College of Southern Maryland
Languages and Literature
Master Syllabus for Business and Technical Writing
ENG-2050
9/25/2014
This Master Syllabus is not to be confused with individual course syllabi, which may vary in
specifics such as required texts or topic schedules, depending on individual instructor or
specific semester. It is recommended that individual syllabus also include sections on policies
pertaining to Attendance, Accommodation of Documented Disabilities, Course Audit, and
Academic Integrity.
Class Hours: 3.0
Credit Hours: 3
Catalog Course Description: Students develop writing skills through composing a variety of
clear, effective business and technical documents. The content of some of the assignments
may come from the student’s occupation or interests, whether scientific, technical, or nontechnical. Students should refer to the schedule of classes for sections of this course that are
taught in the computer lab. Computer assisted sections will have an additional lab fee.
Instructional Delivery Methods: Classroom lecture, web-enhanced, and online formats
Entry Level Skills Expected of Incoming Students:
•
Read college-level texts with analytical and critical competency.
•
Write unified, coherent paragraphs nearly free of mechanical or structural errors.
•
Complete academic research and correctly document research using an approved
documentation method (e.g., MLA, APA, CMS).
•
Access, navigate, respond, and submit work through the Blackboard Learning Platform.
Prerequisites: ENG 1020 or equivalent
Special Skills and Materials Needed to Complete the Course: Student must be familiar with
Microsoft word and basic keyboarding.
Assigned literature and supplemental materials as needed (e.g., articles, criticism, essays).
None
Course Objectives: The intent of the course is to help students learn to solve problems when
communicating in a technical or business communication situation. The emphasis is to develop
skills in writing a variety of business and technical documents directed to specific audiences.
Learning how to articulate a subject, technical or not, in a precise, analytical and informative
way is an essential skill in any line of business. Additionally, students will be expected to master
research documentation techniques for document contents including print and electronic
sources including text and images.
1
Extra Credit: No more than 5% of the final grade may be given in extra credit. Students may
earn extra credit though diverse opportunities in which they show their mastery of course
material or concepts.
Outline of Topics: Outline of topics for this course should include, but is not limited to the
following:
1.
Introducing business and technical writing and the writing process.
2.
Identifying and meeting the needs of primary and secondary audiences.
3.
Understanding how business and technical writing persuades, informs, or instructs.
4.
Understanding communications and cultural differences within the global
community.
5.
Conducting research for business and technical topics.
6.
Communicating ethically and resolving ethical dilemmas in business and technical
writing.
7.
Evaluating, interpreting, and summarizing print and electronic sources as authentic,
accurate, credible, and reliable.
8.
Revising and editing documents for professional style and tone.
9.
Writing typical business documents such as memos and letters and short reports.
10.
Creating a resume package directed to the needs of a specific position.
11.
Creating technical documents such as technical definitions, specifications, product
and process descriptions, instructions and procedures, and formal analytical reports
incorporating graphics and sources.
Learning Activities and Instructional Delivery:
1.
Reading course material and texts assigned.
2.
Listening and participating actively in lectures and/or computer-based instruction as
well as instructor- and peer- initiated discussion in the classroom or online.
3.
Writing assignments drawn from the topics above.
4.
Completing tests or quizzes, as assigned.
5.
Participating in group or individual projects, as assigned.
6.
Receiving, assessing, and applying peer input.
2
Student Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of the course, students should:
Upon successfully completing this course, students should demonstrate competence in the
following areas:
1.
Understand the purpose and the organization of several different types of business
messages such as letters, memos, short and long reports, resumes, and other
documents.
2.
Apply Standard English grammar and usage to business and technical messages.
3.
Use a concise, effective style for writing business and technical documents.
4.
Understand and practice an accurate method for doing research and documenting
sources in business and technical reports.
5.
Consider the specific needs of target audiences, both local and global.
6.
Use the Internet, World Wide Web, and various college subscribed data bases to find,
evaluate, and use information.
7.
Use proper document formatting, word processing, and presentation techniques to
enhance a business or technical document or presentation.
Student Evaluation Requirements: Student evaluation requirements vary by course instructor.
Although the course is not a composition course, students are expected to complete writing
assignments that demonstrate proficiency in the core learning areas. Such evaluations may
include oral presentations; writing assignments; group projects; and quizzes, tests, and
examinations using various methods.
Core Learning Areas
The Core Learning Areas represent a common body of skills and knowledge to which all
graduates with associate’s degrees should be exposed and for which the college may determine
certain levels of competency which will be assessed through the general education curriculum.
Written Communication
Written communication is the development and expression of ideas in writing in many genres
and styles for various purposes. Written communication requires invention of an idea,
coherence of expression, attention to language and technical skill, and focus on the writing
process.
Competency in this area is measured by the ability to:
10.
Tailor the topic to the audience.
11.
Arrange the text in a logical and purposeful way.
15.
Revise for effectiveness.
3
Critical Thinking
Critical thinking is an intentional, reflective process used to make judgments and decisions
through reasoning, analysis, evaluation, interpretation, and inference.
Competency in this area is measured by the ability to:
28.
Formulate clear, precise, and relevant clarifying questions
Information Literacy
Information literacy is the ability to recognize a need for information and to use an efficient
process to obtain reliable information that meets the need.
Competency in this area is measured by the ability to:
40.
Implement a viable research strategy.
Technological Competency
Technological competency is the ability of students to engage in activities that integrate
instructional content and relevant technology skills.
Competency in this area is measured by the ability to:
43.
Use technology and information legally, responsibly and ethically.
46.
Choose the most appropriate technology to obtain, analyze, synthesize, and present
information and ideas for professional and personal needs.
4