Introductory Memo

Timeline

1/10 Discuss assignment

1/12 Assignment due

Objectives:

· To become familiar with the memo mode of communication

· To begin to formulate your goals

· To lay the foundation for your personal statement assignment

· To begin to formulate the idea of journaling as a mode of inquiry

· To let your instructor know a bit about you

Guidelines

· If you use Microsoft word, consider using their template for a memo

· Review section in WSC about memos

· Reflect on why you want to be in the healthcare biz and how you see yourself situated in it

· Length: approx 1 page

Mini Presentation

Timeline:

1/12 signups for topics/equipment

1/17-2/14 presentations

Objectives:

For the mini presentation, you will have an opportunity to present your first oral report to the class. You are to brief us on a current event in healthcare. This can be a movie or television show with health related issues; a web site you found interesting (good or bad); a recent article in a popular magazine, the newspaper, or a scientific journal; a visit to your health care provider since you began this class; or propose something different to me. You must stay within the 5-minute time limit and use at least one visual aid.

Grading criteria (2 points per item):

· Time use: I will time your presentation. It should run no longer than five minutes, no fewer than three.

· Audience analysis: How well is your presentation directed to your stated audience? How well does the audience of the class understand the topic? You should use definitions, analogies, and use concrete language to make your topic clear.

· Introduction: As in the written introduction to any document, you must explain: the background to the problem, your purpose in the report, your intended audience, and the plan or organization you will follow in the presentation.

· Conclusion: Conclude your talk by reminding your audience of the significance of your topic, what you learned, what the audience can learn, etc. Summarize.

Please remember: Practice many times beforehand to get comfortable with your material as well as to minimize jitters. You should read the material aloud, into a tape recorder, in front of someone, or in some way to hear yourself in advance of the presentation.

See me for help with choosing topics and/or preparing for the presentation.

Audience Identity and Needs

Primary reader(s): (name, title)

Secondary reader(s):

Relationship: (client, employer, other)

Intended use of document: (perform a task, solve a problem, other)

Prior knowledge about this topic: (knows nothing, a few details, other)

Probable Questions:

Audience’s Probable Attitude and Personality

Attitude toward topic (indifferent, skeptical, other)

Probable objections: (cost, time, none, other)

Probable attitude toward writer: (intimidated, hostile, receptive, other)

Persons most affected by this document:

Temperament: (cautious, impatient, other)

Probable reaction to document: (resistance, approval, anger, guilt, other)

Risk of alienating anyone:

Audience Expectations About the Document

Reason document originated: (audience request, my idea, other)

Acceptable length: (comprehensive, concise, other)

Material important to this audience: (interpretations, costs, conclusions, other)

Most useful arrangement (problem-causes-solutions, other)

Tone: (businesslike, humorous, apologetic, enthusiastic, other)

Intended effect on this audience: (win support, change behavior, other
Reflective Journals

Timeline

1/19 Journal 1: Welcome to Cancerland

1/31 Journal 2: Drugs & Under the Influence

2/7 Journal 3: Wit & Dying Words

2/14 Journal 4: Thomas Essays, & Health as Wholeness; Wholeness as Balance

2/21 Journal 5: Healthcare cost crisis & Why doctors are quitting

Objectives:

· To become familiar with a few issues in the healthcare field (public perception of disease; substance abuse; doctor-patient relationship/communication; MD’s writing for a general audience; the body’s ability to heal itself/use of herbs; financial aspects of healthcare; power in healthcare) through the readings

· To use journaling as a mode of inquiry—to help you formulate your thoughts and values regarding certain issues

· To understand some of the mechanics of journaling

· Understand some of the writing process of authors

Guidelines

General:

· Read and annotate the readings.

· Note words or concepts you do not know.

· As always, include your name, my name, the name and time of this course, which journal it is, and the name of author and article/essay in the heading.

· Write (word process) a 1-2 page response to prompts.

· You will not be able to address all of the points in some of the journal assignments; these are to get you started.

· Sometimes it is helpful to summarize the piece (briefly—3-4 sentences max).

Journal 1:

· What is the thesis?

· Who is the audience and how do you know?

· What do we know about the author?

· Does she cite information? Does she incorporate previous knowledge into this piece? How?

· Is the article opinion or fact-based or both? Give examples of each.

· What differentiates this article from Monoclonal antibody…?

· How did the information in the article affect you? Why?

Journal 2:

· Written in 1970, Vidal admits to having tried “almost every drug.” What might the impact of such an admission by a public figure have been at that time? Would the impact be the same today? What sort of audience might Vidal’s piece be directed to? Does his admission seem casual or calculated? Does it strengthen or weaken his argument? Why?

· In paragraph 5, Vidal constructs a hypothetical scenario of what would happen if drugs were not illegal. Does he endorse or mock this scenario? Whose opinion does he seem to be representing? What sorts of words does he use to describe a drug-addicted world? Does his use of humor enhance or undermine his argument?

· Vidal asserts that the U.S. government profits from drug sales and prosecution, and links the government to organized crime. Although these assertions have been made at times, the connections remains rather unexpected, or counterintuitive. How does Vidal present these counterintuitive statements? Are they backed up by evidence? Would a more fact-based approach strengthen or weaken Vidal’s argument? Why?

· How did you react to the essay n alcoholism?

· Do you agree with Vidal’s assertion?

· Does reading the essay on alcoholism influence how you answered the above question?

· Other prompts to follow….

Journal 3:

· Would you make the choice to have the “full dose” chemotherapy I the name of scientific study?

· Could Kalekian have been a more feeling person? If so, what might he, as a physician in charge, have done differently?

· How do you feel about the way Kalekian’s resident (Jason) behaved toward his former professor?

· What does his behavior say about him as a human being?

· What type of person might make a good researcher?

· What type of person would make a good clinician?

· What kind of patient do you think Dr. Bearing was?

· Who provided the “human touch” at the hospital?

· If you had been involved in this case, how would you have behaved?

· Why do you think medical professionals are often cold?

· What is palliative care?

· What do you think of the way Dr. Groopman speaks to his pt on p. 63 of the article?

· Would you as a pt want to be given a best/worst case scenario?

· Look at Groopman’s words: “Statistics don’t say anything…” p. 63). What do you think his delivery says about how doctors should communicate with patients?

· What do you think of MDs not informing their patients of their diagnoses?

· Would you prefer to be treated in a paternalistic fashion or a factual one?

· Do you think you could work in a medical field where people died regularly?

· How do we need to change the end-of-life protocol for terminal patients?

· Have you ever had someone close to you die? Were medical professionals there? How did they behave?

Journal 4:

· How did you react to Lewis Thomas’s style of writing, knowing his medical background?

· Which article intrigued you the most and why?

· Weil uses an extended chain of metaphors to explain his concept of balance. How are traditional astrological figures and beliefs linked to his meaning? How are astrology, gardening, science, and athletic balance connected? By what logic is each image linked to the next? Can you detect any relation between Weil’s praise of “balance” and the way he structures his essay?

· Do you find Weil’s notion of health convincing? Compelling? Why or why not? Which parts are more, or less, convincing or compelling? Why? How might a conventionally scientific medical practitioner debate Weil’s points?

· What does Weil mean by his notions of equilibrium within change and dynamism within a stationary body? What images does he use to convey his sense of balance as “magical,” “beautiful,” and “holy?”

Journal 5:

· Prompts to follow

Abstract Assignment

Timeline:

1/19: Discuss assignment in class

1/24 Abstract due

Objectives:

· To practice summary in scientific format

· To understand the purpose of an abstract

· To be a critical reader of scientific literature

Guidelines:

· Read Use of Local Anesthesia and Eating Dysfunction in this reader

· Choose one to abstract

· Review material on writing abstracts (WSC 78-80)

· Write an abstract of no more than 150 words that reflects the contents of the sections of the article.

Brochure/Pamphlet

Timeline:

1/19 Discuss assignment

2/23

Objectives:

· To write, and then present visually, an expanded definition of a medical condition, medication, injury, or a concern. Your subject should be something that you understand and can easily define.

· To practice presenting a concept that YOU know to an audience who may or may not understand the concept.

Guidelines for process:

· Brainstorm your concept—this is the crucial step

· Research the information that will explain the material to your audience and create a brochure that uses appropriate terminology for the reader.

· Lay this out in a format that will be accessible to the reader. Many students create a tri-fold brochure. Include a copyright (©) with your names and other sources for the reader to contact for more information

· Some topics that have been presented in the past include:

· What to do with injured wildlife

· Facts about spinal meningitis

· Quick facts about breast cancer

· Dealing with the common cold

· Common running injuries and proper care for them

· HRT: Facts every woman should consider

· Gingivitis and periodontal disease

· Smoking and oral cancer

· Alcoholism

You may use information from research you have done on your long project for this assignment if you like.

Memo Proposing Your “Long Project”

(Article on Issue or Disease)

Timeline:

1/10 Begin developing project concept

1/24 Discuss in class, go to library for sources

1/31 Memo due in class

2/7-? Continue to revise until it is approved

2/21 Rough draft of long projects due in class;

2/23 Letter to peer is due, Workshop on project

IMPORTANT: Topics must be approved before you can begin work on your project.

Objectives:

You are to write a memo which will propose and explain your topic for the course “long project” Remember: you must choose one of these as your long project for the “professional fine” portion of your portfolio. The purpose of the memo is to show the readers (instructor and group members) that you have enough information about your topic and proposed audience to create a successful project.

Some examples of include professional plagiarism, inability to pay, a practitioner with AIDS, alternatives to conventional medicine, etc.

Some examples of web pages include a health care facility’s website, periodontal disease, staying healthy during pregnancy,

Guidelines:

· This initial part of the project will be written as a memo. When writing the memo, check WSC to help answer the questions about your report.

· Your subject line should name your proposed topic, since that is the subject of your memo. Remember, the readers of this memo want detailed information about your topic, audience, and the amount of time this project will take to complete.

· First paragraph: “Project Topic”: describe the topic, your interest in it, and the purpose for such a report. Describe the audience you intend to use your document What publication?. Why would this audience be interested in your work? (Convince us.)

· Second paragraph: “Criteria”: list and describe the criteria you will use to evaluate the solutions to the problem described in your report, or the usefulness of your web page. Criteria (this is the Latin plural; criterion is the singular) are standards that you will use to help your reader determine the best solution to the problem or the best use of the internet to offer your information resource. Check Text if necessary to understand appropriate argumentation in an article. You will also need to find other resources on your own—see the UCSB library folks for references and other assistance.

· Third paragraph: “Time and Task Breakdown”: list the tasks to be performed and the time needed for each one. This “Time and Task” breakdown will detail how long each phase of your research, development, and creation should take.

· Fourth paragraph: “Resources Available”: let your group and me know what you already know as well as what resources you will use for your project. Include your own qualifications that you feel enable you to successfully complete the project. Finally, remember that this memo is to propose and explain your topic.

The long project should also use design features such as white space, bold lettering, headings, subheadings, and other visual cues to show the reader where the information that reader might need is located.

Personal Statement

Timeline:

1/26 Discuss assignment in class

2/14 Distribution for Workshop—bring in drafts for your classmates and me

2/16 Workshop Personal statement

Final Polished version due in professional portfolio

Objectives:

To learn to prepare yourself for the professional program, compose well-designed personal statements, and tailor such documents for specific opportunities

Guidelines (Using the AMCAS worksheet)

Consider and write your personal comments carefully; many admissions committees place significant weight on this section. Some questions you might want to consider are:

Why have you selected the field of medicine?

What motivates you to learn more about medicine?

What do you want medical schools to know about you that you haven’t already disclosed in another part of the application?

In addition, you may wish to include information such as:

Special hardships, challenges, or obstacles that may have influenced your educational pursuits.

Commentary on significant fluctuations in your academic record that are not explained elsewhere in your application.

5300 characters

Note: Alternative assignments are available if you are not interested in medical school. Find the school/program in which you are interested and prepare a document for admission to that program. Another alternative is to write a resume/cv and cover letter. See me if you need further information on alternative assignments

Article/Long Project

Timeline:

1/10 Begin developing project concept

1/24 Discuss in class, go to library for sources

1/31 Memo due in class

2/7-? Continue to revise until it is approved

2/21 Rough draft of long projects due in class;

2/23 Letter to peer is due, Workshop project

2/23-3/16 Revise article and prepare for oral presentation

2/28-3/16 Use topic of article as the oral presentation

Final Final version is due in professional portfolio

Objectives
This assignment has three goals: 1) providing you the chance to practice researching and analyzing data related to your major area of study in health care; 2) offering you invaluable experience in arranging information in a logical format; 3)experience in publication

Guidelines:

· Select a topic: Choose a topic and decide on your audience and purpose. You must select a real topic and real publication. Topics will not be approved without specification of purpose or reader. Include the publication’s guidelines with the final piece

· Write the memo proposing this project to me: By 1/31, write me a short memo that details your audience and purpose for assignment.

· Obtain my approval of your project and start drafting, or resubmit the memo for revisions to your topic, purpose, and/or audience.

· Drafting the report: After receiving my approval, begin your research. Keep notes on everything you read to attribute sources accurately. Conduct research. Interview experts. Prepare draft. Revise, revise, revise.

· Your final piece should be 10-12 double-spaced pages to include:

· Heading with appropriate class information AND word count (this is single-spaced)

· 10 current (within 5 years) and reliable sources

· Citations appropriate to the discipline (usually CSE )

· You may use photos and charts if applicable. Label figures and cite their sources.

· Separate works cited page

· 12 pt font, TNR, do not justify margins

· double space; indent paragraphs

Final Presentation

Timeline:

2/21 Signups for topic/equipment

2/23-3/16 Presentations given in class

Objectives:

Your final class presentation will give you the opportunity to bring together all your newly acquired knowledge about audience analysis in communication within the health care field. That means, regardless of the topic, you should demonstrate excellence in presenting technical information. Use the topic of your article for your final presentation.

Guidelines/Grading Criteria (3 points per item):

· Time use: I will time your presentation. It should run no longer than ten minutes. Five minute Q & A will occur after the presentation.

· Visual Aid: You must use at least two visual aids, which must be visible from the back of the room. You should handle them with ease and show that you are familiar with the medium. Visuals should follow the guidelines in your text for design and readability.

· Audience analysis: How well is your presentation directed to your stated audience? How well does the secondary audience of the class understand the topic? During your presentation, you will want to include definitions, analogies, and use concrete language to make your topic clear.

· Introduction: As in the written introduction to the proposal or in an essay, your introduction should explain the rhetorical situation. That means: describe the background to the problem or subject, why are you reporting on it, your purpose in the report, your intended audience, and the plan or organization you will follow in the presentation.

· Conclusion: Conclude your talk by reminding your audience of the significance of your topic, what you learned, what the audience can learn.

Please remember: Practice many times beforehand to get comfortable with your material as well as to minimize jitters. You should read the material aloud, into a tape recorder, in front of someone, or in some way to hear yourself in advance of the presentation. See me if I can help choose a topic.

Sign up for presentation times and dates on; list any special equipment you may need (a computer should be available with PowerPoint capabilities (PC with cd), a vcr/dvd, and an overhead). Also, bear in mind that any “downtime” for equipment is counted as part of your allotted time).

Portfolio Instructions

Timeline:

2/23 In-class discussion of preparation

Final Portfolio due

Objectives:

According to the course syllabus, the portfolio should demonstrate both your progress in the course and your competence as a communicator. Overall, the portfolio grade will be based on the quality of work submitted, including technical relevance, audience-appropriateness, stylistic/grammatical correctness, and user-friendly visual design. The syllabus also states that your final portfolio will be valued at 50 (out of 100) points. To get the maximum points, you must find ways to make a persuasive case: describe and illustrate your progress; show that you can compile a neat and easy-to-evaluate file; offer evidence that you can carefully evaluate your own work.

Guidelines:

Process File

1. Organize your materials in a neat and user-friendly manner. Divide what you include into sensible subfiles. Compile these into a secure folder (no binders please). Be sure to include a title page that identifies you as the writer.

2. Include a progress report to the instructor that describes what you see as evidence of learning or growth. Mention what you see as key project or events or insights. Make a case that you should receive full credit for the process file. Also carefully describe what contributions you feel that you made to the project or your groups. (This is especially important if you have excessive absences or late work, even though there are no guarantees as to instructor response).

Professional File

1. Organize your materials in a highly professional “presentation” format. Compile three polished revisions (no drafts in here please) into a small folder (no binders please). As a sort of title page for each assignment, include the enclosed checklist for that assignment—and check off all the features that you have successfully accomplished. Be sure to identify yourself as the writer.

2. Avoid confusing your reader; let me know which report is which. Label each report and include title pages and tables of content where necessary; include letters (or memos) to the specific reader if needed. Don’t forget to sign your letters!

3. Include a self-evaluative memo that explains the “technical relevance, audience-appropriateness, stylistic/grammatical correctness, and user-friendly visual design” of these particular documents.

4. Keep in mind the smaller details of good presentation:

· Type/print on quality bond paper—no dot matrix

· Be sure font/size of print is appropriate size and easy to read.

· Edit scrupulously—recall my advice of reading your drafts backward to find sneaky errors.

· Remember to call upon the staff at the CLAS. They are especially good with helping you work through snarls about content, not just proofreading.

Preliminary Grade Sheet

As is stated in the syllabus, grades will be based on the instructor’s evaluation of a two-part final portfolio and on timely completion of all assigned work, including class participation and workshops. If you need explanation of factors that affected your course grade, or you suspect some error in instructor calculations, please see below and the course policies section of the syllabus, or contact me by email: hemmerling@writing.ucsb.edu. The grade scale will be: 94-100 (A), 93-90 (A-), 87-89(B+), 84-86 (B), 80-83 (B-), 77-79 (C+), 74-76 (C), 70-73 (C-), etc.

Class participation, Workshops, Oral Presentations

“In-class” work of various kinds counts towards 30 points of your final grade. Any unexcused late work did not receive credit and this lack of credit ultimately affected your final grade. If you were absent for any workshop and did not make arrangements to support your group members, you received less or no credit for this missed class participation. Class participation grades are based on attendance records and other evidence (e.g. in-class work turned in, as this is recorded by instructor and by any materials in your process file).

Workshops (2) and other class participation 10 possible ______

Comments:

Oral Presentations (2—see oral grade sheets for comments)

Mini 8 possible ______

Final 12 possible ______

Portfolio of Work (“Process File” and “Professional File”)

The course portfolio is based on the progress you demonstrate with the “process file” and on the quality of work you submit as your best efforts in the “professional file.” Evaluation criteria will include technical relevance, audience-appropriateness, stylistic/grammatical correctness, and user-friendly design.

Final Portfolio (process file and professional file) 70 possible

Your Process File (30 points) should have included

Comments:

Brochure/pamphlet draft _____

Introductory memo _____

Reflective response to readings 5 _____

abstract of article _____

draft proposal with letter of transmittal _____

memo outlining long project _____

draft personal statement _____

materials related to oral presentations _____

article draft 30 possible _____

Your Professional File (40 points) should have included

Self-evaluative memo _____

personal statement _____

Long Project _____

40 possible _____

TOTAL _____

MINI PRESENTATION GRADE SHEET NAME______________________

TIME USE (NO SHORTER THAN 3 MIN; NO LONGER THAN 5) 2 PTS POSS _______

AUDIENCE ANALYSIS 2 PTS POSS _______

INTRODUCTION 2 PTS POSS _______

CONCLUSION 2 PTS POSS _______

TOTAL _______

109HP

FINAL PRESENTATION GRADE SHEET NAME______________________

TIME USE (NO SHORTER THAN 7 MIN; NO LONGER THAN 10) 3 PTS POSS _______

VISUAL AID (AT LEAST 1) 3 PTS POSS _______

AUDIENCE ANALYSIS 3 PTS POSS _______

INTRODUCTION 3 PTS POSS _______

CONCLUSION 3 PTS POSS _______