English Writing for the Media and the Web in the Age of AI

English Writing for the Media and the Web in the Age of AI

Course Description

The ability to communicate effectively through writing is an essential skill not exclusively for journalists or authors; it is a fundamental competency for individuals across all disciplines. This course is designed to equip students from all majors and career paths with the essential fundamental media writing skills needed in various contexts – from professional settings to social media platforms. It emphasizes the importance of crafting engaging and clear content for diverse audiences. This course will also train students to incorporate assistance from AI-powered tools into their writing process.

This course provides a hands-on approach to media writing across various platforms. Writing assignments will include writing for social media, personal expression, and critique. By applying effective communication principles into practice, students will be able to transform ideas and personal experiences into compelling and persuasive articles, specifically designed for media contexts. By the end of this course, students will enhance their ability to think critically and writing effectively, preparing them for the demands of versatile digital communication.

 

Course Objectives

Course Intended Learning Outcome (CILO)

The course adheres to the NTU educational goal for students to develop

CC 1: independent judgment and ability to innovate
CC 2: professional knowledge and skills
CC 3: communicative and team skills

By the end of this course, students should be able to

CILO 1: understand the nature and standard of academic writing. (CC 1 & 2)
CILO 2: learn the fundamental knowledge and skills necessary for English writing. (CC 1 & 2)
CILO 3: gain a vocabulary of elements with which to analyze and write well-structured texts (paragraphs, essays, manuals, or reports). (CC 1& 2)
CILO 4: communicate and collaborate with peers to improve and polish their work. (CC 1, 2 & 3)

 

Weekly Schedule

Week Course Content
Week 1 Course Introduction

Basics of Media Writing – Audience, Tone, and Diction
Week 2 The Writer and Editor’s Toolkit – AI Tools, Websites, and Guides
Week 3 Writing for Social Media
Week 4
Week 5 Persuasion, Storytelling, and Voice
Week 6 Writing for Marketing and the Attention Economy
Week 7 Ethical and Practical Considerations using AI Tools
Week 8 Writing to Express Yourself and Opinion
Week 9 Writing Consultation
Week 10 Writing to Express Yourself and Opinion
Week 11 Writing for Journalism and Reports
Week 12
Week 13 Writing Critiques and Reviews
Week 14
Week 15 Editing Workshop
Week 16 Final Presentation

 

Others

  • Students are expected to notify the professor/TA about planned absences. Students are limited to three unexcused absences. Absences and lateness will affect grade.
  • All ideas and writing in this course are expected to be the new work of the student, or cited as an outside source. Plagiarism or uncited/disallowed use of LLMs (like ChatGPT) can result in a failing grade on assignments.
  • LLMs will be allowed for editing and elaborating upon student ideas, but not for generating entire pieces of writing.
  • Class will regularly require group work, and any concerns about group work should be brought to the TA and professor.

1、Required Reading

  • Materials and handouts are prepared by the instructor every week.
  • Required readings will be publicly available modern English articles and essays.

2、Extended Readings

  • Birkenstein, C., & Graff, G. (2021). They say / I say (5th ed.). WW Norton.
  • Lunsford, A., & Ruszkiewicz, J. (2022). Everything’s an argument (9th ed.). Macmillan
  • Moder et al. (2020). University academic writing for international students: A usage-based approach. Oklahoma State University Libraries.

 

Grading Policy

Types of Assessment Weighting Descriptions of Assessment
HW Assignments 30% Five writing assignments, including both group and individual tasks, will be completed throughout the semester. Prompts will specify genre and general form, but students will be able to choose specific topics.
In-Class Tasks 30% Students will engage in a variety of short, practical exercises, including group and individual ones on a weekly basis. Most exercises will be completed in-class, with any remaining work to be completed as homework.
Peer Review & Writing Reflection 10% Students will be expected to meaningfully provide feedback to classmates and to reflect on their own writing in this course.
Final Portfolio and Presentation 10% Students will revise and upgrade one of the previous writing assignments, as well as present about their overall writing for the semester.
Attendance &Participation 20% Attendance and punctuality are required. Participation in both small group and whole class discussions is expected. However, alternative methods of contribution, such as email, survey forms, or other online platforms, will also be available.