Memo genre conventions

Purpose of This Assignment

• To thoughtfully engage with issues of technology and diversity in American culture
• To recognize an author’s engagement with rhetorical strategy
• To practice analyzing and synthesizing information
• To practice writing a clear and accurate summary and analysis
• To become familiar with memo genre conventions
• To practice constructing effective sentences (Chapter 10)
• To practice revising for concision and clarity

Instructions

You will be writing a memo as if you are an employee of a start-up company that is about to undergo a rapid expansion. You have received a memo from your company president asking for recommendations about how to increase diversity as the company recruits new employees.

You must cite a minimum of 3 sources in your memo. Carefully read each article (take notes, capture specific quotes or information) and prepare a memo that engages with the content of the articles. Your memo should be two to three (2-3) pages in length, should provide a summary/overview of the chosen articles, demonstrate an understanding of the rhetorical strategies used by each author, and an analysis/response to the articles and the broader issues. Though incorporating multiple articles, the memo should demonstrate a synthesis of the information contained in the articles.

As you read the articles, identify questions or gaps in your understanding of the issue. Is there information you would like to know that is not included in the article? Are there opposing views? These questions will help you find your additional article. Spend 15-20 minutes searching for answers to those questions or additional information that will help you form your response. If the article cites outside sources, start there! As you go, take notes, and keep track of your sources.

Your memo should include a clear statement of purpose and use both headings and bullets to increase its readability. You may use whatever headings/subheadings you feel appropriate, but you should have at least the following headings (to match required sections):

Overview/summary

This section should contain your thesis statement and provide an overview of the issue(s) connected to your articles, and a summary of each author’s approach to those issues.

Role Models for Diversity in Stem

This section should use articles from the list and/or your own research to identify companies that are leaders in their filed in terms of increasing diversity in the workforce, especially in technical and leadership roles.

Recommendations

‘This section should contain 2-3 specific recommendations for policies or practices that your company should adopt in order to increase diversity in the workplace and retain employees from a variety of backgrounds. Support these recommendations using citations from the articles and other research that you carry out. Consider possible counter arguments and address potential problems (with solutions). Your recommendation should use examples of ethos, pathos, and logos to support your position (use each at least once).