASS DOES NOT MEET THIS WEEK

 

4/3                   THE BIG SELL – ADVERTISING & PROMOTION

                        The basics of creating Internet advertising

                        Advertising writing versus promotional copy

                        Persuasive writing

                        Writing to hit emotional “buttons”

                        What is really behind a banner ad?

                        Do readers really pay attention to online advertising?

 

4/10                 THE ART OF GETTING THE GIG

                        Internet writing as supplemental income

                        Creating a personal skills profile

                        Online employment resources

                        Job-finder web sites

                        Organizing your job search

                        Writing successful query letters

                        Learning to communicate effectively with editors

 

4/17                 THE HIGH TECHNOLOGY OF WRITING FOR  THE INTERNET     

                        How computer savvy do you really need to be?

                        What is the best browser for you?

                        Are you using the right software for your work?

                        Developing a system for bookmarks

                        How to stay current on new technology for writers

                       

4/24                 SEMESTER WRAP UP AND REVIEW

                        NOTE:  TAKE-HOME FINAL EXAM WILL BE

                   HANDED OUT TONIGHT

 

5/1                   FINAL EXAM DUE AT 5:45 P.M.  Note:  Late Exams Will

                        Not Be Accepted

 

                       

NOTE:  Exams (mid term and final) will be posted on the web site, www.bb.tulane.edu on the same day they are handed out in class.  Exams will remain online only  until the due date.

           

                       

                       

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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