English 532 Spring 2004 Survey paper assignment
Due dates:
On WebBoard "Survey paper" conference: Abstract with links two days before you present in class.
"Dead tree" format: Paper should be turned in the day you present in class.
Present in class February 10, 17, and 24. Be sure to sign up for a presentation date.
Length:
2-4 double-spaced typed pages; present in class for about 15-20 minutes
Goal:
To allow the class to survey a wide variety of topics and research related to new media, HT, CMC, and Web page design in a short time, both in writing and in class discussion.
Hints:
This is your chance to bring in a report of your outside research in new media, HT, CMC, or web page design to the class. Each of you will probably have a special interest in one area that you would like to share with us, so you will write a short paper and develop a short presentation on that topic. Your topic can be:
- An overview of a specialized area of new media, CMC, or HT, such as theory, technopoetics, virtual community, collaboration, hypertext fiction, online relationships, privacy, copyright, IRC, Internet discussion groups, MUDs, Hypertext help systems and software documentation, Java, Shockwave, Cascading Style Sheets, XML, VRML, and PDF. This overview should include citations of appropriate sources you have consulted.
- A summary and response to a particular theoretical or practical book or article relating to our study of new media, CMC, and HT.
Places to look for topics and/or information:
- A topic of your choice, but please check with me first.
Evaluation:
- The New Media Reader. Since we have time for very few "official" readings from this text, we'll get more out of it if some class members present on topics/chapters that are not among our scheduled readings.
- The library (see me if you are looking for advice on good titles)
- Academic journals. Please see the section on journals near the bottom of our "Resources" page.
- Our class web page. I've already collected quite a few links to resources that should pique your interest
- Class brainstorming or informal discussion with class members
You will be evaluated primarily on how well you present an overview of the topic and your response, but please give due attention to the conventions of correct grammar, usage, and mechanics.
Good luck, and see or e-mail me if you have questions!