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English 8115

Here’re the major projects in this course. You must complete all projects satisfactorily in order to receive a passing grade for the course. Here is a brief description of each major project. 

Reading Presentation (200 points)
Each of you will select one set of readings, do a written summary, and lead the discussion in class. 

Conference Proposal (100 points)
For this assignment, you will find a real CFP (call for proposals) for a conference and write a proposal for a possible individual or panel presentation. The length of the proposal will depend on the requirements of the CFP.

Document Redesign  (150 points)
This project requires you to analyze an existing document that’s ineffectively designed and redesign it to improve its effectiveness.

Tutorial Project (150 Points)
For this project, you’ll design a tutorial for a particular software or a functional aspect of a software that will be useful for technical writing purposes. For example, your tutorial could be on how to define and set styles in Microsoft Word or how to manipulate photos in PhotoShop. Your intended users will be your classmates. You’ll produce a step-by-step tutorial to teach your classmates to use the software (or one of its particular functions). The ultimate aim is for your classmates to “master” this functionality or software.

Final Project (400 points)
The final project can be either individual or collaborative, in groups of 2-4 people, depending on what option you choose. You have three different options:

1. Your own project
2. Professional design for a client
3. Research paper