Course Syllabus
Introduction to Technical Writing
ETWR 1302
Semester with
Course Reference
Number (CRN)
Fall 2011
CRN 57920
Gail L. Baker, M. A.
Instructor contact
information (phone
713-363-1688
number and email
sstarinc@sbcglobal.net
address)
Office Location
and Hours
Before class by appointment, after class in classroom
(Please, do not wait to schedule meeting until you experience problems)
Course
Location/Times
West Loop—Room 134
T 1:30 p-5:30 p
Course Semester
Credit Hours (SCH)
(lecture, lab) If
applicable
Credit hours-- 3.00
Lecture hours-- 3.00
Total Course
Contact Hours
48
NA
Continuing
Education Units
(CEU): if applicable
Course Length
(number of weeks)
12 weeks (September 27-December 13, 2011)
Type of Instruction
Lecture
Course
Description:
Introduction to the principles, techniques, and skills needed for scientific, technical,
and business writing
Course
Prerequisite(s)
None
2
Academic
Discipline/CTE
Program Learning
Outcomes
1. Demonstrate ability to select and apply industry standard software
2. Design and demonstrate use of software and techniques in practical
applications
3. Develop a portfolio of work that demonstrates proficiency in skills for
employment
Course Student
Learning
Outcomes (SLO): 4
to 7
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Discuss the elements of technical writing
Determine the purpose of a technical document
Research information
Prepare an outline
Construct technical documents using graphical elements
Learning
Objectives
(Numbering
system should be
linked to SLO e.g., 1.1, 1.2, 1.3,
etc.)
1.1
SCANS and/or
Core Curriculum
Competencies: If
applicable
TEXAS STATE “SCANS” COMPETENCIES
During the progress of this course, the student will demonstrate capabilities in the
following categories of “United States Department of Labor Secretary’s
Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills”:

Managing Resources: Manage materials; manage time

Working With Information: Acquire/evaluate data; organize/maintain
information; interpret/communicate data; process information with computers

Applying System Knowledge: Understand systems

Using Technology: Apply technology to specific tasks

Demonstrating Basic Skills: Reading; writing; speaking; listening

Demonstrating Thinking Skills: Creative thinking; decision making; problem
solving; thinking logically

Exhibiting Personal Qualities: Individual responsibility; integrity; selfmanagement
Instructional
Methods
With your assistance, we can develop and maintain an effective and productive
learning environment through lectures, class activities and discussions, and
assignments—and meet the course objectives.
1.2
2.1
2.2
3.1
3.2
3.3
5.1
5.2
Use research skills, including internet skills, for developing technical
communication projects
Respond constructively to others at various stages of the writing process
Prepare a feasibility study with both text and graphics, following MLA or APA
style
Understand copyright laws and regulations
Understand the skills required for a job in technical communication
Design an effective job interview and résumé package
Exhibit efficient time management to meet deadline demands
Size, crop, and position graphics with text in a document
Develop effective oral presentations with PowerPoint and a well written
feasibility study in Microsoft Word with graphics
The demands of college work may be new to you. This introductory course will help
you to improve and expand your career opportunities and to enhance your ability to
meet your myriad work responsibilities, as well as to enrich your daily personal
activities. Each of you may have very different long–term goals, but together you all
3
should be able to successfully progress toward them.
This accomplishment will become your first major step toward even higher levels of
learning. Achieving your fullest potential, you already know, is a lifelong effort. For now,
read the textbook, complete your assignments, participate in class activities—again, strive
for excellence, and enjoy the Fall 2011 semester! GLB
Student
Assignments
Assignments been planned to guide your learning and concept development as an
introductory level technical writer. To better understand a topic or concept, you will
be given assignments about key information that you will need to remember for
technical writing success in your career.
Student
Assessment(s)
Your work will be evaluated according to the following criteria:

Adherence to assignment guidelines: Do not rearrange the assignment
guidelines. Complete the right assignment. If the assignment is not clear to
you, it is your responsibility to ask for clarification before doing it.

Appropriateness: Follow course policies, attitude—check on how you handle
projects and challenges along with working with others in class. Do not have
someone do the assignment for you. Submit assignments on time.

Techniques and concepts: Application of concepts and techniques.

Design layout: Consider creativity, balance of elements, design techniques,
use of white space, fonts, sizes and styles, and effects and color.

Quality of execution: Content information. Strive for excellence. All work
should be an attempt at portfolio quality.
Using the above criteria, your work will be assessed on six levels:

100–90% A
Exceptionally fine work; superior in presentation, visual
observation, comprehension, and participation

89–80%
B
Above average work; superior in one or two areas

79–70%
C
Average work; good, unexceptional participation

69–60%
D
Below average work; noticeably weak with minimal
participation

≤ 59%
F
Clearly deficient in presentation, style and content with a
lack of participation

Withdrawn W
Excessive absence (> 12.5% semester absence)
Students who wish to appeal a grade penalty should notify the instructional
supervisor within 30 working days of the incident. A standing committee appointed
by the College Dean of Instruction (Academic or Workforce) will convene to
sustain, reduce, or reverse the grade penalty. The committee will be composed of
two students, two faculty members, and one instructional administrator. A majority
vote will decide the grade appeal and is final.
Instructor's
Requirements
1.
2.
All written assignments must be typed, in 12 point font and double spaced—
with full name, CRN, date, and assignment title in header—and submitted as
hard copy, stapled in upper left corner as necessary but with no plastic sleeves
added, and saved on your jump drive as backup.
Each student must visit an English tutor at least once during the semester to
review an assignment draft—get the tutor’s signature with the date, and submit
that draft with the final revision.
4
3.
4.
5.
Program/Discipline 
Requirements: If

applicable
















I carefully review and critique each writing assignment, so that everyone can
learn from past mistakes and suggestions made—but except for résumé only
one rewrite of any assignment is allowed.
Missed classroom work will not be rescheduled for any student with an
unexcused absence.
Announce your name and participate in classroom discussions, regularly—
class participation is part of your final grade. GLB
Complete and comprehend the objectives and technologies involved in all
graded assignments.
Demonstrate the ability to apply creative thinking and problem solving to all
class projects and assignments.
Complete all reading assignments pertaining to the subject matter of the
course.
Attend class regularly, missing no more than 12.5% of instruction (12 hours).
Arrive at class promptly and be prepared with necessary books, storage media,
assignments, and anything else required.
Exhibit safe and courteous lab habits.
Develop and share knowledge and information with fellow students.
Participate in keeping labs clean and organized; shutting down computers
when finished; abiding by lab rules; and showing respect for Instructors, fellow
students, and lab assistants.
Participate in class discussions and critiques.
Demonstrate the ability to communicate in a clear, coherent manner.
Turn in all assignments on time and in the manner required by the Instructor.
Demonstrate the ability to use computer–based technology and software
applications as it applies to given class.
Understand and be proficient in computer file management, including saving
and retrieving files.
When possible, demonstrate the ability to use and understand both Macintosh
and Window operating systems.
Demonstrate knowledge and the ability to use applicable peripherals and
storage devices.
Develop a portfolio that illustrates concepts, techniques, and programs used in
solving class assignments, including a written statement describing project
concepts and processes.
Demonstrate ability and creativity in using computer–based technology in
communicating, solving problems, and acquiring information.
Accept responsibility for personal understanding of course requirements and
degree plan.
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HCC Grading Scale










Instructor Grading
Criteria




Instructional
Materials
100–90% A
4 points per semester hour
89–80%
B
3 points per semester hour
79–70%
C
2 points per semester hour
69–60%
D
1 point per semester hour
≤ 59%
F
0 points per semester hour
In Progress IP
0 points per semester hour
Completed COM 0 points per semester hour
Incomplete I
0 points per semester hour
Withdrawn W
0 points per semester hour
Audit
AUD 0 points per semester hour
IP is given only in certain developmental courses. The student must re-enroll to
receive credit. COM is given in non-credit and continuing education courses. To
compute grade point average (GPA), divide the total grade points by the total
number of semester hours attempted. The grades IP, COM, and I do not affect
GPA.
Assignments and activities—45%
Research paper—35%
Oral research report—15%
Class participation—5%
Textbooks and resources (for availability and best price, check online)

Pickett, Nell Ann, Ann A. Laster, and Katherine E. Staples. Technical
English—Writing Reading and Speaking. 8th ed. New York: Addison
WesleyLongman, Inc., 2001 [ISBN 0-321-00352-7]. (Required)

Fowler, H. Ramsey, and Jane E. Aaron. Little, Brown Handbook. 11th ed.
New York: Longman Publishing, 2008 [0-205-65171-2] (or custom edition for
HCCS—Southwest College). “The eleventh edition of this favorite builds on
its best-selling features with five new emphases: (1) reading and writing
across the curriculum, including a new chapter on academic writing, which
covers the fundamentals of writing in all disciplines, and a revised chapter on
academic skills, which emphasizes how to be successful in all college courses;
(2) research writing, including new material on finding and evaluating library
and Web sources—including blogs, wikis, and multimedia—and a new
research paper on the environment; (3) up–to–date documentation
guidelines, including the recent revisions to MLA, APA, and CSE
documentation styles, with numerous models of new media in each style and
new annotated sample sources; (4) more writing process instruction,
including a new student work–in–progress on the topic of globalization and
new discussions of voice in writing; and (5) grammar guidance, including
new checklists and summary boxes to guide students in crafting clear and
correct sentences.” (With purchase student has access to free tutorials at
Companion Website—<http://wps.ablongman.com/long_fowler_lbh_11/>; you
will find numerous practice exercises with immediate feedback to your
responses.) (Optional but highly recommended for this and future courses)

Consult “The Online Writing Lab at Purdue (OWL)” for Modern Language
Association of America (MLA) format—<http://owl.english.purdue.edu/> (and
regularly do relevant exercises—submit printed records for extra course credit).
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Daily tools

Pens, pencils, notebook, and paper

Highlighter

Folder or binder for your portfolio of assignments
Materials when computers used—HCC Departments do NOT provide supplies!

External storage device

One ream 20 pound laser paper

Blank DVDs and CDs
HCC Policy Statement:
Access Student
Services Policies
on their Web site:
http://hccs.edu/student-rights
Distance Education and/or Continuing Education Policies
Access DE
Policies on their
Web site:
http://de.hccs.edu/Distance_Ed/DE_Home/faculty_resources/PDFs/DE_Syllabus.pdf
Access CE
Policies on their
Web site:
http://hccs.edu/CE-student-guidelines
EVALUATION FOR GREATER LEARNING STUDENT SURVEY SYSTEM
(EGLS3)
At HCC, professors believe that thoughtful student feedback is necessary to improve teaching and learning.
During a designated time near the end of the semester, you will be asked to answer a short online survey of
research–based questions related to instruction. The anonymous results of the survey will be made available to
your professors and Department chairs for continual improvement of instruction. Look for the survey as part of
the HCC Student System online near the end of the semester at <https://hcc.smartersurveys.com>.
FALL 2011— SECOND-START 12 –WEEK SESSION
May 2- July 29
Priority Registration
August 29
Second-Start Reopens
July 1
Friday
Application Deadline for International Students Outside the U.S.
July 11
Monday
Veteran's Advanced Pay Application deadline for Fall
August 5
Friday
Application Deadline for International Transfer Students
September 5
Monday
Offices Closed -Labor Day Holiday
September 23
Friday
Last Day for 100 % Refund
7
September 24
Saturday
Classes Begin- Drop/Add/Swap Fee ($15.00) Begins
September 24- October 7
70% Refund
September 27
Tuesday
Last Day for Drop/Add/Swap
September 27
Tuesday
Registration Ends
October 4
Tuesday
Official Date of Record
October 8-11
25% Refund
October 14
Friday
Priority Deadline for Spring 2012 Financial Aid Award
October 14
Friday
Priority Deadline for Fall Completion of Degrees or Certificates
November 11
Friday
Last Day for Administrative/Student Withdrawals- 12:00pm Noon
November 23
Wednesday
No Night Classes before Thanksgiving
November 24-27
Offices Closed- Thanksgiving Holiday
December 1
Thursday
Veteran's Advanced Pay Application deadline for Spring
December 11
Sunday
Instruction Ends
December 12-18
Final Examinations
December 18
Sunday
Semester Ends
December 19
Monday
Grades Due by- 12:00 Noon
December 23
Friday
Grades Available to Students
December 20- January 2
Offices Closed- Christmas Break
COURSE SCHEDULE (which may change as semester progresses)
Week 1

Class: Technical communication definition, Course Syllabus, student introductions

Read: Purchase textbooks and resources, and supplies

Assignment: Write career goals statement
8
Week 2

Class: Classification of types of workplace readers, and identification of methods of
motivating these various audiences

Read: Chapters 1 and 2, and Appendix 2 in Technical English

Assignment: Write brief report on kinds of communication skills you will need to work in
your chosen career (see Technical English, page 10, Activities 1.2)
Week 3

Class: Clear language is initial major tool of technical communicator

Read: Chapters 3 and 15 in Technical English

Assignment: Write product complaint in format of memorandum, and write response in
format of letter
Week 4

Class: Information design is second major tool of technical communicator

Read: Chapter 4 and Reference Sections—Guides to Information Sources in Technical
English (in preparation for “Library Tour with HCCS Librarian”)

Assignment: Select any single page of technical information with specific design elements
and critique its better and poorer elements, and redesign it
Week 5

Class: Visuals are third major tool of technical communicator

Read: Chapter 5 in Technical English

Assignment: Select two short documents presenting technical information, one using visual
elements well and one using visual elements less well, and explain your reasoning in
paragraph for each
9
Week 6

Class: Technology is fourth major tool of technical communicator

Read: Chapter 6 in Technical English

Assignment: Prepare PowerPoint presentation briefly and simply describing how
technology is used in your career field
Week 7

Class: Importance of oral communication

Read: Chapter 16 in Technical English

Assignment: Select topic for research, and write initial outline of research paper
Week 8

Class: Review of technical writing process

Read: Chapters 7, 8, 13, and 14, and review Reference Sections pages 509-585 in Technical
English

Assignment: Select topic for research, and write initial outline proposal of research paper
Week 9

Class: Procedure explanation is showing how

Read: Chapter 9 in Technical English

Assignment: Explain procedure using mode of presentation of choice
Week 10

Class: Comparing and contrasting descriptions and definitions

Read: Chapters 10 and 11 in Technical English

Assignment: Write long paragraph of description and long paragraph of definition
10
Week 11

Class: Discussion of written research papers and oral research reports, summaries (and
abstracts), and importance and details of annotated bibliography, and review of four major
tools of technical communicator—clear language, information design, visuals, and
technology

Read: Chapter 12 and pages 358-359 in Technical English, and article in handout

Assignment: Summary of article in handout, and annotated bibliography for research paper
to be reviewed and critiqued in exchange by classmate
Week 12

Class: Oral reports on research papers

Read: Review two handouts concerning presenting oral reports

Assignment: Present oral report on research paper and orally critique classmates’ reports,
and submit research paper
11
Student Information Sheet
Digital Communication Department
Instructor
________________________________________
Class name
________________________________________
Semester
________________________________________
Day and time
________________________________________
CRN
________________________________________
Please Print Clearly
Student name
________________________________________
ID number
________________________________________
Current address
________________________________________
City/state/Zip
________________________________________
Current contact numbers
Home phone
________________________________________
Cell phone
________________________________________
Work phone
________________________________________
eMail (print clearly)
________________________________________
College experience
Approximate number of credits
________________________________________
Colleges attended
________________________________________
Declared major
________________________________________
Reason for enrollment in this class (please circle one):
Elective
Requirement
Personal Enrichment
Please list any other DigiCom Department courses you have already taken:
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
12
Acknowledgement of Course Syllabus
Digital Communication Department
To receive credit for attendance, fill in this page and return it to the Instructor before leaving Orientation.
Instructor
__________________________________________
Class name
__________________________________________
Semester
__________________________________________
Day and time
__________________________________________
CRN
__________________________________________
I have read, understand, and agree to abide by the policies of Houston Community College and the contents of the
Course Syllabus. I have had the attendance policies explained to me and I understand that I am responsible for
keeping track of my absences and that I may be withdrawn from this class if I exceed the limits, regardless of
reason.
Please Print Clearly
Student name
__________________________________________
Student signature
__________________________________________
Date signed
__________________________________________
Release Agreement of Work Produced
An agreement between Houston Community College and this student to use work produced by this student during
the course of class activities.
The student agrees to allow Houston Community College to use works created in this class in the following ways:
1. Digital Communication Department Gallery Shows
2. On-line Web sites sponsored by the Digital Communication Department
3. Printed materials produced by the Digital Communication Department
The Department agrees:
1. The student’s work will not be sold or offered for sale without prior permission of the student.
2. Ownership of the work remains with the student.
3. The work will not be altered in any way except to optimize for display or for publication.
4. The student will receive credit for his or her work when it is used as described.
I further agree to the above terms of use for any work created as a part of this class.
Please Print Clearly
Student name
__________________________________________
Student signature
__________________________________________
Date signed
__________________________________________