VAUGHN COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS & TECHNOLOGY
LIBERAL ARTS
ENG 240: Technical WritingSpring 2008
Section 1: Mon. 1:00-1:50, Room 203
Wed. 1:00-2:50, Room 102 / Brian T. Murphy
e-mail:
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DESCRIPTION:
This course provides practice in the techniques of gathering, organizing, and presenting information in the appropriate technical and business formats that are used in the aerospace industry.
Prerequisites: ENG110, ENG120.
OBJECTIVES:
Students will:
1.learn to complete a variety of on-the-job writing tasks;
2. become familiar with the specific formats most often used;
3. complete other related communications assignments.
TEXTS:
Required:
Pfeiffer, William Sanborn. Technical Communication: A Practical Approach, 6 ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson, 2006 (ISBN: 0-13-119816-5).
A good college-level (paperback) dictionary.
CLASS POLICIES:
Attendance:
Students must not only attend every class, but also be on time, be prepared, and take an active part in class (see Participation, below). Moreover, once you get to class you are expected to stay in the classroom until the class is over. Leaving class early or getting up in the middle of class is considered disruptive behavior and should happen only in extreme emergencies. Students may be required to sign in at the beginning of each class session to verify their attendance. Students unable to attend class should contact the instructor regarding their absence in advance or as soon as they return to school.
Plagiarism and Cheating:
Plagiarism includes copying or paraphrasing another's words, ideas, or facts without crediting the source; submitting a paper written by someone else, either in whole or in part, as one's own work; or submitting work previously submitted for another course or instructor. Plagiarism, cheating, or other forms of academic dishonesty on any assignment will result in failure (a grade of zero) for that assignment and may result in further disciplinary action, including but not limited to failure for the course and expulsion from the College.
Homework/Essay Submission:
All writing assignments must be received by the instructor on or before the due date, by the beginning of the class period, as indicated on the schedule, below. No late submissions will be accepted. A grade of "F" will be given for any draft or final report not submitted on the specified date.
Make-up Exams/Late Work:
All assignment deadlines and scheduled exam dates are provided at the beginning of the semester; therefore, late papers will not be accepted nor will make-up exams be offered, except under extraordinary circumstances with appropriate documentation. Excuses such as “crashed computers,” “lost disks,” or “empty printer ink cartridges” will not be accepted. It is suggested that all work be saved both on your computer’s hard drive and again on disk or removable storage device.
ASSIGNMENTS:
Attendance and Participation: 10%As this class will combine both lecture and discussion, students are expected both to attend every session and to take an active part in class—joining in discussions and raising questions. Discussion is one of the best ways to clarify your understandings and to test your conclusions. Open discussion always involves personal exposure, and thus the taking of risks: your ideas may not be the same as your fellow students’ or even the instructor’s. Yet as long as your points are honest and supportable, they will be respected by all of us in the classroom. Questions, discussion, disagreement, and laughter are all encouraged in this class.
Quizzes and Exercises: 10%With the exception of the first day, class may begin with a short (five- to ten-minute) quiz or writing assignment on the readings for the day, at the instructor's discretion. In addition, students may be required to complete at-home quizzes on assigned chapter readings, to be taken online, and to email the completed quizzes to the instructor according to the instructions provided; these will be announced in class as homework. Quizzes cannot be made up; if you miss a quiz due to absence or lateness, that grade will be regarded as a 0. At the end of the semester, the lowest quiz grade will be dropped.
In-Class Assignments:10%During the semester students will also complete a variety of shorter, in-class writing assignments. Like Quizzes, in-class writing assignments cannot be made up; if you miss a writing assignment due to absence or lateness, that grade will be regarded as a 0. At the end of the semester, the lowest quiz grade will be dropped.
Major Projects: 65%Students will complete a number of major projects, including
Six (6) short papers (reports, memos, and letters): 5% each
One (1) informal report: 10%
One (1) formal report: 15%
Details and specific requirements for each of the above will be provided.
Final Exam: 15%During the designated final exam period, students will complete an exam evaluating their understanding of the technical and professional formats discussed during the semester. The exam may include both a short report and/or case study as well as an editing exercise.
GRADING:
Final grades will be determined as follows:
Quizzes/Exercises / 10 points
In-Class Assignments / 10 points
Short Papers (6 @ 5 points) / 30 points
Informal Report / 10 points
Formal Report / 15 points
Final Exam / 15 points
Total / 100 points
Extra Credit (if any) will be added to the final total.
Total Pointsearned (Final Average) will determine the grade received for the course, as follows:
TotalPoints / Final Percentage / Final Grade
90-100+ / 90-100 / A
85-89 / 85-89 / B+
80-84 / 80-84 / B
75-79 / 75-79 / C+
70-74 / 70-74 / C
60-69 / 60-69 / D
0-59 / 0-59 / F
OUTLINE:
Projected Schedule of Readings and Assignments
Note: All readings below are required, and must be completed by the day indicated; the only exceptions are those indicated with an asterisk (*), which are recommended additional readings or resources.
Note: This schedule is subject to revision according to the Academic Calendar for the semester, school closings due to inclement weather or other reasons, and the progress of the class. Students will be notified in class of additions or changes, and they will also be posted here as well as on the class Announcements page.
Important Dates, Spring 2008:Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday / Mon., Jan. 21
Classes Begin / Tues., Jan. 22
Program Adjustment Period (Add/Drop/Change) / Tues., Jan. 22—Tues., Feb. 5
Last Day to Register / Tuesday, Feb. 5
Presidents’ Day Holiday / Mon., Feb. 18
Last Day to Withdraw / Fri., Feb. 22
Spring Recess / Mon., Mar. 17—Sat., Mar. 22
Classes Resume / Mon., March 24
SCHEDULE CHANGE / Tue., April 1: Monday schedule
Exam Period
(may change at the discretion of the instructor) / Mon., April 28 —Sat., May 3
Classes End / Sat., May 10
Week: / Dates: / Readings and Assignments:
1 / Mon., 21 Jan. / Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday
Wed., 23 Jan. / Course Introduction: Syllabus, texts, policies, assignments;
Letter of Introduction Due
2 / Mon., 28 Jan. / Pfeiffer, Chapter 1: Process in Technical Communications, Chapter 1 Quiz
*See also, Planning Form (Fill-In Form) or here (normal Word document)
Wed., 30 Jan. / Pfeiffer, Chapter 16: Style in Technical Communications, Chapter 16 Quiz
*See also: Guide to Writing Paragraphs, Essays, Letters, and Memos
In-class Writing
3 / Mon., 04 Feb. / Pfeiffer, Chapter 2: McDuff: Ethics and Globalism in the Workplace: Corporate Culture in the New Century, The Global Workplace, Ethics on the Job (39-49)
*See also:
D. Tannen, "Squeaky Wheels and Protruding Nails" ("How To Give Orders Like a Man");
D. Gershaw, Too Close for Comfort, and The Body Language of Proxemics
Short Paper 1 Due
Wed., 06 Feb. / Pfeiffer, Chapter 2 cont.: Background and Types of Products, Corporate and Branch Offices, Writing at McDuff (50-60); Chapter 2 Quiz
In-class Writing
4 / Mon., 11 Feb. / Pfeiffer, Chapter 3: Organizing Information, Chapter 3 Quiz
Wed., 13 Feb. / Pfeiffer, Chapter 4: Page Design, Chapter 4 Quiz
*See also:
Guide to Using Bullets, Numbering, Tab Stops, Headings, and Styles
Guide to Using Tables
Guide to Creating Outlines and Bibliographies
In-class Writing
Short Paper 2 Assigned
5 / Mon., 18 Feb. / Presidents' Day Holiday
Wed., 20 Feb. / Pfeiffer, Chapter 8: Informal Reports, Chapter 8 Quiz
In-class Writing
Short Paper 2 Due
6 / Mon., 25 Feb. / Pfeiffer, Chapter 12: Graphics
*See also:
Guide to Using Tables
How to Create an Excel Chart (.pdf from Heartland Community College)
Wed., 27 Feb. / Pfeiffer, Chapter 12 cont., Chapter 12 Quiz
In-class Writing(In-class writing assignment Fill-In Form is posted here)
*See also:
Roberts, Graham, and Mike Gröndahl. "Making a Martin (diagram)." New York Times
22 Feb. 2008: F9.
"Sector Snapshot: Energy (chart)." New York Times 22 Feb. 2008: C8.
Gates, Gilbert. "A World Presence (graphic)." New York Times 22 Feb. 2008: C4.
7 / Mon., 03 Mar. / Pfeiffer, Chapter 5: Patterns of Organization
Short Paper 3 Due
Wed., 05 Mar. / Pfeiffer, Chapter 5 cont., Chapter 5 Quiz
In-class Writing
Informal Report Due
8 / Mon., 10 Mar. / Pfeiffer, Chapter 6: Process Descriptions and Instructions
Informal Report Due
Wed., 12 Mar. / Pfeiffer, Chapter 6 cont., Chapter 6 Quiz
In-class Writing
Mon., 17 Mar. / Spring Break: Monday, March 17 through Saturday, March 22
Wed., 19 Mar.
9 / Mon., 24 Mar. / Pfeiffer, Chapter 9: Formal Reports
Short Paper 4 Due
Wed., 26 Mar. / Pfeiffer, Chapter 9 cont., Chapter 9 Quiz
In-class Writing
10 / Mon., 31 Mar. / Pfeiffer, Chapter 14: Technical Research; Chapter 14 Quiz
*See also: Guide to Locating and Documenting Internet Sources
Wed., 02 Apr. / Pfeiffer, Chapter 7: Letters, Memos, and Electronic Communication
In-class Writing
Formal Report Due
11 / Mon., 07 Apr. / Pfeiffer, Chapter 7 cont., Chapter 7 Quiz
Short Paper 5 Due
Wed., 09 Apr. / Pfeiffer, Chapter 7 cont., as necessary; or Chapter 15: The Job Search
In-class Writing
12 / Mon., 14 Apr. / Pfeiffer, Chapter 15: The Job Search
*See also: Guide to Designing a Résumé
*See also: Kepcher, Carolyn. "Faulty Résumé Can Sink You." New York Daily News 3 March 2008: Money Section, 11.
Wed., 16 Apr. / Pfeiffer, Chapter 15 cont., Chapter 15 Quiz
In-class Writing
13 / Mon., 21 Apr. / Pfeiffer, Chapter 15 cont., as necessary
Short Paper 6 Due
Wed., 23 Apr. / Review
In-class Writing
14 / Mon., 28 Apr. / Exam Period: Monday, April 28 through Saturday, May 3
Wed., 30 Apr.
TOPICS:
For each of the assigned assignments and projects, a topic or list of topic choices will be provided. Your work must be on one of the assigned topics for that assignment or developed in consultation with the instructor, or it will receive a grade of “F”. All work must be submitted on or before the due date, by the beginning of the class period; late work will not be accepted. All work completed outside of class must be typed (in 12-point Times New Roman font), double-spaced, and stapled when submitted. Be sure to read the instructions for each assignment carefully, and remember that unless otherwise indicated, these are formal papers and reports: they must be grammatically correct, free of errors in mechanics, grammar, usage, spelling, and documentation, and will be evaluated according to the Model for Evaluation of Student Writing. Please refer to the Revising and Editing Checklist for additional assistance.
In-class Writing: Letter of Introduction: Wednesday, 23 January
Using block format (see p. 597), write a formal letter of introduction to the instructor, explaining (1) who you are; (2) your writing experience, including personal writing, academic writing, and professional or technical writing, if any; and (3) your concerns about or expectations for the class.
In-class Writing: Ethical Issues on the Job: Wednesday, 6 February
In your chosen profession or future career, identify at least three specific ethical problems or issues that you can anticipate may arise. What are they? and how would you handle each one?
In-class Writing: Page Design: Wednesday, 13 February
Working alone or in small groups (two or three students), analyze and revise the sample document using the guidelines in Chapter 4, Page Design. Change the layout and design of the document only; do not alter the document's content, although you may make small changes for style (e.g., changing sentences to phrases or otherwise revising for parallel structure).
In-class Writing: Informal Reports: Wednesday, 20 February
After reading Chapter 8 (Informal Reports), refer to Topic 7 on page 275: Report Based on Internet "Surfing." Your Informal Report, due Wednesday, March 5, will be based on this assignment topic. However, your In-Class Writing Assignment for today is merely to complete the Planning Form from Chapter 1 for your projected report (see p. 10, Figure 1.5; also available online as a Microsoft Word document). Be certain to include the projected report's Purpose, Potential Readers, including their individual needs and expectations, and an Outline of the structure and major points of the document.
In-class Writing: Wednesday, 27 February
Being able to create good, clear graphics requires that one be able to read and understand graphics.Examine the following graphics (class handouts, or available online);then answer the questions on each one. Note: If you are doing this at home or in the computer lab, use the online Microsoft Word (fill-in) form.
1. Roberts, Graham, and Mike Gröndahl. "Making a Martin (diagram)." New York Times 22 Feb. 2008: F9.
A. What parts of the guitar are made of rosewood?
B. What is intended "to counteract string tension and prevent the neck from bending upward"?
C. How is the guitar's neck attached to the body?
2. Gröndahl, Mike. "A World Presence (graphic)." New York Times 22 Feb. 2008: F9.
A. Of the Corolla, Camry, or Tundra, which had the highest 2007 unit sales in Asia?
B. Which of the three had the highest total unit sales?
C. Which of the three had the highest growth in unit sales from 2006 to 2007?
3. "Sector Snapshot: Energy (chart)." New York Times 22 Feb. 2008: C8-C9.
(Note: If you are using the online interactive graphic instead of the handout, your answers may vary. Therefore, please print out a copy of the current graphic you are using.)
A. Which company is furthest ahead of the S & P 500 over the last week?
B. Which company is furthest ahead of the S & P 500 over the last year?
C.What is the approximate one-year price return for Murphy Oil?
In-class Writing: Wednesday, 5 March
After reading Chapter 5 (Patterns of Organization), especially the guidelines and examples for Description and Definition, choose one of the following topics and write a single well-developed paragraph. You may include illustrations, if necessary. As always, your writing should be grammatically correct, free of errors in mechanics, grammar, usage, and spelling.
1. Choose a specific tool, device, or piece of equipment used in your chosen profession or future career, one with which you are familiar, and write a one-paragraph technical description of the item. Be sure to review the guidelines for Description (pp. 142-146) as well as Figures 5-2 (p. 166) and 5-3 (pp. 168-170) before you begin.
2. Choose a specific word or term commonly used in your chosen profession or future career and write a one-paragraph extended definition. The word or term you are defining may refer to a process, object, or concept particular to the field, but it should be one with which you are familiar. Be sure to review the guidelines for Definition (pp. 137-142) as well as Figure 5-1 (p. 142) before you begin.
In-class Writing: Wednesday, 12 March
After reading Chapter 6 (Process Descriptions and Instructions), go to the Technical Communicationwebsite for Chapter 6 and complete Portfolio Activity 5: Writing Instructions for Cell Phone Usage: Many of us misplace instruction manuals to common electronic devices rather quickly, which can cause problems if someone else needs to use the device. Write a short instruction manual for your cell phone. (Please do not consult your phone manual for this exercise.) Include the most commonly used functions and outline the steps in enough detail that a friend could use your phone for a day. Include the following topics:
How to Make a Call
How to End a Call
How to Change the Ringer Settings
How to Mute Calls
How to Turn the Phone On and Off
How to Recharge the Phone
Use terminology that your friend will understand and use a reader-friendly format that will allow the reader to find the essential directions quickly.
In-class Writing: Wednesday, 26 March
After reading Chapter 9 (Formal Reports), refer to Part I: Short Assignments in your textbook (308), and complete #3. Executive Summary:
Choose one of the seven project sheets included at the end of chapter 2 [pp. 70-76]. Write a brief executive summary for the project [using Models 9-7 (p. 319) and 9-9 (p. 325) as your guides]. If necessary, provide additional information or transitional wording not included on the sheet, but do not change the nater of the information already provided.
In-class Writing: Wednesday, 2 April
In-class Writing: Wednesday, 9 April
In-class Writing: Wednesday, 16 April
In-class Writing: Wednesday, 23 April
Topics to be announced
Short Paper 1: Due Monday, 4 February
After reading Chapter 16: (Style in Technical Communications), complete Assignment 10 from page 628-629: , Editing Sample Memo. Replace "Leonard Schwartz" with your name, and using the guidelines in the chapter, edit the memorandum. Change the style of writing only, however: do not alter the memo format. You should be able to make the essay roughly half as long, and as much as three times clearer!
Short Paper 2: Due Monday, 18 February Wednesday, 20 February
After reading Chapter 3: (Organizing Information) and Chapter 4: (Page Design), choose one of the following assignments:
1.) You have been asked by your boss to review the textbook, Technical Communication: A Practical Approach by William Sanborn Pfeiffer, for possible use in a Technical Writing class. Your are asked to consider especially the following factors: cost, comprehensiveness, readability, and additional online resources, if any, and decide whether to recommend adoption of this textbook for next semester. While other factors may also influence your recommendation, be certain to address those already mentioned as your main factors, and identify any others as "Other," "Additional" or "Miscellaneous Factors".