NELSON – SPRING 2016ENGL393, SECTS 0102 & 0303
/ UNIVERSITY OF MARYLANDENGL 393 Technical Writing
Fall 2016 – Sections 0001 & 0102
Patrick R. Nelson
CourseDescription
The intent of this class is to prepare you for the type of professional communication you are likely to engage in during your first post-college jobs and beyond. This course focuses on technical communication – learning how to present specialized information in an accessible way to a variety of different audiences, but audiences who, no doubt, will expect clarity, accuracy, and professionalism from you.
This class stresses the key skills that highlight a successful professional technical communicator. Specifically, we focus on the process of writing (including the planning, drafting, and revising stages) and look carefully at the work that goes into the final polished product. As collaboration is often a key part of the professional realm, you’ll spend much of the semester working with your classmates – which will include participating in brainstorming sessions, providing constructive criticism, and preparing for your final projects together. Students can expect to:
• Analyze a variety of professional rhetorical situations and produce appropriate textsin response.
• Understand the stages required to produce competent, professional writingthrough planning, drafting, revising, and editing.
• Identify and implement the appropriate research methods for each writing task.
• Practice the ethical use of sources and the conventions of citation appropriate toeach genre.
• Write for the intended readers of a text, and design or adapt texts to audiences whomay differ in their familiarity with the subject matter.
• Demonstrate competence in Standard Written English, including grammar,sentence and paragraph structure, coherence, and document design (including theuse of the visual) and be able to use this knowledge to revise texts.
• Produce cogent arguments that identify arguable issues, reflect the degree ofavailable evidence, and take account of counter arguments.
TextbookAll Professional Writing Program classes at the University of Maryland require six graded assignments, comprising a minimum of 25 pages of original writing (6,250 words). Students may not submit papers they’ve written for other courses to fulfill a PWP assignment.
Technical Communication (Eleventh Edition), Mike Markel. Bedford/St. Martin’s: 2015.ISBN 978-1-4576-7337-5
You may also purchase an updated grammar/style guidebook to help you format citations properly and to assist you with grammar, diction, and syntax. I recommend Diana Hacker’s A Pocket Style Manual (Seventh Edition). There are also several great online resources available.
Course CalendarThe Course Calendar is a separate document. It will be handed during the first class and the most up-to-date version can be found on the class’s ELMS page.
ProfessionalismYou are expected to conduct yourself like a professional in this course. A significant portion of your participation grade will be based on the professionalism of your conduct. Professionalism includes being punctual and prepared, attending class regularly, and communicating appropriately.
As upper-level college students, you’ve probably already experienced several different types of communication, from extremely casual, to academic, to formal. In the electronic realm, for instance, the e-mails and text messages you send to your friends or family look entirely different from the ones you’ll send to potential employers, bosses, customers or me. In this class, we’ll practice becoming adept at communicating in a professional manner. In other words, e-mails and posts addressed to me and to your classmates will use correct grammar, spelling, punctuation, and capitalization, as well as proper salutations. Your e-mails and discussion posts should be a very good reflection of the kind of professional you hope to become.
AttendanceStudents are expected to attend classes regularly. Consistent attendance offers students the most effective opportunity to gain command of course concepts and materials. Events that justify an excused absence include: religious observances; mandatory military obligation; illness of the student or illness of an immediate family member; participation in university activities at the request of university authorities; and compelling circumstances beyond the student’s control (e.g., death in the family, required court appearance). Absences stemming from work duties other than military obligation (e.g., unexpected changes in shift assignments) and traffic/transit problems do not typically qualify for excused absence.
Students claiming an excused absence must notify the course instructor in a timely manner and provide appropriate documentation. The notification should be provided either prior to the absence or as soon afterwards as possible. In the case of religious observances, athletic events, and planned absences known at the beginning of the semester, the student must inform the instructor during the schedule adjustment period. All other absences must be reported as soon as is practical. The student must provide appropriate documentation of the absence. The documentation must be provided in writing to the instructor by the means specified in this syllabus. Attendance in this course is mandatory. Much of what we do this semester will be collaborative. It’s difficult to engage in successful discourse with your classmates if you or they are not there.
This class is expected to function in a professional manner; it is expected that you will be proactive in dealing with absences. If you miss a class, it will be your responsibility to inform me prior to class if possible, if not, as soon as you can after the missed class. You will also be responsible for all concepts, exercises, updates in assignments, and materials. Be proactive with a plan for dealing with changes in schedule rather than letting events dictate what you can and cannot do.
Do not contact me to find out information about the class you missed. Develop a relationship with a classmate so that you can get the information from them. All PowerPoint presentations used in class will be available on ELMS to use in conjunction with a classmate’s notes and your reading. Because of the nature of this class, your absence will manifest itself in your work and can affect your grade. This policy is in accordance to the policy set forth by the University. The full university attendance/absence policy can be found here:
ParticipationClass attendance is only the beginning of being successful in this course. You are required to make significant contributions to class discussions, be ready to discuss assigned readings, to actively participate during group workshops, and to engage fully in all in-class writing assignments. This includes bringing requested examples or materials to class for review or discussion.
A basic level of active and intelligent participation is taken as a given, so failure to participate at this level including by virtue of excessive absences (even excused absences), can reduce your grade, as can negative or inappropriate participation. To get an ‘A’ in class participation, you should not only speak during class discussions and be willing and able to answer questions, but also encourage participation in others by asking thoughtful and appropriate questions and by listening carefully.
This type of interaction in class reflects common practices in the business and academic worlds. So, no matter if you plan to go to graduate school or enter your chosen career field, the types of discussions and planning sessions in this class will help you once you’ve taken the next step in your journey.
Peer ReviewPeer review is a crucial part of improving professional writing and will be essential to your success in this course. You must bring the required number of copies of your paper for all group members or peer reviewers on the day they are due. Failure to make substantive commentary during peer editing will reduce your grade for that assignment and/or affect your overall participation grade. As with the participation portion of the class, working and collaborating with your peers will be an important part of your future.
TardinessTardiness is not tolerated in the professional world. However, this campus is large, and another instructor may keep you late. So if you do arrive late on occasion, do not disrupt class, and let me know by the end of the schedule adjustment period if you anticipate ongoing conflicts. Remember that it is your responsibility to catch up on your own time. Thus, three late arrivals (or unexplained early departures) will convert to one absence.
Attendance will be taken within the first 5 minutes of each class session. If you are late, it is your responsibility to see me at the end of class so I can adjust my records.
Early DismissalsThere is only one circumstance in which a class may leave the classroom early without my express consent. If I am late more than 20 minuteswithout sending a message about my late arrival the class may dismiss itself. If I know I am going to be late, I will make every effort to get a message to the class. Messages may be presented in the form of a Canvas announcement or as a verbal announcement/written message posted at the classroom from the Professional Writing Program office or other PWP representatives. If such a late notice is relayed, it is expected that you remain 20 minutes beyond my estimated time of arrival. This policy is in accordance to the policy set forth by the University.
Plagiarism and Academic IntegrityThe UMD Honor Code prohibits students from cheating on exams, plagiarizing papers, submitting the same paper for credit in two courses without authorization, buying papers, submitting fraudulent documents and forging signatures. On every examination, paper or other academic exercise not exempted by the instructor, students must write by hand and sign the following pledge:
‘I pledge on my honor that I have not given or received any unauthorized assistance on this examination (or assignment).”
Allegations of academic dishonesty will be reported directly to the Student Honor Council:
Plagiarism is totally unacceptable in this class. It will result in an automatic grade of F/0 pointson the assignment and will be reported to the University Honor Council. The Honor Council can take further action that may impact your educational career. Beyond the University, it can impact your prospects for a job. The workplace, especially in light of current events, is extremely sensitive to this issue. The Student Honor Council has requested this passage be included:
“The University of Maryland, College Park has a nationally recognized Code of Academic Integrity, administered by the Student Honor Council. This Code sets standards for academic integrity at Maryland for all undergraduate and graduate students. As a student you are responsible for upholding these standards for this course. It is very important for you to be aware of the consequences of cheating, fabrication, facilitation, and plagiarism. For more information on the Code of Academic Integrity or the Student Honor Council, please visit ”
AccommodationsStudents with documented disabilities should provide documentation from Disability Support Service by the end of the schedule adjustment period (end of the second week of class) to arrange necessary accommodation. If this information is not provided in a timely manner, accommodations will begin when the information is provided. If you have a registered disability that will require accommodation in this course, please set up a time to speak with me about it as soon as possible so we can work together to develop solutions.
If you have a disability and have not yet registered it with Disability Support Services in the Shoemaker Building (301-314-7682), you should do so immediately.
For disabilities that develop during the semester, students must submit documentation within two weeks of the onset of the disability in order to arrange necessary accommodation.
Personal Electronic DevicesCell phones, laptops, and similar devices are not allowed. Please turn your cell phone off or to “airplane” mode before entering the classroom. Please do not place it on vibrate/mute.
Classroom and personal computers may not be used on non-assignment related activities during class. Occasionally, personal laptops may be used during in-class workshop sessions. They may not be used during lectures and discussions and may not be placed on your desks during these times.
Emergency situation: If you are in an emergency situation (illness in the family, babysitters who may need to contact you, etc.), you should explain the situation to me before class begins, put your phone on vibrate, and when the call comes through, excuse yourself and leave the classroom quietly to take the call. Such emergencies should be rare exceptions.
Penalties: Any unauthorized use of electronic devices for non-class/assignment activity will be held against your grade since you are not participating in class when using such devices for non-class related contact. This includes accessing websites unrelated to assignments or in-class work (Facebook, Twitter, Texting, etc.)
Assignment SubmissionsAll assignments must be submitted on time in ELMS, regardless of whether or not a hard copy is required.
Hard copies should be printed prior to the start of the class. I will not waste class time waiting for everyone to print assignments. Our classrooms will not have a printer, so please come prepared.
Major Writing AssignmentsThere are seven major sets of writing assignments in this class:
Assignment #0: Reflective Writing (5 of 6 total)
Assignment #1: Defining a Term
Assignment #2: Job Application Packet (Cover Letter & Resume)
Assignment #3: Final Project Proposal
Assignment #4: Survey/Interview Questions
Assignment #5: Final Project and Presentation
Assignment #6: Instructions and Usability Test Packet
We will adhere to the Professional Writing Program policy in this course that requires each student to produce a minimum of 25 pages of newly generated writing during the semester. For the Reflective Writing Assignments, five of the six are required. Of those five, three must include Establishing Expectations (#1), Mid-Term Assessment (#3), and Revisiting Your Expectations (#6). To receive extra credit for the podcast, the written “This I Believe…” (#5) assignment must be completed. Both parts must be uploaded by the due date.
GradingAs of Fall 2012, plus/minus grading is the University’s new official grading policy. Points translate to letter grades according to the following:
Minus (e.g. A-) / Grade / Plus (e.g. A+)A / 90 to 93.9 / 94 to 96.9 / 97 and above
B / 80 to 83.9 / 84 to 86.9 / 87 to 89.9
C / 70 to 73.9 / 74 to 76.9 / 77 to 79.9
D / 60 to 63.9 / 64 to 66.9 / 67 to 69.9
Assignment Weights:
Assignment / ValueParticipation & Professionalism / 10%
Attendance / 5%
Grammar Quizzes / 5%
WA#0: Reflective Writings (5 of 6 assigned) / 5%
WA#1: Defining a Term / 10%
WA#2: Job Application Packet / 10%
WA#3: Final Project Proposal / 10%
WA#4: Survey/Interview Questions / 10%
WA#6: Instructions & Usability Test Packet / 10%
WA#5: Final Project and Presentation / 25%
Total: / 100%
The grading criteria for each assignment are listed in the corresponding assignment sheets located in the FILES section of ELMS.
Extra CreditI encourage all students to take part in theWriting Center tutoring program (see Additional Resources below),and encourage you to have your tutor write a short report (one sentence is OK) to me on the visit.For each visit up to four, you can get one extrapoint at the end of the semester. These points will beadded to your final grade/percentage.This will not lift an F to an A, but many students in the B+ range have used their writing center points to move into A minus range with a few visits to the Writing Center.
You may also receive one additional point added to your final grade for submitting a podcast version of your “This I Believe…” Reflective Writing Assignment (#EC). Both the reflective writing assignment and the podcast must be uploaded by the due date in the Course Calendar.
Plan on logging into Canvas frequently. It is the most up-to-date source for everything pertaining to this course. It will contain all due dates, assignment prompts, announcements, and of course, your grades. Many of students find it helpful to sync the Canvas calendar with the their Google/iPhone calendar, or whatever electronic organizer you may use on your phone or home computer.
Modules: All course materials, prompts, and discussions will be organized by week in Canvas modules. I will add and update modules frequently. I will do my best to have the next week’s modules online the Friday of the prior week. If this will not happen, I will notify you through a Canvas message. You are responsible for all information in the weekly modules.
Notifications: Syncing my announcements with your text messages or e-mail is another useful feature in Canvas. To receive a text when I make an announcement, click the ‘Settings’ link in the upper right hand corner of our Canvas course. Under e-mail addresses, you may add your personal e-mail address. To receive updates via text, click the plus sign next to ‘Add Contact Method’ under ‘Other Contacts.’ Select your carrier (Verizon, AT&T,etc) and then enter your cell phone number. Click the blue ‘Register SMS’ button.
Then, on the left hand navigation bar, select ‘Notifications.’ On the left, you will see a list of options including ‘Due Date, Grading Policies, Files.’ On the right, you will see a column for each form of communication you added to Canvas, most likely just e-mail address and cell number.
Hover over the intersection of the ELMS action and form of communication you want to edit. Using the icons, you can select to be notified immediately, daily, weekly, or never for each action. I recommend choosing to be notified immediately for announcements. This is how I will be notifying you if I need to cancel class at the last minute. It could save you a trip across campus. I would also recommend receiving notifications (e-mail is fine) for changes in due dates, grading, submission comments, and discussion entries. For all other options, it is fine to select ‘never,’ as long as you are logging into Canvas quite often.
It is your responsibility to keep your notifications and email address up-to-date. While the messaging system in ELMS is adequate, I prefer to communicate directly via email. Please email me directly with questions and make sure that you read all emails I send to your section. Please respond if you have any questions.