Study Guide

Learning outcomes

Proficiency level: B2

The student is able to
-apply writing strategies to become a more effective writer for digital media
-gather, analyze, and organize information to produce audience-oriented digital writing
-demonstrate proper use of English for digital writing
-participate in civil online discourse.

Implementation and methods of teaching

The course is offered online on the Moodle platform, with added use of other digital platforms and tools (e.g., Google Sites) where needed. The course involves independent study, as well as peer and instructor feedback.

Timing and attendance

You can do coursework independently and mostly proceed at your own pace as long as you meet the course deadlines.

Learning material and recommended literature

All required readings and other course materials are available on or via the course page.

Short lecture videos that introduce course topics. A selection of readings and other materials about writing for the Web and writing for social media. Most required course readings are available on the Nielsen & Norman Group’s website: https://www.nngroup.com/topic/writing-web/

Alternative completion methods

No alternative completion methods.

Exam retakes

No retakes except for the course exam. (Note that the retake exam will be graded 3, 2, 1, or fail.)

Learning environment

The course is offered online on the Moodle platform. All required readings and materials are available on or via Moodle. To work on the required course capstone project, students use Google Sites, YouTube, and other digital platforms and tools (e.g., artificial intelligence tools). The student must be ready to set up a Google account to use Google Sites and YouTube.

Student time use and work load

The estimated course workload is 100-110 hours. This includes reading and studying the required course readings and other materials and doing coursework.

Contents

The course is focused on writing for the Web and social media. Course topics include the following: 1) Studying key terminology/vocabulary related to digital culture and digital media in English; 2) Learning about digital culture and collaborative and participatory content creation on digital/online platforms. 3) Writing for the Web and social media in English (e.g., writing to support skimming and scanning; frontloading information; writing semi-formal, reader-friendly English, and plain English). 4) Creating target audience personas and writing for different audiences in different tones (e.g., tone of voice in writing for the Web). 5) Using digital tools to proofread and edit writing. 6) Generating content with generative AI tools (artificial intelligence). 7) Writing in expository, descriptive, narrative, and persuasive styles for the Web and social media. 8) Participating in, moderating, and promoting constructive online discussions.

A capstone project: Students set up a website with Google Sites and use the website as a publishing platform. Students produce written and audiovisual content in English and publish the content on their websites. Students use social media (e.g., X, LinkedIn, Yammer, etc.) or a Moodle discussion board to promote their websites. Students must be ready to set up a Google account to use Google Sites and YouTube. Students may also be instructed to use generative AI tools to generate content.

All required readings and materials are available on or via the course Moodle page. Students can study and do coursework independently and at their own pace as long as they meet the deadlines.

Additional information for students: previous knowledge etc.

Students are expected to have a good command of English. The course is taught at the B2/C1 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Prerequisite 1: A good command of English. Preferably at least one university-level English language course at the B2 CEFR level.
Prerequisite 2: A good to very good command of digital tools.

Note: This is a writing and communication/media studies course that is focused on analyzing, writing, creating, and sharing digital and online content in English. The course does not focus on Web technologies, programming, digital marketing, or search engine optimization.

Assessment criteria

Course assignments graded 0-5 or pass/fail. All assignments must have been completed to pass the course.

Assessment scale

1-5

Failed (0)

The student failed to meet and complete the set course requirements.

Assessment criteria: level 1 (assessment scale 1–5)

The student has a basic understanding of digital culture and communication in English. The student can write for the Web (e.g., for skimming and scanning) and for social media (e.g., semi-formal, conversational writing) in English. The student can, to some extent, write in expository, descriptive, narrative, and persuasive style in English. The student can produce layouts that aim to take readers into account. The student can participate in and, to some extent, moderate online discussions.

Assessment criteria: level 3 (assessment scale 1–5)

The student has a good understanding of digital culture and communication in English. The student can write well for the Web (e.g., skimming and scanning) and for social media (e.g., semi-formal, conversational writing) in English. The student can write well in expository, descriptive, narrative, and persuasive style in English. The student can produce reader-friendly layouts. The student is good at participating in and moderating online discussions.

Assessment criteria: level 5 (assessment scale 1–5)

The student has a very good understanding of digital culture and communication in English. The student can write exceptionally well and fluently for the Web (e.g., skimming and scanning) and for social media (e.g., semi-formal, conversational writing) in English. The student can write exceptionally well in expository, descriptive, narrative, and persuasive style in English. The student can produce visually appealing, reader-friendly layouts. The student is exceptionally good at participating in and moderating online discussions.