University of North Texas Course Syllabus Fall 2011
TECM 4190 Technical Editing (3 hours)
4190.001
2:00 T/Th
4190.003
11:00 T/Th
______________________________________________
Class meets
Auditorium 306-308 - Technical Writing Lab
Instructor
Vicki V. Peake, Principal Lecturer
Office
AB305
Hours: T/Th by appointment
Home phone: (972) 625-7610
vvpeake.weebly.com
E-Mail
Vicki.Peake@unt.edu (Please use your course and section number in
the subject line.)
Textbook
Technical Editing, Fifth Edition, Carolyn Rude, Longman Publishing
A grammar reference book and style guide
Materials
A good dictionary
thumb drive/flash
An e-mail account
Both blue and red editing pencils or pens
English 4190 Course Objectives
•
To learn and to use copyediting symbols correctly
•
To recognize and correct errors in grammar, spelling, usage, and punctuation
•
To detect and correct errors or weaknesses in logic, consistency, style, and accuracy
•
To use visuals and various layout and design elements effectively
•
To learn to write, edit, and speak as a member of a team
Policies and Procedures
1.You MUST attend class regularly; you cannot learn or perform well if you do not attend. I
understand that emergencies do occur, however, so you will be allowed a maximum of three
absences during the semester. If you have more than three absences, I may drop you from the
class with a failing grade. If a long-term emergency occurs, please call me to discuss what
options you may have. Please note that if you are more than ten minutes late for class, I will
count it as an absence.
2. I will not accept late assignments unless pre-arranged. If you miss an in-class graded
assignment, you will receive a zero on it. If you cannot turn in an assignment on time or cannot
attend class, you are responsible for contacting me as quickly as possible.
3. All assignments must be computer-printed. Handwritten documents are not acceptable.
4. This is a reality-based course and you will work with a real-life client. It includes a variety
of exercises (in and out of class) such as case studies, memos, letters, web site work, oral
presentations, short reports, formal reports, manuals, proposals, and more. You will work with a
real-life subject; you must participate in class discussions and in group projects. You will create
a group contract and group evaluations from your team members will affect your grade.
In-class Writing Workshops
We will spend a significant amount of class time working on course assignments. Good students
use this time to complete group and individual projects, and they benefit from working with the
instructor on their assignments. Be aware that your attendance at these sessions is a vital
component of your grade.
Computer Facilities
As a technical writing student, you may use the Technical Writing Computer Lab in room 307 of
the Auditorium Building.
Plagiarism
All work done in this class must be your own and original. Any use of another's ideas or words
in your work without assigning proper credit is considered plagiarism. Plagiarism, according to
Merriam-Webster Dictionary, means “to steal or pass off the ideas and words of another as
one’s own” or to “use another’s production without crediting the source.” If you plagiarize, you
will fail the class.
Fall 2011 Scheduled Class Projects
Individual projects include timed edit, exam, brochure, e-portfolio. Group projects are to be
determined. These projects are subject to change.
Course Evaluation
Your grade in this course will be determined as follows:
Major group assignments
50%
Individual projects, exams, in-class assignments
50%
100%
A = 90 - 100
B=
80 - 89.9
C=
70 - 79.9
D = 60 - 69.9
F=
Below 60
ADA
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504, Rehabilitation Act, I
will work with the Office of Disability Accommodation to help reasonably qualified students
with disabilities. If you have such a disability, please advise me in writing of your needs no later
than the second week of class.
Essential Competencies include the ability to
 read, edit mark, and analyze technical documents and web sites
 visualize the variances of readable, well-designed documents
 speak in front of the class and use multi-media for support
 write clear, concise, grammatically correct technical prose
 understand the importance of writing for an audience
 discuss in class and in small groups, and work effectively as part of a team
TECM 4190 Weekly Schedule – Fall 2011 (Peake)
Readings
Lecture topics
Major assignments
Week 1
August 25
Week 2
August 29
Week 3
September 6
Introductions
Grammar diagnostic, go over syllabus, attendance
policy, etc.
Chapters 1, 2, 3,
4, bring in bad
brochures and
flyers
Chapters 4, 5, 6
Lab orientation, review of grammar diagnostic,
technical writing principles, editing basics,
assignment of major individual projects
Editing marks, orientation on track changes in
Word, assignment of grammar presentations and
group projects, edit mark exercise, questions for
client
Meet with client, spelling, style guides,
abbreviations, copy edits
Week 4
September 13
Week 5
September 20
Chapter 7, 8, 9,
Chapter 10
Exam Chapters 1 - 9
Basic grammar and usage, giving presentations,
graphics and e-portfolio orientations
Week 6
September 27
Week 7
October 4
Chapter 11
Punctuation, Grammar presentations 1, 2
Chapters 12, 13
Measurements and typesetting, proofreading,
Grammar presentations 3, 4
Week 8
October 11
Week 9
October 18
Week 10
October 25
Chapter 14
Grammar presentation 5, comprehensive editing,
timed exam
Chapter 15, 16,
18
Style
Chapter 18
Graphic design, editing graphics and visuals, rough
drafts due for peer review individual projects
Week 11
November 1
Week 12
November 8
Week 13
November 15
Week 14
November 22
Week 15
November 29
Week 16
December 6
Chapter 21
Ethics, rough drafts due client projects; workshop
Review Chapters
9,10,11,18
Workshop, individual brochures/flyers due
Chapter 24
Group project workshop, client presentations,
e-portfolios due
none
Group project workshop, Thanksgiving
none
Client projects due
none
Evaluations and conferences
Please note: Finals are held the week of December 12. You
MUST attend during the final time announced by the University in
order to pass TECM 4190.