Wikipedia:Wiki Ed/Boston University/Public Writing (Spring 2021)
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- Course name
- Public Writing
- Institution
- Boston University
- Instructor
- Gwen Kordonowy
- Wikipedia Expert
- Ian (Wiki Ed)
- Subject
- Writing
- Course dates
- 2021-01-25 00:00:00 UTC – 2021-05-03 23:59:59 UTC
- Approximate number of student editors
- 20
BU has a long tradition of connecting what goes on in our classrooms, labs, and libraries to some of the most pressing concerns in the wider world beyond. This class will prepare you to do just that. You will learn about the growing call for scholars to communicate with the public and, through course readings and regular short writing exercises, study and practice the genres that academic researchers and other serious thinkers use to shape public discourse. You will also have the opportunity to explore the immediate relevance of an academic research project you are passionate about and “translate” it to reach a public audience. You will read and write in several public genres (Wikipedia entry, multimedia presentation, commentary article), workshop drafts, incorporate digital elements, and pitch a story. We will consider: How are the scholarly and the public complementary? Why does your area of growing academic expertise matter to the public? How can you use different modes of communication to reach diverse audiences?
The Wikipedia article is a key component in students' exploration of a single research topic through several genres over the course of the semester. As they become experts in their topics, they'll be working to bring their expertise to the public in different ways: through the NPOV in Wikipedia and persuasively in the commentary piece.
Timeline
Week 3
- Course meetings
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- Thursday, 11 February 2021
- In class - Introduction to the Wikipedia assignment
Welcome to your Wikipedia assignment's course timeline. This page guides you through the steps you'll need to complete for your Wikipedia assignment, with links to training modules and your classmates' work spaces.
Your course has been assigned a Wikipedia Expert. You can reach them through the Get Help button at the top of this page.
Resources:
- Milestones
This week, everyone should have a Wikipedia account.
Week 4
- Course meetings
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- Thursday, 18 February 2021
- Assignment - Training module
- Assignment - Review the rules for health topics
- Assignment - Training module
- Assignment - Choose possible topics
Resource: Editing Wikipedia, page 6
Week 5
- Course meetings
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- Tuesday, 23 February 2021 | Thursday, 25 February 2021
- In class - Thursday Workshop
- Assignment - Add to an article
- Assignment - Exercise
- Assignment - Exercise
- In class - Discussion
Week 6
- Course meetings
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- Tuesday, 2 March 2021 | Thursday, 4 March 2021
- Assignment - Start drafting your contributions
Reach out to your Wikipedia Expert if you have questions using the Get Help button at the top of this page.
Resource: Editing Wikipedia, pages 7–9
- Guide(s) for writing articles in your topic area
- Milestones
Everyone has begun writing their article drafts.
Week 7
- Course meetings
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- Tuesday, 9 March 2021
- Assignment - Begin moving your work to Wikipedia
Now that you've improved your draft based on others' feedback, it's time to move your work live - to the "mainspace."
Resource: Editing Wikipedia, page 13
- Assignment - Polish your work
Continue to expand and improve your work, and format your article to match Wikipedia's tone and standards. Remember to contact your Wikipedia Expert at any time if you need further help!
- Assignment - Final article
It's the final week to develop your article.
- Read Editing Wikipedia page 15 to review a final check-list before completing your assignment.
- Don't forget that you can ask for help from your Wikipedia Expert at any time!