Assignment One [aka Module]

Texts and Technology in History
ENC 6801-W61
Dr. Saper, Professor


Module 1: Visual Translation
Included in this module: Goals; Assignment; Due Dates; Links to Web-site; Assessments; and Grading Rubric. Read this entire module before starting the assignment or asking any questions about the assignment.
Goals:
Students learn how to translate and express ideas and diachronic analysis about the history of texts and technology in visual forms.
These goals correspond to the overall goals of the course: to learn about the history of texts and technology in history using digital modes of communication.
Assignment:
Students will learn about the major historical modes of communication and cultural memory:
1. Read Walter Ong’s Orality and Literacy.
2. Take notes [self-consciously thinking about note taking in terms of the modes of communication and memory that Ong outlines].
3. Do some contextual research on Ong’s argument. Find dates, names, place names, and other historical information to fill-in Ong’s argument.
4. Do some speculative research on Ong’s argument. Make a list of technologies and historical events that occurred since Ong published his book that might reinforce his argument.
5. Look at your notes, find patterns, and add your own research.
6. Build a chart that summarizes Ong’s argument.
7. Build a time-line that summarizes Ong’s diachronic analysis. Use your own research too.
Due Dates:
Post your site by Thursday, September 4, 2008. This will give you an opportunity to ask questions about the assignment and make revisions. No late projects accepted, no exceptions.

Where: Post the finished assignment to the blog, but post a draft to a discussion on the course site. Since everyone gets credit for helping (and you can help more than one of your peers each assignment) you will find someone to give you suggestions for improvement. If you cannot offer any suggestions, then you might want to consider an alternative to academia.
.
Assessments:
Content: Do the materials include the following:
A. full name of author and helper(s)
C. at least three definitions, arguments, and stories learned from the Ong book (please do not plagiarize).
D. add five pieces of information from your own research that fit with Ong’s argument.
Form: Did the student include the following technical aspects?
A. visual representations of diachronic change and synchronic analysis (time-line and chart)
B. ideas expressed with print-based text, images, and design
Grader will study the materials (including the design).
1. Does this material present a clear representation of the student's thinking about both Ong’s argument and sense of history?
2. Did the student have interesting insights about Ong?
3. Were the insights illuminated in the designs?
4. Are the materials interesting, unique, expressive, and informative?

Grading Rubric:
Passing Grade (in the D range): fulfilled number one in the assessment.
Adequate Grade (in the C range): fulfilled one and two in the assessment.
Good Grade (in the B range): fulfilled numbers one through three in the assessment.
Excellent Grade (in the A range): fulfilled all of the four criteria in the assessment.