ENGR 100W
Engineering Reports on the Earth and Environment
Fall 2010 Syllabus
Dr. Jeanne Linsdell, Director of Technical Communication, College of Engineering, SJSU
ENGR 100W is required of all engineering students, in all engineering majors. This is an SJSU
Studies course that satisfies Area Z, Written Communication II, and Area R, the Earth and
Environment. SJSU Studies (formerly Advanced GE) This course will help students become
integrated thinkers who can see connections between and among a variety of concepts and ideas.
An educated person will be able to apply concepts and foundations learned in one area to other
areas as part of a lifelong learning process. These courses will help students to live and work
intelligently, responsibly, and cooperatively in a multicultural society and to develop abilities to
address complex issues and problem using disciplined and analytical skills and creative
techniques.
Structure: Each class has lecture and lab (over two separate days) with your instructor, plus a
web component (Yahoo Group).
See: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/JLinsdell100W/
Plus all sections of ENGR 100W meet together on Wednesdays at noon (12:00 - 1:15) for the
Environmental Speaker Series. These are held in room #189, the Engineering auditorium.
Attendance is mandatory; questions will be posed on the content of the speaker's presentation in
the writing assignment during each week's lab. See: http://www.engr.sjsu.edu/about/greentalk
Prerequisites: Undergraduates must have successfully completed English 1A, 1B (earned at
least a C grade), and the WST Exam or 96S before enrolling in 100W.
Office Hours: Tuesday 6:45 am-7:30 am
Wednesday 6:45 am - 7:30 am and 10:15-11:30
Thursday 6:45 am - 7:30 am
Also by appointment
Email 24/7 JeanneLinsdell@aol.com
Room 485 (G)
408-924-3871
Required Reading: (One environmental science text and one technical writing text)
Wright, R. T. & Nebel, B. J. (2008). Environmental Science: Toward A Sustainable Future,
(10th ed.). Prentice Hall.
Markel, Michael (2008, 2010). Technical Communication (8th or 9th edition).
Beford/St.Martin’s. (9th ed. available on iBooks for $45)
Research articles, environmental readings, and exemplary writing examples will be distributed.
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APA format will be taught in class. Although covered in the textbook and through class
handouts, students may also wish to purchase the Publication Manual of the American
Psychological Association (5th edition). This is available in paperback and only recommended.
Course Description:
To be a successful engineer, one must have strong communication skills, both in writing and in
speaking. The aim of this course is to combine two distinct areas of study: technical writing and
environmental impacts. As a result students will be better prepared for their professional careers
to integrate and apply complex skills. The goal of this course is to understand the effects of
environmental factors, both natural and induced, as they relate to products, systems, and
processes—while integrating technical communication skills.
The communication aspects of this course provide regular writing assignments, practice in
editing, and company-focused oral presentations. Engineers in industry must document findings,
share results, build support, and acquire funding. This course will build technical writing that is
direct, convincing, and accurate. As a result, students will be able to write and speak not only
more effectively, but also more easily and confidently, allowing them to critically evaluate their
work.
The content will focus on our earth and environment. What is the difference between science
and pseudoscience? How is the practice of engineering grounded in and conditioned by our
earth and environment? How do the products of engineering impact our earth and environment?
How do engineers affect life forms other than humans? What are engineers doing to improve our
environment? What careers are available in these fields? The perspectives of professionalism
and ethics are also important.
Our Wednesday Environmental Speaker Series provides the substance for many of the in-class
writings and discussions. Practicing engineers, biologists, government regulators, and life
scientists from industry deliver up-to-date briefings on how engineers deal with environmental
issues. Wednesday speakers give a rare peek at how different industries and researchers are
actually dealing with day-to-day environmental issues. Industry speakers share research
methodologies for environmental and career issues.
FIRST WEDNESDAY SPEAKER: September 8
Workload: Assignments will include both in-class and out-of-class writing. Students will write
a minimum total of 11,000 words (approximately 44 pages) throughout the semester, providing
the opportunity for frequent practice and feedback.
Class size is limited to 20 students.
Diversity: Upon successful completion of the course requirements, the student will demonstrate
awareness and sensitivity to age, gender, ethnocultural, disability, and other individual/unique
differences as they relate to engineering and workplace communications.
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PLAGIARISM
What is Plagiarism? Plagiarism is using others' ideas and words without clearly acknowledging
the source of that information. Sometimes it is tempting to copy other people's ideas from the
Internet, textbooks, magazines, lectures, or even from other student papers, incorporating them
into our own writing. As a result, it is very important that we give credit. If we don’t give credit,
we are taking these words and passing them off as our own. This is plagiarism, which comes
from a Latin word meaning a kidnapper or thief.
How Can You Avoid Plagiarism?
To avoid plagiarism, you must give credit whenever you:

Use someone else’s direct words (use quotation marks around exact words that you are
quoting—and give source at end of quotation marks)
“For SJSU students to thrive in the highly competitive global economy, it is critical to
develop international perspectives and knowledge.” (Wei, 2010)
The full reference will be in the back of the report, using APA format.

Use someone else’s ideas, in your words, that are not common knowledge
Calypto Design Systems Inc. recently announced PowerPro that automatically adds clockgarthering logic to RTL code. (San Jose Mercury News, 2009). (Note this is not the exact
words, so there are no quotation marks.) The full reference will be in the back of the report,
using APA format.

Use specific statistics, graphs, drawings, that are not yours
“SJSU’s engineering program is ranked among the top 20 engineering programs for master’slevel institutions in the most recent edition of America’s Best Colleges 2008." (U.S. News &
World Report, 2008)

Self work
One should cite his or her own (or co-authored) work. If your company has copyrighted
work that you or your team have written as part of your job, or you share a patent, or have
previously published material that you have written, credit must be still given. There are
times permission from the company must also be given. Please check with both your
company and your instructor.
Plagiarism will result in a grade of NO CREDIT in E100W. Papers with plagiarism cannot be
rewritten for credit. Your Department Chairperson will be notified. We will work on this
in class. Remember, plagiarism is a serious issue. Learning proper documentation is one of
the key goals of E100W.
Academic integrity statement from the Office of Judicial Affairs:
“Your own commitment to learning, as evidenced by your enrollment at San Jose State
University, and the University’s Academic Integrity Policy requires you to be honest in all your
academic course work. Faculty members are required to report all infractions to the Office of
Judicial Affairs.” The policy on academic integrity can be found at
http://www2.sjsu.edu/senate/S04-12.pdf
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E100W Writing Evaluation Exit Exam/Conducted by an Independent Evaluator
To better meet the communication needs of industry and our students, the College of
Engineering requires all students to pass the E100W Writing Evaluation Exit Exam. A
professional evaluator will grade the E100W Writing Evaluation Exit Exams and assess the
single-topic general essays based on features such as organization, clarity, consistency of point
of view, cohesiveness, appropriateness of diction and syntax, correctness of mechanics and
usage, and content with appropriate details to support a thesis or illustrate ideas. Scores will be 0
–12. Students who receive a 6 or less must be given a No Credit in the course.
Date of Exit Exam: Thursday, December 9, during class lab time.
Course Objectives: Written Communication II: Area Z
ENGR100W has been designed to meet the University Written Communication II (Area Z)
requirements. Each assignment meets some aspect of these learning objectives. These
requirements are as follows:
Learning Objective 1 (Area Z, LO 1): Students shall be able to refine the competencies
established in Written Communication IA and IB as summarized below:
IA Student Learning:
 Students should be able to perform effectively the essential steps in the writing process
(prewriting, organizing, composing, revising, and editing).
 Students should be able to express (explain, analyze, develop, and criticize) ideas effectively.
 Students should be able to use correct grammar (syntax, mechanics, and citation of sources) at a
college level of sophistication.
 Students should be able to write for different audiences (both specialized and general)
IB Student Learning:
 Students should be able to use (locate, analyze, and evaluate) supporting materials, including
independent library research.
 Students should be able to synthesize ideas encountered in multiple readings.
 Students should be able to construct effective arguments.
Learning Objective 2 (Area Z, LO 2): Students shall be able to express (explain, analyze,
develop, and criticize) ideas effectively, including ideas encountered in multiple readings and
expressed in different forms of discourse.
Learning Objective 3 (Area Z, LO 3): Students shall be able to organize and develop essays
and documents for both professional and general audiences, including appropriate editorial
standards for citing primary and secondary sources.
Course Objectives: Earth and Environment: Area R
ENGR100W has also been designed to meet the Earth and Environment (Area R) requirements.
These requirements are as follows:
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Learning Objective 1 (Area R, LO 1): Students should be able to demonstrate an
understanding of the methods and limits of scientific investigation.
Learning Objective 2 (Area R, LO 2): Students should be able to distinguish science from
pseudo-science.
Learning Objective 3 (Area R, LO 3): Students should be able to apply a scientific approach
to answer questions about the earth and environment.
Campus policy in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act:
“If you need course adaptations or accommodations because of a disability, or if you need
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 DRC to establish a
record of their disability.”
Regarding the Lab:
 The evacuation plan for our classroom and lab is posted on the bulletin board.
 Purge all of your files on the lab computer after each session.
 In-class writings must be turned in at the end of the lab session.
 Food and drink are forbidden in the lab.
Sample Course Topics:
AREA Z (LO1, LO2, LO3)
Writing Topics Include:
Technical Resumes & Letters of App.
Communication in the Global Arena
Business Emails
Technical Description
Compare and Contrast
Memos
Good/Bad News Letters
Lab Report
Technical Proposal
Executive Summary
Progress Report
Incident Report
Feasibility Report
Trip/Conference Report
Activity Report
Task Report
Process Explanation
Request for ...
AREA R (LO1, LO2, LO3)
Environmental Topics Include:
Energy and Renewable Energies
Sustainability
Green Buildings (LEED Certification)
Environmental Impact Reports
Water Issues
Food Production and Distribution
Soil Conservation and Agricultural Issues
Marine Protection
Hazardous Chemicals
Landfill Dumping Sites
Pollution
Storm Water Control
Environmental Law
Underground Storage Tanks
Ecology
Pesticides
Fuel Cells
Waste Minimization
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Technical Instructions
Interviewing Techniques
Oral Presentations
Communicating in Teams
Developing Visual Aids
Promotional Pieces
PowerPoint Skills
Manufacturing Processes
Occupational Health & Safety
Public Policy
E-waste
Recycling
Natural Disasters (earthquakes, tsunamis)
Social Responsibility/Ethics
Research Methodology Topics:
Methods and limits of scientific research
Science and critical thinking
Science vs. pseudoscience
Library resources
Internet resources
Professional journals
Gantt Charts
Documentation
GRADING POLICIES:

Late Homework Assignments: Any homework turned in late will be lowered one full letter
grade. (Late is from immediately after the paper is collected in the class in which it is due
through one week.) Papers over a week late will not be accepted. No excuses.

Lab Writing Make-ups: There is only one make-up for a missing in-class writing in the lab.
That makeup date will be Thursday, November 18.

All homework assignments and in-class writings must be done on computer and submitted in
12-point font on appropriate paper.

Assignments are not accepted through email.

The formal oral presentation must be attempted, or the student will receive a No Credit.

Plagiarism is a serious academic dishonesty issue and is addressed above.
Attendance is mandatory at all Wednesday presentations. Check the whiteboard in class each
week and the Wednesday Environmental Speakers web site.
INTEGRATED SCHEDULE:
Weekly writing in the lab incorporates the readings, lectures, discussions, and Wednesday
speakers. Attendance at the Wednesday Guest Speaker Series is mandatory, serving to integrate
the theories in the readings with actual engineering careers. See each week's topics in the
schedule below.
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Note: Each week’s in-class writing activities and homework assignments have concentrations on
specific GE Learning Objectives (LO) – Area Z is Written Communication and Area R is Earth
and Environment. (See p. 4-5.)
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
The SJSU Writing Center is here to help you: http://www.sjsu.edu/writingcenter/
The Learning Assistance Resource Center (LARC) is also on campus to assist:
http://www.sjsu.edu/larc/
The Purdue Online Writing Lab: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/
V. Parrish resources on website: http://www.engr.sjsu.edu/vparrish/eng90w.html
Although no 90W will be offered this semester, this web site is helpful.
APA
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=apa+format+word+2007&aq=1
Table of Contents, etc.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OkyisWIE3kQ
In the environmental text note the appendixes for a vegetation map, world population density
map, and temperature regions and currents map. There is a world map in the back of the text.
SCHEDULE FOR FALL 2010
Dates and Topics
Tech Writing
Markel Chapters
Environmental Reading
Wright Chapters
Weeks 1 and 2:
The semester begins August 25, but there will be no Wednesday speaker until September 8.
Intro to Tech Communication
Grammar and punctuation review
Understanding our environment
Markel Chap. 1 and
Appendices C and D
Week 3: Monday, September 6 is Labor Day: The campus is closed.
Beginning Tuesday, Sept 7
Engineering and the Environment
Markel Chap. 2
Climate Change and Atmospheric Dynamics
Wright: 1, 2, 3
Note: Glossary, p. 643
Wright 10, 11, 20
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Week 4: Beginning Tuesday, Sept. 13
Markel 3, 5
Understanding the writing process
Analyzing your audience and purpose
Researching your subject/developing the argument
Plagiarism and Ethical Issues
Hazardous chemicals
Environmental Packaging
Week 5: Beginning Tuesday, Sept. 21
Due: Tuesday, Sept. 21, Formal Cover Letter and Resume due
Correspondence and E-mail
Markel: 9, 10, 15
Drafting and revising
Preparing job application materials
Green building construction
Human populations
Sustainability
Transportation issues
Week 6: Beginning Tuesday, Sept. 28 Markel: 6, 7, 8
Informative interview skills
Interviews pp. 114-117
Recycling
Water Pollution
Week 7: Beginning Tuesday, October 5
Due: Thursday, October 7, Interview with an Engineer
Writing proposals
Developing textual elements
Renewable energy
Markel: 16, 4
Energy conservation
Environmental agriculture
Environmental pest control
Production and distribution of food
Week 8: Beginning Tuesday, October 12
Science and its limits (science vs. pseudoscience)
Writing progress reports
Integrating graphics
Markel: 12, 13
Renewable energies
Solar energy
Wright: 19, 21, 4
Wright: 5, 6
Wright: 7, 17
Wright: 8, 9, 16
Wright: 12, 13, 14
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Week 9: Beginning Tuesday, October 19
Government Regulation
Markel: 18 and APA Handout
Documentation/ Documenting (APA format) Appendix B
Wright: pp. 287-294
Wright: pp. 454-460
Week 10: Beginning Tuesday, October 26
Due: Thursday, October 28, in class—Analysis of a Professional Journal Article for
Readability and Pseudoscience versus Real Science
(Must be submitted in hard copy to instructor and also submitted to Turnitin.com)
Informal reports
Markel: 14, 15, 17
Wright: pages 100-102, 392
Working in teams/group communication
Wright: note pages 13-15
Earthquakes
Week 11: Beginning Tuesday, November 2
Due: Thursday, November 4--Group Informal Planning Proposal & Gantt Chart:
written and oral
(See http://www.ganttchart.com/Examples.html for Gantt charts)
Writing formal research reports
Conducting successful meetings
Visuals/Graphics
Making formal oral presentations
Abstracts and Executive Summaries
Technical writing careers
LEED Certification
Markel: pp. 48-55
Week 12: Beginning Tuesday, November 9
Thursday, November 11 is Veteran's Day. The campus is closed.
Persuasive writing
Markel: Review 8 and 18
Formal writing
Documentation (handouts)
Solid Waste Management
Wright: Review 14
Wright: 22, 23
Wright: 18
Week 13: Beginning Tuesday, November 16
Thursday, November 18: In-class Make-up Writing Day
Markel: Review all
Wright: 15
Sustainability Reviewed
Wright: page 101, 240, 391-392
Economics/Sustainability
Environmental Policy
Ecosystems, Ocean Ecosystems, Tropical Ecosystems
Eutrophication
National Parks and Nature Preserves
Tsunamis
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Week 14: Beginning Tuesday, November 23
Due Thursday, November 23: Culminating Project: Group Formal Environmental
Proposal with Library Research (APA format required)
(Must be submitted in hard copy to instructor and also submitted to Turnitin.com)
(Oral presentations Nov. 23, 30; Dec. 2, 7)
Revising for effectiveness
Markel: 13, 21, Appendix C
Writing technical instructions
Atmospheric Pollution
Markel: 19
Wright: Appendix C
Environmental Health and Toxicology
November 24-26
THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY
Week 15: Beginning Tuesday, November 30
Tuesday and Thursday oral presentations
Week 16: Beginning Tuesday, December 7
Tuesday, oral presentations
Exit Exam during last lab session, Thursday, December 9
See: GREENTALK for our Environmental Lecture Series
http://www.engr.sjsu.edu/about/greentalk
See: ENGR 100W Yahoo Group
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/JLinsdell100W/
See the following page for the grading chart:
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GRADING
Ultimately this course is graded A, B, C, (+/-) or NC Credit. There are no C-s, Ds, or Fs. The
course grade will be based upon the following weightings:
Fall 2010 Grading
Assignment
In-class environmental and technical writing
assignments (weekly)
(re-writes with editing will be required on some of
these)
Formal Letter of Application and Resume
**Interview with an Engineer (career, technical, and
environmental)
*Analysis of a Professional Journal Article for
Readability and Pseudoscience versus Real Science
(APA format required)
Group Informal Planning Proposal & Gantt Chart:
written and oral
Culminating Project: Group Formal Environmental
Proposal with Library Research
(APA format required)
Formal Oral Presentation of Culminating Project
Final Examination/Exit Exam
Total
Learning
Outcomes Met
All Area Z and
R
Area Z LO1
Area Z LO1,
LO3
Area Z LO1,
LO2
Area Z All
Area R LO1,
LO2
Area Z all
Area R LO3
Area Z All
Area R LO1,
LO3
Area Z LO1,
LO2
Area Z all
Area R LO3
Percent
of Grade
40%
Due
Dates
Each
week
5%
9/21
10%
10/7
10%
10/28
10%
11/4
15%
11/23
5%
11/23
11/30
12/2
12/7
12/9
5%
100%
*The interview will be with a professional engineer, no one on campus.
** A class library meeting with the Engineering Librarian at King Library will be scheduled
before this assignment is due. The Engineering Librarians are also available to meet with you
individually throughout the semester.
Meng Xiong: Mengxiong.Liu@sjsu.edu
Robert Bruce: Robert.Bruce@sjsu.edu
Library: http://www.sjlibrary.org/about/contacts/index.htm
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