English 5830 (Intro. to Technical/Professional Writing) is going to use Alternative Spring Break: Detroit (ASBD) as its focus; students in that class will have the opportunity to study ASBD, conduct research to discover the best ways to promote the event, and produce marketing materials to urge WSU students to attend. The class will be working with Aaron Cook (Project Volunteer’s rockin 2005-2006 ASBD Coordinator) and Audra Forsberg (PV’s wonderful Advisor).
An Overview of ASBD:
ASBD is a substance-free, week-long volunteer event held during spring break. Four social issues (such as
crime) are explored during the week (through educational and volunteer events) that are relevant to the City of Detroit. All participants live in Detroit for the week, have opportunity to experience the diverse culture inherent in the city, have a chance to explore hidden gems often overlooked, as well as have unique opportunities (such as running/playing around on Ford Field).
ASBD is part of the heart and soul of Project Volunteer. It is an event that requires extraordinary effort and meticulous attention to detail in planning and promotion, and it is one which participants never forget. The planning for this event is a year-long process, and any contributions toward it are greatly appreciated.
What ASBD is really about:
It’s a comprehensive look at Detroit. It explores current/past social problems, as well as positive efforts that are being made by all factions of Detroit toward city revitalization.
It also challenges participants to think about their relationship to and feelings about the community (not only Detroit, but also the tri-county area). People from various religious, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds participate. There is also quite a bit of diversity in terms of age and major, and participants come from both the city and suburbs (and Canada).
ASBD is more than just about learning about Detroit and volunteering for a week. It is about exploring our home in a whole different way. It is about taking a look at Detroit holistically, and challenging ourselves to become more aware of and more committed to our community. ASBD is a powerful experience and has been the most rewarding and life-changing experience I’ve had in college.
Why you should sign up for 5830:
If you sign up for this class, not only would you have the opportunity to hone tech. writing skills that could be of practical use to you after you graduate, but you’d also have a chance to promote a program that is truly trying to take initiative to change perspectives about the City of Detroit-the city we’ve automatically adopted as Wayne State University students. You’d be supporting the efforts in trying to revitalize the once glorious “Paris of the Midwest.”
What majors could benefit from having tech. writing skills?
Pre-law, business, marketing, communication, English, etc.
Vital Information:
Class: ENG 5830 (Introduction to
Technical/Professional Writing)
Meets: On Tuesdays, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: On main campus, in 337 State Hall
Prereq’s: Completion of Intermediate Composition (IC) OR consent of the instructor
Instructor: Frances Ranney
CRN: 14786
If you are unable to be involved with ENG 5830, but would like to become involved with ASBD (as a site leader or co-site leader), contact Aaron Cook at aw1159@wayne.edu.
