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Welcome to Com 105.01. Much of the course material we will be discussing throughout the semester is available here in Canvas. Most importantly at this stage, a sign-up sheet for our weekly conferences, and instructions on how to sign up is available here.

Com 105.01 (#1587)
Spring 2018
Precision Writing in Communications
WF 8:00 a.m. - 9:15 a.m.

(but note that one-on-one meetings are also required)
CC 135

My office hours are Monday and Wednesday 1:30 pm -2:30 and Friday 1:00-2:00. I am also available at other times by prior arrangement. If you wish to see me and cannot make office hours because of your schedule, please be in touch with me and we will find a time that suits you.

Course Description: Student will develop essential knowledge of, and practical experience applying, written English-language skills that underpin the media and communication discipline. The course will help students develop writing skills across a broad range of topics for a variety of platform and audiences.

To contact me about this course: Use the Canvas Inbox option. Please ensure you provide an entry in the subject line that gives me a sense of what your message is about.

To contact me with a question not about this course: Please email cfauske at salemstate.edu. Mail not sent from your SSU account will end up in my junk folder, and I am unlikely to see it. Mail sent without a subject line is deleted automatically before I can see it. 

Estimate of time required each week to meet the minimum expectations of the course

Class participation:                                                2½ hours

Weekly conference:                                               15 minutes

Out of class writing / reading:                                6 hours

Required texts

AP Stylebook Online Links to an external site.. Subscriptions are $26 for one year.  You are expected to have activated your account and to have bookmarked the link to the login page prior to the start of the second class.

Capon, R. J. “The Associated Press Guide to Punctuation” New York: Basic, 2003 [ISBN: 978-0-738-20785-8].

Additionally, please bookmark Jack Lynch’s Guide to Grammar and Style Links to an external site. and Sir Ernest Gower’s Complete Plain Words Links to an external site. (or download the text Links to an external site.)

You can find all the assignments by clicking on the "syllabus" link to your left.

A note on technology in the classroom:  You should have a fully charged laptop with you for each class. If you prefer a tablet, that is acceptable. Smart phones are never acceptable in the classroom and must be turned off and be out of reach in a bag throughout class. 

Attendance: Class starts at 8:00 a.m. If you are late and the door is closed, we are at work and are not to be disturbed.

Academic integrity

Cheating, plagiarism, and other instances of academic dishonesty will be treated as serious offenses against the university community and will be dealt with in accordance with the university’s policies and procedures concerning academic integrity. For full disclosure of the university’s academic integrity policies see the academic integrity section of the university’s current undergraduate catalog.

University policy regarding students with disabilities

Salem State University is committed to providing equal access to the educational experience for all students in compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act and to providing all reasonable academic accommodations, aids, and adjustments. Any student who has a documented disability requiring an accommodation, aid or adjustment should speak with the instructor immediately. Students with disabilities who have not previously done so should provide documentation to and schedule an appointment with Disability Services and obtain appropriate services.

University policy regarding Title IX and sexual assault

The university recognizes that sexual misconduct and power based violence (sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, stalking) is a very traumatic crime and as such it will endeavor to work with students who are victims to reduce fears and concerns regarding their personal safety. Any individual who believes he/she may have experienced sexual harassment or any type of sexual aggression may receive important information and assistance regarding the university’s policies and responsive processes. In addition, upon request, the student conduct office will make resources available regarding who can discuss the process and what it means. For further details, refer to the university’s online Title IX page.

University policy regarding the declaration of an emergency

In the event of a university-declared critical emergency, Salem State University reserves the right to alter this course plan. Students should refer to salemstate.edu for further information and updates during a declared emergency. In the event of an emergency, please refer to the alternative educational plans for this course that will be distributed by email to your university email address.

I look forward to hearing and reading your thoughts, questions and observations throughout the semester. 

Chris