You work for a non-profit community-based activist or arts organization.  Send a short email (about two short paragraphs) to your co-workers in which you argue that your organization needs to be more environmentally friendly, suggest one way in which your organization might reduce its carbon footprint, and solicit your co-workers' feedback on your suggestion.  (If you need ideas about reducing carbon footprints, consult Al Gore's An Inconvenient Truth book or film, or the companion website, or one of the many other books and websites on this topic.)  Remember that you are not issuing a top-down order as a boss to employees, but making suggestions to your fellow employees.  Follow the guidelines for professional emails in Writing that Works pp. 295-301.  Pay particular attention to the subject line, salutation, and closing of your email.  Include a signature block in your email. 

To find the names of your co-workers, click on "Groups" under the Course Menu of the class WebCT page.  To send your email, click on "Email" under the Course Menu of the class WebCT page.

Collaborative Wiki Memo
Due Date: 2/20

With your group members, use a wiki to create a memo of 250-500 words in which you develop a few specific guidelines on inclusivity and non-discrimination in your workplace policies and practices, and the various types of communication that happen in your workplace and that are created by your workplace (your group should come up with its own company name).  Choose one of these areas to focus on: racial discrimination, disability issues, class issues, glbt inclusion, age discrimination, gender issues, nationality/citizenship issues.  Your goal is to show colleagues in your workplace how to avoid intentional or unintended discrimination, and to create a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming workplace environment for current and future employees and for others who read business communications produced at your workplace.  Make sure that your memo gives specific ideas for workplace policies, practices, and communication--avoid general guidelines.

Use the information you have gathered in your research on  your topic as you develop your memo, and follow the guidelines for writing a memo on pp.303-305 of Writing That Works.  Set up your wiki on pbwiki.com or Wikispaces or another website that allows you to create a free wiki.  A wiki enables all group members to contribute to, edit, and comment on the project.  I expect all group members to participate.  You will need to select one of your group members to set up the wiki.  While only your group members should be able to participate in developing your wiki, make sure that anyone can view it, so that all the members of the class can see your work.  To see the names of your group members, click on "Groups" under the Course Menu of the class WebCT page. You can email your group members by clicking on "Email" under the WebCT course menu.  You and your group members are welcome to meet in one of the WebCT chat rooms to discuss the project (you need to prearrange the date and time of your meeting, and decide which chat room to meet in).  Select "Live Chat" under the WebCT Course Menu to do so.  Once you are satisfied with the memo, one of your group members should post the link to it on WebCT. 

The purpose of this assignment is to enable you to engage with questions around equity and diversity in business and in business discourse and communication, and to practice working on a collaborative writing project, something that is quite common in the business world.  Since this is a collaborative project, I will assign the same grade to all group members, unless one or more group members don't do their share of the work.

If you need assistance developing a wiki, read the Wiki Tutorial from the Writing That Works website (click "Readings" under the WebCT Course Menu, and then select "Wiki Tutorial").

1. What is the strongest aspect of the letter?
2. Does the letter fulfill the assignment?  Explain.
3. Does the letter have a thesis or main argument (whether explicit or implicit)?  If so, what is the thesis?  Could the thesis be improved?  How?  If the letter doesn't have a thesis, suggest a possible thesis.
4. How well-developed is the letter?  Are all points fully explained?  If points could be more fully developed, explain which ones and say how they might be more fully developed.  Has anything important been left out?  Is any material irrelevant to the main focus?
5. Does the author give an indication of the significance or wider implications of the argument?  If so, explain what these are.  If not, suggest how the author might do this.
6. How well is the letter organized?  If the parts don't follow from one another, explain how they might be reordered. 
7. Has the author used the appropriate format and diction for a business letter?  If yes, explain.  If not, give specific revision suggestions.
8. How effective are the letter's introduction and conclusion?  If they are effective, explain why.  If not, explain why and give specific revision suggestions.
9. What are the two most important revision suggestions you have for this letter?

Write a business letter of about 750 words in response to one of the following prompts (indicate at the top of your letter if you are responding to A, B, or C).  Use the guidelines on business letters on pp. 306-313 of Writing That Works.  You may refer to any of our readings or to other sources if you wish, though this is optional.  Remember that this is a business letter, so if you do refer to a source, mention the author and title in the body of your letter--do not end your letter with a list of Works Cited!

• Option A: You are the Communications Director of a company located in the US or in a country other than the US (your choice).  Most of your company's written communications take place in English.  One member of the company's Board of Directors complains to you about the English writing skills of several of the company's international employees whose writing doesn't follow the conventions of "standard" US English, and suggests that these employees take a course in English grammar.  Write a business letter to the Board of Directors in which you carefully consider the arguments around World Englishes, disagree with the Board Member's suggestion, and defend the employees' writing.
• Option B: You are the Communications Director of a company located in the US or in a country other than the US (your choice).  Most of your company's written communications take place in English.  One member of the company's Board of Directors complains to you about the English writing skills of several of the company's international employees whose writing doesn't follow the conventions of "standard" US English, and suggests that these employees take a course in English grammar.  Write a business letter to the Board of Directors in which you carefully consider the arguments around the globalization of English, and argue that English should not be privileged as the company's medium of written communication.
• Option C: You are the Communications Director of a company located in the US or in a country other than the US (your choice).  Most of your company's written communications take place in English.  One member of the company's Board of Directors complains to you about the English writing skills of several of the company's international employees whose writing doesn't follow the conventions of "standard" US English, and suggests that these employees take a course in English grammar.  Write a business letter to the Board of Directors in which you carefully consider the arguments around World Englishes, and ulimtately agree with the Board Member that these employees should take an English grammar course.

Create a 3-4 minute video and post it on youtube or another videosharing website. In this video you should give prospective employers a 3-4 minute interesting and informative overview of one of the  major assignments you have developed for this class (choose one of these: Email Assignment, Collaborative Wiki Memo, Ethics Website, Language Letter).  This should be a professional presentation, and you should dress, speak, and behave appropriately.  In your overview of your assignment you may discuss what you did the assignment on, why you chose the topic that you did, how you developed the assignment, what conclusions you came to, how you revised the assignment after getting feedback (if applicable), what you learned from the assignment, etc.  (These are suggestions, not requirements.)  Remember to introduce yourself at the beginning of the video.  You may use visual aids, though this is optional.  As you develop your presentation, keep in mind what you have learned from Chapter 14 of Writing That Works and from our analysis of sample presentations.

If you do not have access to equipment needed to make a video (e.g., FLIP or webcam on your laptop) or don't know how to make or post a video, please let me know so that I can arrange to have your video filmed on the CSUN campus.

• Read syllabus (excluding Schedule) and complete syllabus quiz by 4 p.m. on 1/23.  (Select "Surveys" under the WebCT Course Menu.)
  
• Complete WebCT Post #1 (to post, select "Discussions" under the WebCT Course Menu): a) in your opinion, what are the pros and cons of an online course? (about 250 words; due by 11:59 p.m. on 1/28); b) respond to at least two class members' Discussions or responses by 11:59 p.m. on 1/29 (each response should be about a paragraph long).  See the guidelines above for WebCT Discussion Posts.
• Complete your homepage by 11:59 p.m. on 1/29 (click on "Student Homepages" under the WebCT Course Menu).  This is your opportunity to introduce yourselves to the members of the class. Your page should include information about yourself, at least two links, and a background image (this could be a photograph of yourself, or any other image you choose).  You should use colors and customize your page to your liking.
  
• Read Chapter 8 in Writing That Works by 1/29.
• Test the WebCT "Live Chat" function before 1/30 to make sure you will be able to participate in the live chat session on 1/30 (click on "Live Chat" under the WebCT Course Menu).  You might need to download Java.

• 1:45 p.m.: Review Protocol for Live Chat. 
  
• 2 p.m.: Enter WebCT chat room (click on "Live Chat" under the WebCT Course Menu, and then select the "General Chat for English 205" room).

• Read Chapter 9 in Writing That Works by 2/5; as you read, note any ideas in the chapter that you find problematic or have questions about (use a pencil to mark these places in your book or keep a list on a separate piece of paper).
  
• Work on Email Assignment; send your email by 11:59 p.m. on 2/5.
  

• WebCT Post #2 (to post, select "Discussions" under the WebCT Course Menu): Select one idea or directive about writing business correspondence in Chapter 9 of Writing That Works that you find troubling or that you have questions about and explain your concerns/questions, making specific references to the text; due by 3 p.m. on 2/6 (about 250 words).  Respond to at least two class members' Discussions or responses by 5 p.m. on 2/6 (each of your responses should be at least a paragraph long).  See the guidelines above for WebCT Discussion Posts.
• WebCT Post #3 (to post, select "Discussions" under the WebCT Course Menu; click on "Readings" under the WebCT course menu to find the letters): (a) Explain what you see as the strengths and weaknesses of Letter #1 (about one paragraph).  This is a letter that was sent to me when the  Los Angeles Master Chorale decided to stop selling advance tickets at the Box Office as a cost saving measure.  (b) Explain what you see as the strengths and weaknesses of Letter #2 (about one paragraph).  This is a letter that was send to me when I filed a trip cancellation insurance claim after my father died and I had to cancel my air ticket to South Africa to visit him.  (c) Choose one of these letters to revise and post your revised version of that letter  Complete (a)-(c) by 11:59 p.m. on 2/11. (d) Respond to at least two class members' Discussions or responses by 11:59 p.m. on 2/12 (each of your responses should be at least a paragraph long).  See the guidelines above for WebCT Discussion Posts.
• Read Chapter 5 of Writing That Works by 2/12.
• Do some internet research before 2/13 to find out about issues around workplace discrimination on one of these topics: racial discrimination, disability issues, class issues, glbt inclusion, age discrimination, gender issues, nationality/citizenship issues.  You must consult at least three different sources on your topic.
  

• 1:45 p.m.: Review Protocol for Live Chat.
  
• 2 p.m.: Enter WebCT chat room (click on "Live Chat" under the WebCT Course Menu, and then select the "General Chat for English 205" room).

• Work on your Collaborative Wiki Memo.
• Read "Ethics in Writing" from The Business Writer's Companion by 2/19 (click on "Readings" under the WebCT Course Menu, and then select "Ethics in Writing").
• Read "Business Ethics Primer" by 2/19 (click on "Readings" under the WebCT Course Menu, and then select "Business Ethics Primer").

• WebCT Post #5 (to post, select "Discussions" under the WebCT Course Menu): post a  link to your Collaborative Wiki Memo by 5 p.m. on 2/20 (only one person in each group should post the link for that group).
• Read ethics case studies (click on "Readings" under the WebCT Course Menu, and then select "Ethics Cases"; read all the documents in this folder).
• Do some internet research to find out what ethical controversies Starbucks has been involved in.
  
• WebCT Post #6 (to post, select "Discussions" under the WebCT Course Menu): choose one of the 4 cases to write about (Starbucks, Prop. 8, Affirmative Action, Accidental Bank Robbery): explain what business ethics issues you think are  involved in your chosen case and how you think these ethical issues should be addressed.  250-500 words.  Due by 11:59 p.m. on 2/25.  Respond to at least two class members' Discussions or responses by 11:59 p.m. on 2/26 (each response should be at least a paragraph long).  See the guidelines above for WebCT Discussion Posts.

• 1:45 p.m.: Review Protocol for Live Chat.
  
• 2 p.m.: Enter WebCT chat room (click on "Live Chat" under the WebCT Course Menu, and then select the "General Chat for English 205" room).

• Read Chapter 6 in Writing That Works by 3/5.
• Select your topic for your Ethics Website and begin researching your topic before 3/6.
  

• WebCT Post #7 (to post, select "Discussions" under the WebCT Course Menu): About 250 words, due by 3 p.m. on 3/6.  Explain what research you have done so far for your Ethics Website; discuss the sources you have found (be specific!) and how you plan to use them or why they are not useful; explain which research strategies you used that are mentioned in Chapter 6 of Writing that Works; discuss difficulties you have had or ask questions of your group members.  Respond to your assigned group members by 4:45 p.m. on 3/6 (each response should be at least a paragraph long and should give specific suggestions or feedback about your colleagues' sources and plans to use them, and responses to questions or concerns your colleague may have).  To see the names of your group members, click on "Groups" under the Course Menu of the class WebCT page, and then select "Ethics Website."  See the guidelines above for WebCT Discussion Posts.
• Complete mid-semester evaluation of the course by 11: 59 p.m. on 3/12 (click on "Surveys" under the WebCT Course Menu, and then select "Mid-Semester Evaluation").
• Read Chapters 7 and 15 in Writing That Works by 3/12.
• WebCT Post #8 (to post, select "Discussions" under the WebCT Course Menu): Analyze the home page of the website of a local, national, or international business, arts organization, or non-profit organization of your choice.  You should include a link to the website in your post, the reasons why you chose this website, and what you see as the website's strengths and weaknesses.  Refer to the reading from Chapters 7 and 15 in Writing That Works in your discussion.  (About 250 words; due by 11:59 p.m. on 3/11).  Respond to at least two colleagues' Discussions or responses by 11:59 p.m. on 3/12 (each response should be at least a paragraph long).  See the guidelines above for WebCT Discussion Posts.

• WebCT Post #9 (to post, select "Discussions" under the WebCT Course Menu): write an explanation of your plans for your Ethics Website; explain what you think your website will look like, what issues you plan to address, how you plan to use your sources, what links and images you plan to use, etc.  Also list any problems you foresee or questions you have for class members, or areas you would like help or feedback.  250-500 words, due by 11:59 p.m. on 3/18.  Respond to your assigned group members by 11:59 p.m. on 3/19 (each response should be at least a paragraph long and should give specific suggestions or feedback). To see the names of your group members, click on "Groups" under the Course Menu of the class WebCT page,and then select "Ethics Website."

• Class time for Groups 1-4: 2-3:30 p.m.  Class time for Groups 5-7: 3-4:30 p.m.  To see you group, discussion leader, and assigned chat room, click on "Groups" under the Course Menu of the class WebCT page,and then select "Ethics Website."
  
• Instructions for Groups 1-4:  2-2:30 p.m.: review the written responses to your Ethics Website ideas (see WebCT Post #9); at 2:30 p.m., enter  your assigned WebCT chat room.  Spend 15-20 minutes discussing each group member's Ethics Website ideas; each writer should have the opportunity to ask the group members for assistance with specific issues and to ask questions about group members' written responses to their drafts.  Note that I will see a log of your discussions.  Class ends at 3:30 p.m.
• Instructions for Groups 5-7:  3-3:30 p.m.:  review the written responses to your Ethics Website ideas (see WebCT Post #9); at 3:30 p.m., enter  your assigned WebCT chat room.  Spend 15-20 minutes discussing each group member's Ethics Website ideas; each writer should have the opportunity to ask the group members for assistance with specific issues and to ask questions about group members' written responses to their drafts.  Note that I will see a log of your discussions.  Class ends at 4:30 p.m.

• Work on your Ethics Website.
• WebCT Post #10 (to post, select "Discussions" under the WebCT Course Menu): Post a link to your Ethics Website by 11:59 p.m. on 3/26.
• Read articles and browse websites on World Englishes (click on "Readings" under the WebCT Course Menu, and then select "World Englishes"; browse the websites and read all the articles in this folder).  Note that we will do an in-class writing exercise on these readings.  As you read, think about which of these articles/websites you find most compelling/interesting/problematic.
  

• 1:45 p.m.: Review Protocol for Live Chat.
  
• 2 p.m.: Enter WebCT chat room (click on "Live Chat" under the WebCT Course Menu, and then select the "General Chat for English 205" room).

• WebCT Discussion #11 (to post, select "Discussions" under the WebCT Course Menu): Post a draft of your Language Letter by 11:59 p.m. on 4/1; respond to your group members' drafts by 11:59 p.m. on 4/2 (click on "Groups" under the WebCT course menu and select "Language Letter" to see instructions and the names of your group members).  Answer these questions when you respond to your group members.

• 2-2:30 p.m.: Review the written responses to your Language Letter draft (see WebCT Discussion #11).
  
• 2:30 p.m.: Enter  your assigned WebCT chat room (click on "Live Chat" under the WebCT Course Menu, and then select your assigned chat room; click on "Groups" under the WebCT Course Menu and then select "Language Letter" to see your assigned chat room).
• 2:30-3:45 p.m.: Spend about 20 minutes discussing each group member's Language Letter draft (click on "Groups" under the WebCT course menu and then select "Language Letter" to see names of discussion leaders); each writer should have the opportunity to ask the group members for assistance with specific issues and to ask questions about group members' written responses to their drafts.  Note that I will see a log of your discussions!
• Class ends at 3:45 p.m.

• Work on your Language Letter.
• WebCT Discussion #12 (to post, select "Discussions" under the WebCT Course Menu): Post your revised Language Letter by 11:59 p.m. on 4/16.
  

• Read Chapter 4 in Writing That Works by 4/23.
  
• Find the manual for a product that you use (e.g., the manual for your iPod, the manual for your microwave oven, the manual for your laptop).  Online manual is better, but hard copy is also OK.
• WebCT #13 (to post, select "Discussions" under the WebCT Course Menu): Find one instruction in your manual that is confusingly written and then (a) say what your manual is for (e.g., cell phone, microwave) and, if you are using an online manual, include a link to the website; if you are using a hard copy, scan and post the page with the confusing instruction if possible; (b) quote the confusingly written instruction; (c) explain why it's confusing; (d) rewrite it so that it's not confusing; (e) respond to two classmates--say if you find their rewrites clear (and explain why the rewrite is clearer than the original) or give suggestions for improvements.  (a)-(d) is due by 11:59 p.m. on 4/22; (e) is due by 11:59 p.m. on 4/23.

• WebCT Discussion #14 (to post, select "Discussions" under the WebCT Course Menu): Choose one item discussed in Part 4 of Writing That Works that you feel applies to your writing, give an example of this item from the assignment that you plan to revise for an improved grade (Ethics Website or Language Letter or Email Assignment), and explain how you plan to correct/revise it.  Make specific references to Part 4 of Writing That Works and to your assignment.  Due by 5 p.m. on 4/24.
• Read Chapter 14 in Writing That Works by 4/30.
  
• WebCT Discussion #15 (to post, select "Discussions" under the WebCT Course Menu): Post a revision of one of the following assignments by 11:59 p.m. on 4/30: Ethics Website (post link to revised website), Language Letter (post revised letter as attachment), Email Assignment (post your revised email, including the signature block, salutation, closing, and subject line).  Note that if your grade improves, I will replace the previous grade for this assignment with the higher grade.

• 1:45 p.m.: Review Protocol for Live Chat.
  
• 2 p.m.: Enter WebCT chat room (click on "Live Chat" under the WebCT Course Menu, and then select the "General Chat for English 205" room).

• Work on your Oral Presentation.
  
• WebCT Discussion #16 (to post, select "Discussions" under the WebCT Course Menu): Post a link to your Oral Presentation by 11:59 p.m. on 5/7.

• WebCT #16 (continuation): respond to at least three class members' oral presentations by 4 p.m. on 5/8.  Each response should be about a paragraph long and should give your reaction to the presentation and your analysis of the presentation's strengths and weaknesses.
• Complete end of semester survey by 11:59 p.m. on 5/10 (click on "Surveys" under the WebCT Course Menu, and then select "End of Semester Survey").