SCS | Think Again Spring 2010 Schedule of Classes

Spring 2010 course registration is now available. Visit ActiveNet to establish an account.

Communications and Writing

Appreciating Literary Style
Are you the type of reader who values a writer's style as much as the meaning it conveys? Do you mark your favorite sentences or copy them in a notebook where you can savor them later? Would you like to improve your understanding of the tools and techniques writers use to create powerful sentences? Join us for a close examination of the literary techniques used by prose writers from Charles Dickens to Elizabeth Gilbert and Jon Krakauer. After we've identified the tools of beautiful language, you'll have the option of applying them to your own writing style.

Dates: Thursday, Mar 18-Apr 29
Time: 7:00 PM-9:00 PM
CRN: ENG210.19 | Fee: $169
Schedule Note: No class Apr. 1
Status: New
Instructor: Jan Tarasovic
Jan Tarasovic
Instructor, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, University of Richmond School of Continuing Studies
Taught high school English and journalism in Fairfax County until she retired three years ago. She has published articles, essays, and reviews in "The Washington Post" and other publications and is at work on her second novel for young adults. She holds a Master's degree in The Teaching of Writing and Literature from George Mason University.

Boosting Your Web Site Traffic
Acquire the basic skills to boost your web site traffic, including how to analyze your visitor traffic, how to use search engine optimization to get greater visibility and exposure in Google searches, and how to redesign your web site copy to increase your visitors and results. No experience necessary, but if you are at an advanced level, your instructor is an SEO expert and can answer your toughest questions. Note: This is an online, instructor-led class. You must have internet access and audio (speakers) to participate. In the online classroom, you will listen to audio lectures, view slides and even take optional quizzes to test yourself. Post comments in the online discussion with your fellow participants and the instructor. Your instructor logs on once a day to answer questions and join in on the discussion. Participate anytime day or night, as little or as often as you like.

Dates: Monday, Mar 1-Mar 29
Time: 6:00 PM-7:00 PM
CRN: BUS210.63 | Fee: $195
Status: New
Instructor(s): Staff
Jan Tarasovic
Instructor, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, University of Richmond School of Continuing Studies
Taught high school English and journalism in Fairfax County until she retired three years ago. She has published articles, essays, and reviews in "The Washington Post" and other publications and is at work on her second novel for young adults. She holds a Master's degree in The Teaching of Writing and Literature from George Mason University.

Dates: Monday, May 3-May 24
Time: 6:00 PM-7:00 PM
CRN: BUS210.64 | Fee: $195
Status: New
Instructor(s): Staff
Jan Tarasovic
Instructor, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, University of Richmond School of Continuing Studies
Taught high school English and journalism in Fairfax County until she retired three years ago. She has published articles, essays, and reviews in "The Washington Post" and other publications and is at work on her second novel for young adults. She holds a Master's degree in The Teaching of Writing and Literature from George Mason University.

Building Better Stories
You love your characters. You think your plot is intriguing, but on the page your story falls flat. Focusing on something more basic, the building blocks that give a story's structure, can give good ideas the foundation they need to succeed. We will revisit some of those 'boring' basics you sat through in high school - things like points of view and verb tenses. But this time, we'll do it with an eye toward improving our own fiction. Explore examples of stories where the writer's choices are what make the story work, and learn how different choices could have weakened the final product.

Dates: Thursday, Feb 11-Mar 18
Time: 7:00 PM-9:00 PM
CRN: ENG210.10 | Fee: $159 | CEUs: 1.2
Status: New
Instructor: Foust Foust

Instructor, University of Richmond School of Continuing Studies

Business Writers' Bootcamp
On the job, being able to write clearly, concisely and conversationally is an increasingly rare talent, but it gets documents and correspondence the attention they deserve. Through real-world examples and exercises, learn the tricks professional writers use to cut the fat, avoid embarrassing errors, and connect with readers. You'll gain an arsenal of easy ways to quickly find and fix many flaws in any piece of writing - without becoming a grammar snob. Students should purchase The Elements of Style (4th edition) ISBN 020530902X, prior to the first class.

Dates: Wednesday, Mar 10-Mar 24
Time: 6:00 PM-8:00 PM
CRN: BUS210.06 | Fee: $149 | CEUs: 0.6
Status: Scheduled
Instructor: Karen Wormald
Karen Wormald
Owner of Kew Publications, magazine columnist and author of the book 'How to Work Like a Cat'

Communicating and Marketing Using Social Networks
Develop a two-way communication and marketing strategy for your organization using social networks. Let your instructor guide you in exploring major social networks, including Twitter, LinkedIn, and blogging. Learn quick, easy ways to use Twitter, blogs and LinkedIn to engage your customers or clients and keep them interested in your organization or business. You'll find out the advantages and disadvantages of each, and learn what's right for your work and kind of organization. Your instructor, Suzanne Kart, is a director of marketing for a national association, and writes and speaks on the topic. Note: This is an online, instructor-led class. You must have internet access and audio (speakers) to participate. In the online classroom, you will listen to audio lectures, view slides and even take optional quizzes to test yourself. Post comments in the online discussion with your fellow participants and the instructor. Your instructor logs on once a day to answer questions and join in on the discussion. Participate anytime day or night, as little or as often as you like.

Dates: Monday, Mar 1-Mar 29
Time: 6:00 PM-7:00 PM
CRN: BUS210.57 | Fee: $195
Status: New
Instructor(s): Staff
Karen Wormald
Owner of Kew Publications, magazine columnist and author of the book 'How to Work Like a Cat'

Dates: Monday, May 3-May 24
Time: 6:00 PM-7:00 PM
CRN: BUS210.58 | Fee: $195
Status: New
Instructor(s): Staff
Karen Wormald
Owner of Kew Publications, magazine columnist and author of the book 'How to Work Like a Cat'

Improving Email Promotions
Discover new ways to improve your email promotions, including when to email, what to email, and testing email copy. Then find out how to analyze your email response rates, including getting the bench marks for open rates and click through rates. Learn how to improve your email promotion and responses with tracking and testing. Get a basic introduction to email promotions. If you are advanced, your instructor is an email expert and can answer your toughest questions as well. Note: This is an online, instructor-led class. You must have internet access and audio (speakers) to participate. In the online classroom, you will listen to audio lectures, view slides and even take optional quizzes to test yourself. Post comments in the online discussion with your fellow participants and the instructor. Your instructor logs on once a day to answer questions and join in on the discussion. Participate anytime day or night, as little or as often as you like.

Dates: Monday, Feb 1-Feb 22
Time: 6:00 PM-7:00 PM
CRN: BUS210.61 | Fee: $195
Status: New
Instructor(s): Staff
Karen Wormald
Owner of Kew Publications, magazine columnist and author of the book 'How to Work Like a Cat'

Dates: Thursday, Apr 1-Apr 29
Time: 6:00 PM-7:00 PM
CRN: BUS210.62 | Fee: $195
Status: New
Instructor(s): Staff
Karen Wormald
Owner of Kew Publications, magazine columnist and author of the book 'How to Work Like a Cat'

Inclusion Forum: Moving from Confusion to Clarity
If you're ready to discuss issues related to race, gender, religion and other 'hot button' topics, and would like some help with starting the conversation, we're here for you! Gloria and Rita come from different backgrounds and have established a facilitated discussion and workshop that will offer a comfortable, supportive environment. This is where you can come to ask questions and to share insights regarding inclusion and exclusion. We will discuss how to deal with the challenges facing our communities and workplaces. Learn to communicate about differences, without creating unmanageable conflict; explore the repercussions of the past in a way that is supportive and healing; overcome fear of offending, by learning how to communicate respectfully; respond tactfully and effectively to offensive remarks; share your insights; establish a broader mindset; and avoid exclusion, based on perceived or real differences, by understanding how it threatens our shared future.

Dates: Wednesday, May 12-May 19
Time: 6:00 PM-8:30 PM
CRN: BUS210.15 | Fee: $159 | CEUs: 0.5
Status: Scheduled
Instructor: Gloria Thomas
Gloria Thomas
President, Wizard Wo rkforce Development, Inc.; Past Presidentof the Virginia Chapter of the National Speakers Association

Integrating Social Networks in Your Organization
Take away a practical strategy and techniques for implementing social networks for your organization or business. Learn how to create your own private social network using Ning, work socially using Google Docs and calendars, and move your web site to an interactive Web 2.0 site. Then your instructor will help you choose which social network tools are right for your situation, and then integrate them into your web site to develop a social networking strategy for your organization. Find out what you can be doing, what you should be doing, and take back a plan to integrate social networks into your communication and marketing. Your instructor, Jennifer Selke, is a nationally known speaker, consultant and trainer on social networks and social media. Note: This is an online, instructor-led class. You must have internet access and audio (speakers) to participate. In the online classroom, you will listen to audio lectures, view slides and even take optional quizzes to test yourself. Post comments in the online discussion with your fellow participants and the instructor. Your instructor logs on once a day to answer questions and join in on the discussion. Participate anytime day or night, as little or as often as you like.

Dates: Thursday, Apr 1-Apr 29
Time: 6:00 PM-7:00 PM
CRN: BUS210.59 | Fee: $195
Status: New
Instructor(s): Staff
Gloria Thomas
President, Wizard Wo rkforce Development, Inc.; Past Presidentof the Virginia Chapter of the National Speakers Association

Introduction to Social Networks
Get involved in the move from in-person to online communication. Learn what social networks are and their role in your business and personal life. Find out the top sites and how businesses are using the sites for communication, customer retention, branding, marketing, market research, needs assessment and serving customers and clients. Explore the options for your organization. Look at case studies of what other organizations are doing. Let your instructor guide your exploration of Facebook and YouTube. Your instructor, Jennifer Selke, is a nationally known speaker, consultant and trainer on social networks and social media. Note: This is an online, instructor-led class. You must have internet access and audio (speakers) to participate. In the online classroom, you will listen to audio lectures, view slides and even take optional quizzes to test yourself. Post comments in the online discussion with your fellow participants and the instructor. Your instructor logs on once a day to answer questions and join in on the discussion. Participate anytime day or night, as little or as often as you like.

Dates: Monday, Feb 1-Mar 1
Time: 6:00 PM-7:00 PM
CRN: BUS210.55 | Fee: $195
Status: New
Instructor(s): Staff
Gloria Thomas
President, Wizard Wo rkforce Development, Inc.; Past Presidentof the Virginia Chapter of the National Speakers Association

Dates: Thursday, Apr 1-Apr 29
Time: 6:00 PM-7:00 PM
CRN: BUS210.56 | Fee: $195
Status: New
Instructor(s): Staff
Gloria Thomas
President, Wizard Wo rkforce Development, Inc.; Past Presidentof the Virginia Chapter of the National Speakers Association

Online Advertising
Get the keys to making online advertising work for you and your organization. See how pay-per-click advertising with Google AdWords works. Find out how to test low budget AdWord campaigns. Learn how you can target local audiences. Then discover Facebook advertising and how you can determine the demographics and even numbers of people you want to reach. No experience necessary, but if you are at an advanced level, your instructor is an online ad expert and can answer your toughest questions. Note: This is an online, instructor-led class. You must have internet access and audio (speakers) to participate. In the online classroom, you will listen to audio lectures, view slides and even take optional quizzes to test yourself. Post comments in the online discussion with your fellow participants and the instructor. Your instructor logs on once a day to answer questions and join in on the discussion. Participate anytime day or night, as little or as often as you like.

Dates: Monday, May 3-May 24
Time: 6:00 PM-7:00 PM
CRN: BUS210.65 | Fee: $195
Status: New
Instructor(s): Staff
Gloria Thomas
President, Wizard Wo rkforce Development, Inc.; Past Presidentof the Virginia Chapter of the National Speakers Association

Power Proofreading
If you need to find the most errors in the least amount of time, this fast-paced class will give you a sure-fire method for proofing documents of any length to pinpoint problems with consistency, capitalization, punctuation, formatting and more. Learn tips on how to harness the power of word processing software to aid proofreading on the screen. Note: A good grasp of grammar is required, as that is not the focus of this course.

Date: Wednesday, Feb 24
Time: 6:00 PM-8:00 PM
CRN: BUS210.07 | Fee: $49 | CEUs: 0.2
Status: New
Instructor: Karen Wormald
Karen Wormald
Owner of Kew Publications, magazine columnist and author of the book 'How to Work Like a Cat'

Date: Wednesday, Apr 7
Time: 6:00 PM-8:00 PM
CRN: BUS210.08 | Fee: $49 | CEUs: 0.2
Status: New
Instructor: Karen Wormald
Karen Wormald
Owner of Kew Publications, magazine columnist and author of the book 'How to Work Like a Cat'

Speak On Your Feet: 7 Steps for Great Communicatio
Have you tapped into all of the potential communication holds for you? Many things can stand in your way, including: habits, lack of skill, shyness, as well as the myths and misconceptions that are perpetuated about communication. Excellent communication skills are essential to achieving both professional and personal goals. You can learn how to present your ideas with credibility, authority and confidence. Make a powerful impression at meetings. Put an end to over-apologizing, over-accommodating and speaking tentatively. Learn how to handle conflict and confrontations, without feeling drained. If you are unable to hold your ground or are intimidated by certain communication situations, you don't have to transform your personality to inject power into your communications. Simple changes will make you feel more comfortable, even when put 'on the spot'. This course builds communication skills step by step. You will learn to: communicate more confidently, clearly and concisely; use both direct and indirect communication techniques to assert your point of view; influence others in a positive way; recognize four behavioral types and learn how to connect with each; use Power Lines to help you think on your feet; avoid personalizing the emotional outbursts of others; halt gossip and backstabbing; use a structured process to learn from any difficult communication scenario that you experience; feel more empowered by communicating your personal limits and boundaries; maintain positive energy in your communication; deal effectively with challenging individuals and scenarios; manage conflict and remain cool in heated encounters. All course materials and workbooks are included in the fee.

Dates: Tuesday, Apr 6-May 18
Time: 6:00 PM-8:00 PM
CRN: BUS210.14 | Fee: $279 | CEUs: 1.4
Status: Scheduled
Instructor: Gloria Thomas
Gloria Thomas
President, Wizard Wo rkforce Development, Inc.; Past Presidentof the Virginia Chapter of the National Speakers Association

The Strategy of Business Writing
Effective writing is both an art and a science, and it is much more than just the words you choose. Without a proper understanding of purpose, audience and chosen medium, your words will fall hopelessly short of their target. If you are responsible for the words that shape your organization, or if you simply want to learn how to write more effectively, come join us. In print and online, from ads to Web copy, discover the role of strategy in effective writing and learn techniques to cut through the noise and make the written word work for your organization.

Dates: Thursday, Mar 25-Apr 8
Time: 6:30 PM-8:30 PM
CRN: ENG210.02 | Fee: $99 | CEUs: 0.6
Status: Scheduled
Instructor: Phillip Gravely
Phillip Gravely
Editorial Manager, Marketing Communications, University of Richmond

Writing for the Web
In today's world, an ineffective Web site is a liability to your business or organization. Users have limited time and patience and want full control of the interaction. If you don't hook them, your competition will - and they're only one click away! To use the Web effectively for your business, you need specific knowledge of web-writing principles and the skills to apply that knowledge consistently.

Dates: Thursday, Feb 25-Mar 4
Time: 6:30 PM-9:00 PM
CRN: ENG210.01 | Fee: $99 | CEUs: 0.5
Status: Scheduled
Instructor: Phillip Gravely
Phillip Gravely
Editorial Manager, Marketing Communications, University of Richmond

Think Again - Spring 2010

Communications and Writing