Syllabus

IXG-5800-A Thesis 1: Thinking
Section 3: Strategic Writing
SVA MFA Interaction Design
Spring 2017

last edited March 25, 2017

Instructor

Nicole Fenton
nfenton1@sva.edu
nicolefenton.com

Office hours by appointment

Course description

Writing is part of every design project—from jotting down notes and questions to summarizing research, instructing users, and presenting work in proposals and marketing pages. In this course, we’ll examine the writing process, collaborate on long and short-form pieces, practice editing, and use language as a strategic tool in the design process.

This course focuses on clarity of ideas, structure, and style over grammar and mechanics.

Course objectives

Course requirements

We will practice thinking and writing—together and individually—through conversation, writing exercises, and peer editing. Be prepared to:

Required text

Several Short Sentences About Writing, Verlyn Klinkenborg

Grading and policies

Grading is pass/fail and will be based on your attendance and participation in class. Please be on time and be prepared to discuss the reading assignments. As this course is only five sessions, it’s important for you to be present and open to contributing to the conversation each week.

More than two unexcused absences constitute a failing grade. If you will be late or need to miss a class, reach out to me in advance so you can keep up with the assignments. No late work will be accepted.


Schedule

In-class activities and guest speakers are subject to change.

Week 1: Principles (March 28)

Activities

Assignment

Bring a blog post or essay you wrote in the past for discussion next week.

Readings for next week

Week 2: Voice and tone (April 4)

Activities

Readings for next week

Assignments

  1. Spend an hour thinking and writing about your goals.
    • What do you want to do (and not do)?
    • What are you good at?
    • What are your favorite parts of the process?
    • What do you need to do your best work?
    • What do you want to work on in this class to help you get there?
  2. Choose a final project in line with your goals:
    • Presentation or essay
    • Mission, process, or internship statement
    • Thesis outline or project brief
    • About page and professional bio

Week 3: Structure (April 11)

Activities

Readings for next week

Several Short Sentences About Writing, Verlyn Klinkenborg

Assignments

Week 4: Synthesis (April 18)

Activities

Readings for next week

Assignment

Wrap up your final project.

Week 5: Presentation (April 25)

Activities