COMJ/ENGL 341 Technical Writing Fall 2009 Credits: 3 Instructor: Ms. Melinda Booze Office: AB2 105F Class time: T/R 8:30-9:45 a.m.

Transcription

1 COMJ/ENGL 341 Technical Writing Fall 2009 Credits: 3 Instructor: Ms. Melinda Booze Office: AB2 105F Class time: T/R 8:30-9:45 a.m. Class Location: T315/T105A Phone: Ext boozem@evangel.edu Office Hours: As posted Course Description: (Cross-listed as ENGL 341.) Focuses on skills in writing tasks normally encountered in the work world, including various types of business correspondence, mechanism and process description, instructions, proposals, and reports. Some class assignments will involve subject matter from the student's major area of study. Prerequisite: ENGL 111 or 211. Textbook Gurak, Laura J.; John M. Lannon. A Concise Guide to Technical Communication. New York: Pearson Longman, General Course Objectives 1. To prepare for writing tasks in the work world. 2. To practice the discipline of clear, logical, appropriate rhetorical thinking. 3. To correctly analyze writing situations and identify the best rhetorical solutions for these situations. 4. To recognize the prime importance of audience, especially in technical writing situations. 5. To understand the importance of graphics in technical communication. 6. To recognize the ethical considerations in writing situations. Specific Course Objectives Specify and adapt to the constraints of specific rhetorical situations, including audiences, purposes and uses. Develop strategies for accommodating multiple audiences in one document, with particular attention to technical (or, expert) and lay audiences. Learn strategies for making documents accessible and user-centered. Identify and apply appropriate elements of document design, structure and delivery. Develop individual and collaborative writing processes appropriate for technical documents. Learn common structures and conventions for common technical, or workplace, documents such as correspondence, reports, proposals, instructions, and manuals. To become aware of types of technical writing required in one s major field of study. Overview The goal of this course is to prepare you for writing and designing documents used in professional communities. Technical writing is not limited to writing only about technical subjects or for technical experts. The textbook writers define it as writing for the workplace. Because of the increasing pervasiveness of electronic forms of media, there may be a perception that writing is no longer of primary importance. Nothing could be further from the truth.

2 Technical Writing requires excellent analysis, problem-solving and communication skills, in addition to electronic delivery skills. No matter what your profession, you will be doing some or all of the writing types addressed in this course, including basic business correspondence, proposals, progress reports, definitions, instructions, manuals and more. In technical writing, the form is often as important as the content. Part of presentation form includes using graphics, from simple to complex, so we will practice using appropriate and helpful visual communication for technical documents. Because the impact of technical writing documents is so widespread (task training, product information, safety alerts, business credibility), the course includes a look at the ethics of technical writing situations. Technical writing in the workplace is often collaborative, so you will complete some assignments by working with class colleagues or other assigned collaborators. Course Requirements 1. An ability to meet deadlines is basic to the work world. Late assignments on the job could mean losing that job. To assist students in becoming successful in this skill, no late assignments will be accepted. Neither will there be any make-up assignments, tests, or quizzes. Do not expect extra credit assignments. Extra credit is offered at the discretion of the instructor to enhance the learning experience. 2. Content is important, obviously, but technical writing presentations must look attractive and be usable. All assignments produced outside of class must be printed and error-free. Excessive errors in word usage, punctuation, spelling and sentence structure will severely reduce the grade. 3. The assumption is that the student in Technical Writing has reached proficiency in grammar and composition rules. If a student finds that he/she needs additional assistance, he/she should: review the Grammar Handbook (Appendix A) in the text, work with a tutor from The Write Place, set up appointments with tutors in the Academic Support Center, and/or meet with the instructor for individual help. 4. The assignments in this class will require some proficiency in word processing and desktop publishing computer programs. 5. For attending class and adequately fulfilling the basic requirements, you can expect to earn an average grade. Do you want to earn a higher grade? Here s how: Be dependable. Be on time to class, attend every class, and meet deadlines. Be of value. Contribute to class discussions, team assignments, and peer critiques. Be professional. Maintain high standards, be respectful, take initiative, be responsible. These characteristics and behaviors are the basics of what would be expected of a valuable employee. Knowledge is important, experience is valuable, but your commitment to and attitude toward personal and professional development is critical to success in the work world. 6. Please do not take notes in class using laptop computers. Studies increasingly show that learning decreases with the use of computers for note-taking, due to focus on the computer, rather than what is being said or presented in class. In addition, the temptation to work on other assignments or play is usually too great.

3 7. The FINAL EXAM TIME is Saturday, Dec. 12, 7:30 to 9:30. Although we will probably have a final presentation/project in place of an exam, plan accordingly until notified that there will be no exam during the final time. 8. This class is small in number, and we will be meeting in the Communication Dept. Conference room. You may bring food or drink (that is non-disruptive to you or the other class members), but clean up after yourself. Grading When grading, I will ask two overriding questions: 1. How well do you accommodate your audience and otherwise adapt your text to the situation? 2. How likely would your text achieve its desired effect in the workplace? I will pay particular attention to the arrangement, style and visual design of your documents. The specific criteria for each assignment will be clarified in assignment memos. This table gives you an understanding of the approximate relative weight for the class requirements. (This is subject to adjustment as the semester progresses.) Assignments Approx. weight Grading scale Non-major assignments 10% Class Participation, 25% Professionalism Quizzes 10% Writing Assignments 30% Projects/Presentations 25% (percentages): A, B, C, D, below 60 F Note: Any part of this syllabus may change as needed at the discretion of the instructor. Ideas for final, collaborative projects: Researching and proposing a content management system for The Lance production that manages text, photos, graphics, formatting for print layout, formatting for Web publication, and archiving Creating a Communication Dept. alumni list that is easily maintained and updated and can be used to target specific alums in majors, by media experience, internship/job opportunities, etc. Promoting the list itself and communications to the list would be part of the project. Working with EU administrators to create a recording and communication system to keep policies set by the Board of Directors and Board of Administration updated and those updates communicated to the relevant audiences. Work with Records and Registration and IT to develop a Web-based form and communication system that records departmental approval of transferred classes for required credits. This would be the official record for R&R and the student s academic advisor. Digital Senior Papers? Work with Dr. Linda Wellborn to create, deliver, analyze and report on a faculty/staff Communication Audit.

4 Research poverty/hunger in the surrounding community, find a grant that would fund an urban garden or community garden on EU s campus, propose the project to relevant leaders at EU, identify appropriate collaborative departments (science & tech, LifeWorks, missions, leadership, social work), write the grant proposal to fund the project, provide relevant promotion information. Write a grant proposal for one of Springfield City Utilities energy grants to reduce EU s carbon footprint. Update/create an academic advising manual for EU faculty. Collaborate with EU HR, Dr. Bernet s office, Jeremy Harris & the Degree Completion office to create an orientation and procedures manual for all adjunct faculty. Previous final projects: Survey, data analysis, report and proposal on a Sunday dinner option at EU. Digitizing the chapel speaker tape records for the IR Center. Creating a policy/procedure manual for NewsWatch. Updating The Lance s policy manual in a digital format. Designing and writing a Forensics (speech & debate) brochure

5 Re-purposing Assignments In some instances, it may be appropriate for you to use some work you have done for other class assignments. If you think this is a possibility for any assignments in this class, you MUST discuss the previous work with me and have a clear plan for building upon or adding class-specific work to the previous assignment. You may NOT use previous assignments if those assignments were team assignments. If you do not receive my approval to use previous assignments, you will receive no credit for assignments re-purposed for this class. Attendance Know university s attendance policy and adhere to it. I will, when giving grades. If you are in a traveling group, on a sports team, or know of other necessary absences, you should count these in your total allowed cuts and give the instructor advance notification regarding your absence. Athletes: The notice from the coaches is NOT sufficient. Please notify me in advance of your absences for team obligations. (There are no excused absences and no make-up assignments. I will NOT ACCEPT LATE WORK, so if you will be absent when work is due, you must arrange to turn it in early to receive credit.) Leaving Class Early If you must leave class early for a VALID REASON, let me know BEFORE class. Cell Phones Cell phones or other electronic communication devices that students (who are future employees) cannot put elsewhere for the duration of the class will result in quizzes for the entire class. Additional University Policies Dress Faculty may require students who are in violation of the dress code to leave class and return in appropriate attire. In such cases a tardy or absence may be assessed at the discretion of the faculty. Cheating Academic dishonesty (i.e. cheating in any form) will not be tolerated. This includes sharing information and plagiarism. All work must be your original work. Any detected cheating will result in a failing grade for that assignment and could result in a failing grade for the course. Become acquainted with the policy on academic dishonesty in the Student Handbook. Communication is to be the principal means of communication between faculty, staff, administration and students. Types of communication may include assignments, registration materials, announcements, etc. It is the responsibility of the student to check his/her Evangel University account daily, and the student will be held accountable for any and all official communication of administrative policies, faculty instructions and campus information sent via the Evangel system. Mass distributions should be utilized only for critical information. Assistance for Students with Disabilities Evangel University will make reasonable accommodations for persons with documented disabilities. Students should notify the Disability Services Coordinator (located in the Academic Support Center, Zimmerman, Suite 218) and their instructors of any accommodation needs as soon as possible.

6 COMJ 341 Technical Writing Tentative Course Scope, Sequence, Assignments, and Schedule Dates This schedule is subject to change at the discretion of the instructor, if needed. Class Major Topics Required Readings Major Assignments Dept. Meet. Date 8/27/09 Course Overview 9/1 T Intro CH 1 9/3 Audience Analysis CH 2 9/8 T , Memos, Letters CH 10, pgs Complaint Letter/Two Response Letters 9/10 Rhetorical Approach Supplemental 9/15 T Short Reports CH 10, pgs Four Oaks Report 9/17 Definitions & Descriptions CH 12, pgs /22 T Research, Copyright CH 4, CH 7 9/24 Final Project Brainstorming (online) 9/29 T Proposals CH 12, pgs /1 No Class! Final Project: Memo, Proposal, Status Report, Usability Test & Report, First Draft, Abstract, Final Written Document, Oral Presentation 10/6 T Web sites, Digital Tech CH 5 Comm. HC 10/8 Grant Writing (online) Grant RFP Analysis 10/13 T Usability, Document CH 3, 8 Design Mid- 10/15 Term Fall Break 10/20 T No Class! 10/22 Ethics CH 6 Heated Sidewalk Scenario 10/27 T Long Reports (online) CH 12, pgs ACP 10/29 No Class! 11/3 T Instructions, Specs, Procedures CH 11, pgs /5 11/10 T Graphics/Visuals CH 9 11/12 11/17 T Oral Communication CH 10, pgs /19 11/24 T Manuals CH 11, pgs Thanks. 11/26 No Class! 12/1 T Technical Marketing Comm. Study Day Final 12/12 (Sat) 12/3 Project Presentations 12/8 T Project Presentations 12/10 No Class! 7: FINAL CH 11, pgs In addition to the major assignments listed above, there will be topic-specific assignments that are less arduous. There will also be chapter quizzes and grammar/language quizzes. The quizzes will all be completed and submitted via Angel. After Fall Break, most Thursday class periods are open. Your final project requires several components that you will be working on and turning in throughout Oct. & Nov. Therefore, Thursday class periods may be used for catchup, if needed, but will usually be the days when a component of your final project is due. In some instances, you will meet individually with me to review your final project components.