TELE 350 Critique 4 Dr. Finn
Internet Components & Issues Papers
The Task
Each student will write a 3-6 page, single-spaced critique of the specific Internet Component assigned
by your instructor (see below). The critique should include:
1. A brief section entitled “Overview,” summarizing the (nature, use, or value of the) component and
summarizing any core issues surrounding it (2-8 sentences). Note: do NOT make this an introduction;
the Overview should be more like a summary.
2. An explanation of what it is, basic distinctions about it (there may be different types, way to do or
structure it, etc.), how it works, how common it is (or who uses it and why), and what the reader can /
might want to do with this information
3. A description of the social ramifications, policy implications, or political battles related to this
component
4. A set of “Related Links”
Note that there are 2 possible approaches to Critique 4:
1. Writing a new summary of an Internet-related issue and posting it on your web site, OR
2. Re-writing an existing summary of an Internet-related issue (currently posted on my web site) and
posting it on your web site. “Re-writing” a critique requires that you provide substantial improvement in
an existing critique. See below for examples of ways to improve an existing critique.
Due: November 17, 12 noon
Each student must send me an e-mail notifying me when you have completed a critique:
send the URL where the critique is posted
Students re-writing an existing document must also send me a list of general changes you made to
improve the page (reference the numbers 1-5 from below). This will ensure that I am aware of the
things you did to improve the page.
There are a number of possible improvements you can make to an existing critique:
1. Improve the grammar, spelling, and punctuation
2. Improve the formatting (headers, typeface and type size, spacing, etc.)
3. Improve the writing (sentence structure, lead-ins, section endings, general flow)
4. Improve the content
Correct errors
Update content for recent changes
Re-organize for better treatment of the topic
Add missing topics
Re-focus discussion (entire paper or in certain sections) to improve discussion and tell the story in a
logical fashion)
5. Improve the links
Fix or remove any broken links
Add relevant new links
Insert links in the text where appropriate
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You must decide what can be improved and then do it. Your grade will be based on the things you decide to
improve, and the how much difference/improvement you made. Note that a telephone conversation with me
will help you decide your focus – so please call me to discuss.
The In-Class Presentation of Critique 4
The in-class presentation of your C4 is a separate assignment, but since they are related I will discuss them
here.
Each student will also give an 8-10 minute talk about his/her Critique 4 in class
1. I will send out a list of people, topics, and dates by e-mail soon
2. You must do a Powerpoint Presentation
3. You are not allowed to read your presentation - from your critique or from anywhere else
4. Be familiar enough with your topic to talk from the outline of the PPT presentation
5. Due: November 17, 12 noon
(note – half the class will not present until the following week – see below)
The Student Topics & Due Dates
Date to be
Presented Topic Student Responsible
November 17
December 24
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