Technical Writing
English 1110
Required Text:
VanAlstyne, Judith S. (2005). Professional Technical Writing Strategies: Communicating in Technology and
Science. (6th ed.) Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.
Course Description:
Technical Writing is for professionals seeking to upgrade their skills in written communication in today's technologically advanced work place. This course also is for students wishing to build on the technical writing skills learned in Introduction to Technical Writing, English 105. Assignments are based on hypothetical writing situations that students might be called upon to perform as professionals in the work place. These include instructional writing, proposals, recommendation reports, and a major project that involves a procedures or operator's manual.
Since communication also involves the importance of engaging readers visually, students will obtain some experience with document design, layout, and graphics.
Assignments:
There will be six writing assignments that will give you practice with various technical formats and applications. These include:
Assignments:
Assignments are always due at the beginning of the class period (unless otherwise stipulated) on the day indicated. Late work will be penalized with the paper losing a letter grade for each day it is late (this includes weekends as well).
Assignments will be weighted the same. However, the Operator's Manual will be weighted two grades.
Paper Format:
Papers must be typed. Handwritten papers will not be accepted under any circumstances (except for the homework exercises). Thus, do not wait until the last moment to type your work in order that you may allow for any technical calamities that might occur.
When papers are turned in, the pages must be separated and presented in an appropriate manner with either a paper clip or a staple in the upper left-hand corner in order to connect pages.
More detailed formatting instructions will be explained as specific assignments are made. These instructions must be followed since they have a bearing on your grade for that assignment.
Grades:
There will be six major writing assignments. The grades from these assignments will be averaged together to determine a final letter grade.
Grading Criteria:
Assignments will be graded on the quality of your work. By quality I mean that the central idea is clearly stated and adequately supported, solid organization, coherent and developed paragraphs, complete topic sentences, sentence maturity (i.e., variety), and sentence control (grammar, spelling, and mechanics). Quantity will become a factor if you fail to meet the length requirements of the assignment (see grading criteria).
students are expected to attend all class meetings. Students who miss more than TWO classes will be dropped from the course unless there are extenuating circumstances.Attendance:
All
Whether or not a student is present in class, he or she is responsible for class activities, presentations, and assignments. You will need to get the class notes from one of your classmates. I will not repeat the lecture missed that day. I will, however, provide you with any handouts that you might have missed.
NOTE:
If you feel there are extenuating circumstances, please contact me. Do not simply disappear for weeks at a time and assume I will excuse your absences. You must contact me immediately (that same day). The College of DuPage has voice mail. My number is (630) 942-3411. If I am not at my desk, you will be able to leave a message on my voice mail. Remember to leave your name and phone number along with a time I can call you back. This is the procedure you must follow if you want verification that you called.
Conferences:
Each of you will meet with me for a conference. These are required and if you do not attend, it will be counted as an absence.
However, you do not need to wait until a formally scheduled conference to see me. You are all encouraged to see me whenever you are having problems. Just drop by during office hours or call me and I will arrange a time that is mutually convenient.
Schedule Changes:
Occasionally I might find it necessary to make changes to our schedule, especially if I feel the class must spend more time on a particular area. In any event, I will tell you in class beforehand if there are to be any changes. Otherwise, just follow the schedule as indicated.
Home |Professional Background| English 1102| English 1105| English 1110| Learning Links| Grading Criteria