San José State University
Meteorology: Fall 2010
Met 100W, Writing Workshop: Meteorological Reports,
Instructor:
Office Location:
Telephone:
Email:
Office Hours:
Class Days/Time:
Classroom:
Dr Martin Leach
DH 619
408-924-5207
mleach.sjsu@gmail.com
MW 1030-1130 or by appt,
MW 1200-1315
DH 614
Course Description
Writing is essential in today’s world. As scientists, we are expected to perform all kinds of
writing tasks. These must be accomplished using accepted styles and formats. In this class,
we will learn what Technical Writing is. We will also learn how to adapt it to any particular
situation (e.g., writing a detailed proposal for PhD-level scientists; making a powerpoint
lecture for high school students etc.)
Pre-requisite:
You MUST have passed the WST test to enroll in 100W.Required Texts/Readings
Textbook: There is no required text. However, you should strongly consider getting Strunk
and White; “The Elements of Style”
Other Readings
Readings may be assigned during the course of the semester.
The American Meteorological Society’s Authors guide can be found at:
http://www.ametsoc.org/pubs/journals/index.html
Other useful websites:
http://www.writing.eng.vt.edu/ from U. Vermont
http://www.io.com/~hcexres/tcm1603/acchtml/ from Austin Community College, Texas
Classroom Protocol
Met 100W, Fall 2010 Page 1 of 3
Please be on time. No cell phones, text messaging or iPods. Computers may be used for note
taking only. No eating or gum chewing.
Dropping and Adding
Students are responsible for understanding the policies and procedures about add/drops,
academic renewal, etc.
Information on add/drops are available at:
http://info.sjsu.edu/web-dbgen/narr/soc-fall/rec-324.html
Information about late drop is available at http://www.sjsu.edu/aars . Students should be
aware of the current deadlines and penalties for adding and dropping classes.
University Policies
Academic integrity
Students should know that the University’s Academic Integrity Policy is available at:
http://www.sa.sjsu.edu/download/judicial_affairs/Academic_Integrity_Policy_S07-2.pdf.
Your own commitment to learning, as evidenced by your enrollment at San Jose State
University and the University’s integrity policy, require you to be honest in all your
academic course work. Faculty members are required to report all infractions to the office of
Student Conduct and Ethical Development. The website for Student Conduct and Ethical
Development is available at http://www.sa.sjsu.edu/judicial_affairs/index.html.
Instances of academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. Plagiarism (presenting the work of
another as your own, or the use of another person’s ideas without giving proper credit) will
result in a failing grade and sanctions by the University. For this class, all assignments are to
be completed by the individual student unless otherwise specified. If you would like to
include in your assignment any material you have submitted, or plan to submit for another
class, please note that SJSU’s Academic Policy F06-1 requires approval of instructors.
Campus Policy in Compliance with the American Disabilities Act
If you need course adaptations or accommodations because of a disability, or if you need to
make special arrangements in case the building must be evacuated, please make an
appointment with me as soon as possible, or see me during office hours. Presidential
Directive 97-03 requires that students with disabilities requesting accommodations must
register with the DRC (Disability Resource Center) to establish a record of their disability.
Met 100W, Fall 2010 Page 2 of 3
Course Calendar: (subject to modification, I will hand out any modifications
throughout the semester)
Topics
Week
Writing a Technical Document
1-2
Literature Reviews Methods
3-4
Power Point Presentations (general)
5
Paper due 9/22
AMS Style
6
Writing a technical Document (Components)
7-10
Presentation 10/6 (PPT)
Graphs, Tables, Equations
11
Draft 11/3
Grammar and Punctuation
12-13 PPT 11/10
Power Point Presentations
15
Resumes, cover letters and Job Interviews
15-16 PPT 12/6-8, Final 12/8
Assignments and Grading
1. There will be 3 papers and 3 presentations. The due dates for all are in the
table above
a. The first paper (5 pages or 1250 words) and presentation ( 5
minutes) will be on the same topic that I will choose for you.
b. The second paper (5 pages) will be your first draft of your final term
paper. You will choose the topic. The presentation will be 5 minutes
on the same topic.
c. The final draft will be a 12 page paper (3000 words) and the
presentation will be 15 minutes.
2. There will be in-class writing assignments, approximately one every week.
Grading
In-class assignments
First Paper
First Presentation
Draft of Term Paper
Draft Presentation
Final Term Paper
Final Presentation
Grade A 90 points to 100
Grade B 80 to 89 points
Grade C 70 to 79 points
Grade D 60 to 69 points
Grade F 59 points or less
Percent of Final
Grade
10
10
10
10
10
25
25