Jump to content

Wikipedia:Wiki Ed/Boston University/Public Writing (Spring 2021)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
This Course Wikipedia Resources Connect
Questions? Ask us:

contact@wikiedu.org

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.

Student Assigned Reviewing
Nahpyma Great Pacific garbage patch
Yashicak Marriage in Hinduism
Ylichen Taiping Rebellion
Myzers00 Walt Disney's World War II propaganda production
Ckoehl Community solar farm
Meganlahn Climate change in China
Ashleybullen Lou Gehrig, Acyl-CoA, 2019-2020 United States flu season
Nmakino1 Junior tennis
Lepperal Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority
Emerychung Roman numeral analysis, Galant Schemata, Symphony No. 10 (Mahler)
Baeksusan Korean Americans, Parasite (2019 film), A Taxi Driver, Koreans in New York City, Economy of South Korea
Nikolasm1999 Paramedics in the United States
EvanFG Sex and gender distinction, Zuko, Kacen Callender, Coraline (film), Comprehensive sex education
DaveGod77 Cargo spacecraft
Otom11
KkimBU June Struggle, Developmentally appropriate practice, Pohang
Asouzawiki Cognitive anthropology
Micase Juiced ball theory, Case closed, Anacostia River, Urban runoff
Livingstonshare Dogecoin, Wealth inequality in the United States, Marie Kondo, Women's lacrosse, Culture of Germany, Stereotypes of Germans
Avinguyen36 Kyoto (Phoebe Bridgers song), Statue of Leif Erikson (Boston), Boston Latin School

Timeline

Week 3

Course meetings
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
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
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
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


Milestones

Everyone has begun writing their article drafts.

Week 7

Course meetings
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!