Matt Jackson’s guidelines for written assignments

All written work must be TYPED in a 10 or 12-point font with one-inch margins and stapled. I encourage you to print on both sides of the page to conserve paper (but this is not required).

All written assignments are due AT THE BEGINNING of class. Assignments turned in AFTER class has started will receive half credit IF they are turned in within 24 hours. Assignments more than 24 hours late will NOT be accepted. E-mail submissions will NOT be accepted without prior approval. There will be NO exceptions, so plan ahead and finish early in case the printer runs out of ink, etc.

As students studying communication, you should understand and avoid plagiarism (presenting the work of others as your own). A discussion of plagiarism, with examples, can be found at: http://www.personal.psu.edu/faculty/m/x/mxj20/comm381/plagiarism.htm

You also need to make sure you use proper citation techniques. If you do not own a style guide, here are some links to get you started:

· Quick Guide to citation: http://www.libraries.psu.edu/crsweb/infolit/andyou/mod8/citing2.htm

· PSU links to citation guides: http://www.libraries.psu.edu/gateway/referenceshelf/writ.html#cit

Your written work will be graded primarily on content: relevance, understanding, insight, originality, and adhering to the requirements of the assignment. Form (grammar, spelling, punctuation, organization, and clarity of expression) will have an impact on your grade! Strive for brevity and clarity in all your written work. Content and form typically are related. Vague and muddled writing is usually the result of not thinking through your ideas carefully. Remember: think before you write…and then proofread, proofread, proofread!