Technical Writing – Spring 2008
ENG 2413.010 ~ BB 3.04.08 ~ 3:30-4:45 ~ Tuesdays/Thursdays
Marguerite NewcombOffice:HSS 4.02.52Office Hours: Tuesday/Thursday 12:00-2:00or by appointmentPhone: 210-458-6703Cell: 210-325-2029
General:
This class is designed to introduce students, in all fields of study, to the kinds of communication required in most careers. A technical background is not needed. Writing on a word processor is required, but you do not need previous experience. Technical writing focuses on clear, orderly, readable writing with careful consideration of audience, purpose, and situation.
A number of projects will be assigned, and each should be done in as professional a style as possible. The dates are posted on our class WebCT site.
Required Materials:
· A Concise Guide to Technical Communication, 3 Ed., Gurak and Lannon
· Handbook of Technical Writing, 8th Ed., Alred, Brusaw, and Oliu
· CD (for electronic portfolio)
WebCT:
Our class has a WebCT (it’s under the CE6 link at the bottom of your WebCT main page) and we will use it for a variety of purposes. A calendar has been set up showing important dates. You may also enter your own calendar items for easy reference.
Grading:
Ethics Project / 10%Resume/Cover Letter/Career Research / 15%
Panel Discussion / 15%
Brochure Project / 15%
Final Project / 25% (5% is Oral Presentation)
WebCT Quizzes / 5%
CD Portfolio / 5%
Classwork/Attendance/Participation / 10%
Attendance:
It doesn't matter the reasons, if you miss class more than five times, it's basically impossible to pass.
Special Accommodations:
If you have a specific learning disability and require accommodations, please let me know within the first two weeks of school. I will need official documentation.
Portfolios:
At the end of the semester, you will turn in an electronic portfolio (on CD) consisting of the following:
· An introduction page, including a short bio (interests, goals, etc.)
· Your resume in its final form (revised, if necessary)
· At least two samples of your work - either from this class or others. This can include writing work, PowerPoints, photographs - any type of work that shows your skills and/or talents
Treat your portfolio as though I am a potential employer and you wish to emphasize your professionalism, creativity, and experience, in the hopes of getting the job!
Academic Dishonesty:
It is expected that the work handed in by each student will be his or her own. Scholastic dishonesty, including plagiarism and cheating during tests, will result in penalties ranging from a "0" on the assignment to an "F" in the course. In some cases, academic dishonesty may result in expulsion from the University. Plagiarism involves using someone else's words, ideas, or pattern or organization without properly acknowledging the source. Consult your textbooks, or visit with me, for a more detailed explanation of what constitutes plagiarism and how to correctly use and document sources.
Basically, the writing you do in all courses must be your own. Sometimes, plagiarism is committed because of a misunderstanding as to what it actually is. Plagiarism is defined as:
· Failure to acknowledge the sources of information, which is neither common nor personal knowledge.
· Failure to place another's direct words in quotation marks or to indent in the case of longer quotations. If a passage is copied in the exact words of the original text, it must be placed in quotation marks in addition to citation of the source.
· Failure to document a source that has been paraphrased.
· Collusion - collaboration with another person to prepare work presented for credit. Collusion includes allowing someone else to write or to edit your papers.
Class Rules:
· Please take care of cell phone conversations before coming to class.
· Respect yourself as a college student. This means you should strive to have all assignments done by their deadlines and following their requirements, as well as contributing to your team.
· Be responsible by showing up for class on time.