Topic:

What is a topic sheet?

This topic page includes introductory information, a list of readings, and questions to guide your
reading and prepare you for class discussion; it may also include an individual or group
assignment, which may or may not be graded.

Introduction
Topic sheets are Larsons way of organizing course materials. They allow him certain
organizational freedom, and the benefit students by providing a structure around the readings,
activities, and assignments associated with a topic. Each topic begins with an introduction like this
one. Following it are readings, reading questions, classroom activities, and assignments. If the
topic sheet cites works that are not in the readings list, they appear in the works cited section at
the end. This topic is unusual in that it has marginal comments to help students understand the
point of a topic sheet.

Note that when assigns you a topic sheet, he expects you to read the introduction, do the readings,
and consider the reading questions by the beginning of the class session for which the topic is
assigned.

Readings for this topic

Web links. Sometimes the readings will include web links, like this one on the definition of
technical communication on Wikipedia.
Textbook sections. The readings may include sections of the assigned textbook.
Articles. The readings may include articles, book excerpts, and other materials. You will
find these in the Resources section of the T-Square site for the course.

Brian Larson 8/12/2015 2:00 PM

Comment [1]: When you see a web link in
the readings, be sure to follow it and read it!

Reading questions

1. In X, what is the point of Y?

Brian Larson 8/12/2015 2:10 PM

Comment [2]: Consider the reading
questions carefully. They will prepare you
for classroom discussion and activities.
More importantly, answering them while
you read will make the reading quizzes (if
you have any in your course) easy.

Classroom activities for this topic

Think, pair, share: Is the topic sheet a good idea?

Assignments for this topic

None.

Brian Larson 8/12/2015 2:11 PM

Comment [3]: Larson will give you some
advance indication of the kinds of classroom
activities that might accompany this topic.
You dont have to do anything for these;
they are really just a heads-up.

Works cited
None.

Brian Larson 8/12/2015 2:11 PM

Comment [4]: If the topic as assignments
associated with it. They will be identified
here.
Brian Larson 8/12/2015 2:12 PM
Comment [5]: If the topic sheet cites
works other than those in the Readings
section, they will appear here.

2015 Brian N. Larson

Topic: What is a topic sheet?

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