Our iCollege site is broken down by modules. Each module is dedicated to a specific aspect of writing that we will relate to professional communication. Remember that in this course, we discuss writing and texts in broader terms – not just pen to paper or finger to keyboard, but also the construction of images and navigability of formats. And, while we are working on business/professional writing in this class, I ask you to always remember that writing is done on the public end and private, and both sides of writing are important to helping you build your professional ethos and confidence. Below is a brief overview of the modules:

I. Writing as a Situated Practice

Our first module introduces the idea of writing as a situated practice (hence the title!). By situated we mean that it has context, is created under specific circumstances, and has clear, limited purposes. In this module we will consider our everyday writing platforms, how to formalize them to respond to more formal circumstances, and how to look at purpose as a guide for planning and executing internal, interoffice documents. In this module, you begin working on our semester-long Blog Posts Project and complete The Interoffice Communication Package (IC).

II. Professional Writing and Digital Presence

When discussing writing, the word write is often connected with the act of putting words on a page; but writing is more than that. When we refer to writing in this class, what we are really considering is the organized development and polished communication of ideas. In this module you will learn more about the digital realm as it relates to general business writing and the construction of a public persona. Here we will look at how we promote our professional selves across digital platforms, the differences between writing for print and writing online, and how writing in digital platforms and business writing connect, more broadly. In this module you will continue to work on your blog project and complete the Social Media Package (SM). You will also begin to devise your Elevator Pitches, which we will deliver over the rest of the semester.

III. Writing to Market Yourself

In Module III, you will learn more about common documents you will be writing and updating throughout your career. These materials are all about you – your skills, your activities, etc., which makes you the expert! In this brief module, we will be looking at formats and protocols to help you build, edit, and polish your job market materials. This module is built to be tightly focused on one project which is both involved and important and will move swiftly, so make sure you are engaging each Monday and Wednesday. Here, more than an other time during the semester, I urge you to take advantage of the Writing Studio and the GSU Office of Career Services to get a fresh pair of eyes and additional expertise as you build your materials. They are both fantastic. In this module you will complete the largest of our major assignments, the Job Market Package (JMP), which includes a resume, a cover letter, and a developed LinkedIn profile. 

IV. Persuasion and Presentation

This is our final learning module and connects each of the two prior modules with persuasion and presentation. In this module, we will wrap up The Elevator Pitch and discuss how to convert these to more formal PowerPoint presentations. We will also use the materials developed in the JMP and convert them to digital versions in the Professional Website assignment.