This course examines written English used in both the electronic and the ordinary media and in some media-dependent programs and publications. I will select samples from the Internet, various cable TV programs, magazines and newspapers, as well as on-line English learning programs. Students will evaluate and edit these samples and compare them with more formal usage in textbooks or “polite societies.” You will learn to become alert of trends or, rather, fads in the English used by the media and to assess how well such practical use of language fulfills its declared purposes and if there are other concerns, such as moral and propriety factors, that need to be addressed. Assignments include rewriting and editing of selected samples and producing writing samples for specific purposes. There will be plenty of exercises, a short presentation, maybe a final, but no mid-term. I will supply the teaching materials in the form of handouts. All majors are welcome, provided that you are willing to come to class and are not shy to offer your comments.