Summer Syllabus
Writing 340: Arts & Humanities/Summer 2021 Syllabus
Summer 2021
Instructor: Dr. Dissinger
Email: dissinge@usc.edu
Office Hours: TBA
Writing Remix Podcast
WELCOME SCHOLARS. WELCOME CREATORS. WELCOME CREATIVES:
Class, this semester we will write, create content, develop, & evolve. We will use language to cultivate real VALUABLE KNOWLEDGE. We will share that knowledge with each other to build a working learning COMMUNITY.
No one is in competition with anyone.
We are a TEAM.
My job is to GAIN your trust, to ADVOCATE for you, and to help you be the BEST WRITER, create the best WRITING, and SUPPORT your intellectual passions, curiosities, and projects.
In Writing 340, you’re the scholar. You’re the expert. You’ll lead the discussion, challenge canonical ideas, and contribute to the public discourse. This is your chance to say everything you might have held in as a writer, a thinker, and/or a student. So be ready to make mistakes. Be ready to be challenged. Be ready to get frustrated, to collaborate, and push against hegemony.
This course is not the same as Writing 150. Expectations are higher. Your participation is even more necessary. And, just to be upfront with you, projects are going to ask more of your creativity, your passion, and your investment.
Now, you’re all following different and unique intellectual journeys. This class will be a collection of differing passions, majors, and intellectual curiosities. We’re all going to have different opinions, and sometimes we’ll get into heated discussions. Good. Let it happen, but challenge yourself to be empathetic, and embrace everyone’s humanity.
Allow yourself to know nothing.
The artist picks a medium for the gesture, the artist engages in a specific process, a specific state of mind and develops the art; the audience engages with the art, or is immersed by it, participates, is moved by, changed, etc.
This semester we are going to be using all of our sense to examine these intersectional happenings, when the creative gesture collides with the chaos of this environment inhabited by us, by curious minds, analytical minds, diverse histories, etc.
We’re going to search for what is hidden, what is curious, and what intersects with these spaces. What happens at this moment of collision is our concern, the fragments, the rubble, and the reasons.
We’re going to CREATE FEARLESSLY this summer. We’re going to shake off the conventions of academia and build projects that we are INVESTED IN, that we are PASSIONATE ABOUT, and that SPEAK TO and ENGAGE OUR AUDIENCE.
ART IS AN EXCHANGE, an INTELLECTUAL EXCHANGE that happens in a variety of complex ways. So, this summer, you’ll explore the MEDIUM you feel reflects and SERVES the PURPOSE of your INTELLECTUAL QUEST.
Okay. WOW! That’s a lot for me to drop on you, I know. But, again my job is to GAIN your trust, to ADVOCATE for you, and to help you be the BEST WRITER, create the best WRITING, and SUPPORT your intellectual passions, curiosities, and projects. So don’t worry. I gotcha.
TEXTS/CONTENT/ETC:
All of your writing will be done on Medium. In the first week, or before we start, I need you to set up a Medium account and publication. If you have questions please refer to the Medium Help, or watch this video:
If you don’t feel comfortable having your name and identity associated with your work publically, you can use a pseudonym. Please contact me with questions, concerns, and anything else.
Everything you’ll need for this course (readings, links to videos, music, etc) I’ll provide and will be in a shared Google folder on Google Drive. At some point, you might have to rent a film online, but I’m sure some of you will find a work-around or something.
The other readings will be from our posts and publication. Yes. On top of having a public audience, we’ll all be an audience to your LANGUAGING.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
- Produce IDEA DRIVEN writing that engages both your INTELLECTUAL CURIOSITIES and provides VALUE, CHALLENGE, and TEACHES your audience.
- Utilize the digital space to develop creative critical thinking projects. Because we’ll be solely writing on Medium, you have a multitude of multimodal opportunities to create exciting projects. Follow your instincts (something I’ll be saying A LOT), take risks, and BE FEARLESS.
- Move away from writing which is PRODUCT DRIVEN and one-dimensional to developing MEANINGFUL MULTIDIMENSIONAL LANGUAGE projects. This is not about “being right.” This course is all about EXPLORING and DIGGING DEEPLY into your INTELLECTUAL passions.
- CULTIVATE a class culture centered on CRITICAL THINKING, PERSONAL REFLECTION and ACTUALIZATION, and EMPATHY in order to explore the social world around us, even in isolation.
MY PROMISES:
- To support, answer your questions, and be as available as possible for all your needs as a student in my class.
- To provide VALUABLE and CLEAR feedback on ALL assignments, ancillary and major projects.
- To be your advocate.
- To be open to reasonable critique and suggestions about the course from you, my students.
- To treat each student as equal adults to each other.
- To be honest and transparent.
ALSO:
None of this is final. The beauty of writing online is we an easily COLLABORATE, REVISE, and REPOST. So, if you feel we need to add to the COURSE OBJECTIVES or MY PROMISES, we can.
This is your course! This is YOUR education! CLAIM IT!
ADMIN THINGS:
You’ll be responsible for 4 major projects (WP1-WP4). These projects will vary in many ways, not just word count. I want us to embrace as much of the digital opportunity we have, as long as you’re comfortable with that. No is forced to create multimedia projects. You could simply write amazingly engaging posts to your Medium publication.
But, if you’re feeling adventurous, if you have this “itch” to create something else other than a piece of writing, I encourage you to: FOLLOW YOUR INSTINCTS! This means creating podcasts, graphic novel-like writing projects, short documentaries, etc… whatever it is you feel will ADD to the MEANINGFULNESS for you and heighten the VALUE for your audience, then do it.
Right now, the writing projects are still under construction, but I’ll be posting them soon.
There is a final portfolio, which is two revised projects. We’ll talk more about this as well, and collaborate on the most equitable and fair way to determine what the portfolio will look like.
I would love it if everyone would do one presentation of a project they feel super into, and we’ll collaborate on how and what this will look like together.
Are you seeing a pattern here?
We’re a team. This course doesn’t happen without you, your input, your ideas. I need you to participate in the construction of the course, the course content, and the development of the course activities.
PARTICIPATION & ATTENDANCE:
In this course, there are several ways to participate:
Posting To Your Publication: Your Medium publication is a great way to keep participating in the class. I’ll be assigning content to engage and response writing, but the more you write and develop that space, the more you engage with your peers’ work by commenting on their work, the more you’re participating. What counts as a post? Well, writing, photos, video links with contextual writing, etc. The idea behind all of this is for you to explore and dig into your INTELLECTUAL CURIOSITIES, so you should WANT TO create content. We’ll talk more about this.
Zoom Class Discussions: I love to have big class discussions about a variety of topics, especially about the content we’ll be engaging in. Being in class and talking is a great way to participate. Posting questions on the Zoom chat is also great. Sharing content via the SHARE SCREEN option adds to the discussion too. I want us to have deep FEARLESS discussions, so be prepared. Practicing this sort of analytical skill set in the discussion will help you do it when you write.
If you don’t feel comfortable having your video on, I get it. This is all very new and weird. At the same time, we want to build a communal experience, so hopefully, we can all trust each other enough to have our videos on.
In-Class Collaborative Writing:
I love this sort of writing. We’ll be writing together on a chaotic Google Doc to build a WEBBING of ideas, images, and links. Adding to these docs will not only count as participating, but it’s going to heighten your audience awareness even more.
What If You Miss a Zoom Session?
This will happen, especially with time zone issues, internet problems, life, home, etc. Don’t worry. Email me and we can make time to talk about your options. We’ll also talk about recording the sessions together in class.
What About Attendance?
Because of all the technical issues these online courses can create, my attendance policy is malleable. Let me know when you might miss a Zoom session. Let me know when you’ll be late. Let me know about your time zone restrictions. Let me know about anything.
Is there a pattern forming here?
BE RESPECTFUL:
This class is about engaging ALL ideas. We’ll touch on controversial topics, listen to stand-up and music that will offend someone (maybe you) this semester, and not everyone will agree or have the same experiences. But, we will respect each other, listen to each other, and lead with EMPATHY. Class discourse is not for being right. Discourse is a collaborative experience to dig beneath a topic to understand the root of the discourse. No one knows it all, not even me. If we’re open to LEARNING being a LIFELONG PROCESS, then our time together will become more VALUABLE and MEANINGFUL.
ASSESSING/GRADING:
Your Publication Posts:
You should think of everything you write this summer as part of your larger projects, so VALUE, remaining IDEA DRIVEN, digging DEEP, and ANALYSIS is always key here. I’ll be leaving comments and questions on your work pushing you to explore other ideas and providing direction.
I’ll also do a more detailed assessment of your writing that I’ll send you via email or do during a one-on-one conference to talk about your writing.
Those WP’s:
These major projects will be “traditionally” assessed but still live on Medium so you can create the most MEANINGFUL project possible. We’ll talk about how this will be “handed in” during class.
So, What’s The Grade Breakdown?
Good question. As of now, and this isn’t written in stone, the breakdown is this:
WP1: 15% DUE JUNE 13th
WP2: 10% DUE JULY 13th
WP3: 20% DUE JULY 25th
WP4: 10% TBD
Writing Portfolio (2 revised WPs): 25% DUE AUGUST 1st
Publication Posts + Oral Presentation: 10%
Participation + Attendance: 10%
But, as I said, this isn’t written in stone. Plus, our WP assessment guidelines will be a collaborative process. I need your help and input so we put together the most equitable and VALUABLE way to assess your major writing projects.
WP CONFERENCES:
Each WP will have mandatory one-on-one conferences. These conferences are there to ask questions about your project, get feedback from me, and strategize the best approach to these larger more demanding projects. Because we’re online, We’ll talk about a week in the project cycle where they’ll take place and you’ll just make an appointment with me to do a Zoom. It’s that simple.
OFFICE HOURS:
This is very simple: if you need to talk, email me and we’ll make time to Zoom. BOOM!
BLACKBOARD:
I’m still unsure if I’ll use this during the summer. We’ll talk about it. As of right now, we’re using Medium and Google Drive.
GOOGLE DRIVE:
This is where we’ll host our writing workshops via Google Docs, our in-class writing, and hold all the content like readings, video links, etc. So make sure you can get access to Google Drive.
Technical Difficulties:
USC has many computer facilities at your disposal, including a laptop loaner program (go to https://itservices.usc.edu/spaces/computingcenters/ for more information). While I understand that technical issues do happen, I suggest all of you get into the habit of saving your documents to the cloud with a free program such as Dropbox (http://dropbox.com). I’ll say it again: back up your work to multiple locations, not just your hard drive. Try to take care of all your technical issues ASAP. Our class is online, so this is truly important. If you need help or are having issues beyond your understanding, please don’t hesitate to email me.
The Writing Center Is Your Friend:
Most of you will need a little extra help with your writing assignments. You’re learning an entirely new way of writing, and it’s not exactly easy. As your professor, I try to see everyone at least once, but let’s face it: I don’t have time to see all my students on a weekly basis. I’d have to sleep in front of my computer and that’s not healthy.
The Writing Center is still doing consultations online. Check it out. Are they going to edit your paper for you? Nope. Are they going to tell you what to write? Not at all. Can they help you? Absolutely. It’s free! Link here: https://dornsife.usc.edu/writingcenter/
PLAGERIASIM & ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT:
Look, this is all about INTEGRITY, which is why I keep saying write about IDEAS and TOPICS you’re INTERESTED IN, INVESTED IN, and are MEANINGFUL TO YOU. If you do that, this shouldn’t be a problem.
Using outside sources and ideas are fine, you must document all instances when you directly cite, indirectly paraphrase, borrow, or otherwise utilize someone else’s words, ideas, or sundry intellectual materials while writing your stuff, unless you are dealing with a piece of common knowledge (e.g. Abraham Lincoln was a US president). This includes material from other courses you have taken, such as a professor’s lecture or other papers you have written or are currently writing.
You are responsible for abiding by the policies regarding academic integrity in the Writing 150 Course Book, the policies regarding Student Judicial Affairs and Community Standards, and the Campus Student Guidebook (scampus.usc.edu/1300-academic-integrityreview/).
When in doubt, ask me about how to cite something, or whether you even need to, seriously!
UGH, Some MORE on this:
Plagiarism — presenting someone else’s ideas as your own, either verbatim or recast in your own words — is a serious academic offense with serious consequences. Please familiarize yourself with the discussion of plagiarism in SCampus in Part B, Section 11, “Behavior Violating University Standards” https://policy.usc.edu/scampus-part-b/. Other forms of academic dishonesty are equally unacceptable. See additional information in SCampus and university policies scientific misconduct.
STUDENT SERVICES:
Student Counseling Services (SCS) — (213) 740–7711–24/7 on-call
Free and confidential mental health treatment for students, including short-term psychotherapy, group counseling, stress fitness workshops, and crisis intervention. https://engemannshc.usc.edu/counseling/
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline — 1–800–273–8255
Provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
Relationship and Sexual Violence Prevention Services (RSVP) — (213) 740–4900–24/7 on-call
Free and confidential therapy services, workshops, and training for situations related to gender-based harm. https://engemannshc.usc.edu/rsvp/
Sexual Assault Resource Center
For more information about how to get help or help a survivor, rights, reporting options, and additional resources, visit the website: http://sarc.usc.edu/
Office of Equity and Diversity (OED)/Title IX Compliance — (213) 740–5086
Works with faculty, staff, visitors, applicants, and students around issues of a protected class. https://equity.usc.edu/
Bias Assessment Response and Support
Incidents of bias, hate crimes, and micro-aggressions need to be reported allowing for appropriate investigation and response. https://studentaffairs.usc.edu/bias-assessment-response-support/
The Office of Disability Services and Programs
Provides certification for students with disabilities and helps arrange relevant accommodations. http://dsp.usc.edu
Students who require special accommodations must register with Disability Services and Programs (DSP) each semester. A letter of verification for approved accommodations can be obtained from DSP (located in STU 301, open 8:30AM–5PM, Monday–Friday). The phone number for DSP is (213) 740–0776. Also, with regard to any accommodations or anything else along these lines, please do let me know how I can be of service to you
Student Support and Advocacy — (213) 821–4710
Assists students and families in resolving complex issues adversely affecting their success as a student EX: personal, financial, and academic. https://studentaffairs.usc.edu/ssa/
Diversity at USC
Information on events, programs and training, the Diversity Task Force (including representatives for each school), chronology, participation, and various resources for students. https://diversity.usc.edu/
USC Emergency Information
Provides safety and other updates, including ways in which instruction will be continued if an officially declared emergency makes travel to campus infeasible, http://emergency.usc.edu
USC Department of Public Safety — 213–740–4321 (UPC) and 323–442–1000 (HSC) for 24-hour emergency assistance or to report a crime.
Provides overall safety to USC community. http://dps.usc.edu
