CIS 300 Living in the Information Age – Writing Emphasis Guidelines
University of Wisconsin Stevens Point – Fall Semester 2001
This course more closely resembles a humanities course than it does a computing course. For
the most part, you will utilize modes of writing you are already familiar with from English
composition and other writing-intensive courses. You will be asked to compose (short)
summaries of articles, longer summaries of books, and “reaction” papers. The lone exception is
the “hypertext” term paper where you will summarize the (non-hypertext) writings you have
completed during the semester in a linked document published on the web. Before completing
the hypertext paper you will research guidelines for writing hypertext and displaying (academic)
information on the web.
The following standards for basic, proficient, and advanced levels of writing shall be utilized:
1. An “average” paper should meet the following standards:
A. conform to the requirements of the assignment, including both formatting and
content
B. demonstrate the concept of purpose in writing
C. be logically organized
D. meet professional standards of formality and tone
E. is essentially free of errors in spelling, grammar, and punctuation
F. is adequately detailed and developed
2. A “better than average” paper should conform to the standards of the “average” paper
and also:
A. demonstrate an understanding of the importance of appropriate choices in
language
B. show concern for the needs of the read in a professional setting
C. use elements of formatting and graphics to enhance the effectiveness of
communication
3. A “superior” paper not only meets the standards above but also
A. illustrates clear mastery of writing skills
B. shows originality in use of formatting and graphics where appropriate
C. demonstrates an understanding of appropriate levels of detail and the virtues
of conciseness
4. A “below average” paper is deficient in one or more of the factors required for an
“average” paper
5. A paper will be assessed as “failing” for any of the following reasons:
A. Failure to adhere to the purpose of the assignment
B. Deficiencies in two or more of the requirements for an “average” paper
All papers will be evaluated on a “point” basis, rather than a “letter” basis. Points will be
deducted (progressively) for late submission.
CIS 300 Syllabus – UWSP
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Here are two examples of writing. The first is better than average and the second below average.
Writing Example: better than average
Compassionate Computing: Possibilities and Limitations
“Unexpected Error: Outlook could not send correspondence due to its frank and
inhumane nature.” Could this be an error message of the not-too-distant future, popping-up on
computer monitors across the globe? Conceivably, the Information Marketplace proposed by
Dertouzos could foster an era of renewed humanity and understanding between peoples. The
questions Dertouzos poses in paragraph 9 on page 23 ask us to analyze what will happen to
human relationships in a world of increased information technology use and possible misuse.
In answering his inquiries about the future, I believe it is necessary to look at the present
uses and misuses of information technologies concerning human relationships. I can confidently
assert that tools such as email, chat rooms, and discussion panels have increased the quantity of
human interaction, but not necessarily the quality of human interaction. As the physical distance
between individuals increases, inhibitions between those same individuals lessen. Would people
involve themselves in the same risqué dialogue face-to-face that they may take part in over the
Internet? I don’t believe so. Speaking uninhibited to advance a just cause or to confront an
injustice is a privilege I hold dear, but most uninhibited speech traversing communications lines
at present lacks a similar worthy intent. The proverbial, “there exists a fine line between love
and hate”, can likewise be aptly applied to the current situation. Whether one believes love or
hate can develop remotely, common misunderstandings occur due to a lack of face-to-face
contact.
CIS 300 Syllabus – UWSP
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The possibilities of a global culture appear promising to me. I believe once people
identify themselves as a member of a much broader culture or race, the human culture or race,
much can be done to counterbalance the nativist movements and subsequent wars around the
globe. Critics of a global culture fail to recognize its inherent strengths. Allowances for subcultures within a global culture are both recognized and encouraged, as are variations in ideas
and solutions to problems. Perhaps the greatest barrier to fostering a global culture through
information technology is the lack of information technology use in some regions of the globe.
Perhaps the next question raised would be, “Can a global culture exist without the intrusion of
information technology in every corner of the world?” I believe the answer is, “why not?” Just
because certain peoples chose not to value the technology used by industrialized nations does not
indicate a lack of respect for those very same nations.
Answering Dertouzos’s questions with a bit of hindsight would be helpful, but
unfortunately I don’t have that at my disposal. I personally lack the breadth of experience and
hindsight Dertouzos possesses. I believe predatory, criminal, and inhumane acts will continue
independent of the means used, unless a great deal is done to educate, involve, and accept every
citizen as a valuable member of the current culture or the ensuing global culture advocated by
Dertouzos.
CIS 300 Syllabus – UWSP
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Writing Example: below average
There have been leaps and bounds made in the discovery of new technology over the
years. With this new technology we are able to discover, inform, and gain new, more precise
knowledge faster than ever. The more knowledge we gain and the more educated we become,
the more likely we are to make the right decisions when doing things such as treating patients for
illnesses.
With new discoveries such as vaccines many people are able to live much longer lives.
Granted doctors and nurses must perform their jobs to the best of their ability. As the demand
for better health care increases, so will the demand for better-educated physicians. As the
demand for more knowledgeable physicians continues so will the demand for faster access to
that knowledge. As a result of this faster access to knowledge the quality of health care will
improve and our way of life should improve along with it. Of course nothing is free. Along with
this gain of knowledge and improved health care will come an increase in cost. As medical costs
raise it becomes harder for the poor to afford the treatment they need. Where, as the rich, being
able to afford proper care, would have little to no problem with this increase in expense; leaving
the poor to suffer because they can’t afford to pay for the increased cost.
Overall, greater access to knowledge can help and hurt us as a human race. With greater
access we receive a faster, higher quality health care. On the down side the less fortunate that
cannot afford the proper treatment will suffer the consequences of either not receiving the
treatment or digging themselves a deeper hole.
CIS 300 Syllabus – UWSP
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