[From the catalog]: This introductory course offers students opportunities to improve as writers by developing their understanding of how they and others use writing to interpret and share experience, affect behavior, and position themselves in the world. Although specific reading and writing assignments may vary from section to section, in all sections student writing will be the primary focus. As a step toward college-level critical literacy, this course is designed to help student writers become more engaged, imaginative, and disciplined composers, better equipped to handle complex subjects thoughtfully and to use sources responsibly. All sections will require at least one crafted composition per week as well as participation in class discussion about writing.

[From Prof. JSB]: Our secton of Seminar in Composition will be particularly interested in developing an understanding of how we and others use 'writing' in digital modes. How does interpretation and shared experience work in social media? How does digital communication affect behavior and position us in the world? For our section, writing will be our primary focus and all writing and composing will be practiced through digital media and writing platforms "to help student writers become more engaged, imaginative, and disciplined composers, better equipped to handle complex subjects thoughtfully and to use sources responsibly."

Attend ALL classes and arrive on time.

Complete all assignments as assigned and on time. Assignments described in the schedule.

Meet Prof. Bianco as scheduled for your mid-term evaluation.

Present your final Project Portfolio as scheduled. You may NOT miss the Final Presentation, so do not schedule a departure from campus prior to our Final class.

More on expectations, grading, and the quality of your coursework...

(micro-)blogging, wikis, Website design & informational writing

Photo Essay

Researched Podcast

Researched Video/multimodal composition

Integrated & Annotated Project Portfolio

Adobe Creative Suite 4 Master Collection
Available to students from CSSD (105 Bellefield Hall) at a seriously discounted price.
This collection provides the entire Adobe CS4 Suite.
There are work-around alternatives including use of the Pitt Campus Computing Labs.

Memory Stick/Portable External Drive
You will need a minimum of 8G of memory.
This memory key will be used exclusively for this class.

Regular Access to Digital Camera
Camera needs to have the capacity to shoot short video clips.
Cell phones are fine, but may provide lower quality imaging.
Make sure that whatever camera you use (especially if you borrow a videocamera) that you have the software to access the image files and download them to your computer or memory key.

access to a microphone or sound recording instrument
While most computers have a built-in microphone , experience has proven that this is not sufficient for different types of recording situations.
cell phones can be used but will produce a bad, tinny quality.
radio shack sells a very cheap clip-on mic that works well (if you purchase any mic, make sure it is compatible with your computer.
ask me about the ear bud trick.

Pitt Policy on Academic Integrity