ENG 2413: Technical Writing
R. English-Bircher
HSS 4.02.62
TENTATIVE CLASS SYLLABUS – SPRING 2010
This Syllabus is provided for informational purposes regarding the anticipated course
content and schedule of this course. It is based upon the most recent information
available on the date of its issuance and is as accurate and complete as possible. I
reserve the right to make any changes I deem necessary and/or appropriate. I will make
my best efforts to communicate any changes in the syllabus in a timely manner. Students
are responsible for being aware of these changes.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Technical Writing introduces students to the basics of writing done outside the academic
sphere. It emphasizes the writing process and considers all aspects of the rhetorical situation,
but concentrates on the analysis of audience. Assignments will consider situations and
audiences that are both technical and non-technical; however, the latter writing audience is
stressed. The class will practice and hone the students’ ability to communicate effectively.
The course’s goal is to sharpen the skills needed for writing (planning, designing, writing,
revising, and editing) to achieve success during and after college.
Technical Writing is writing designed for students in all fields of study; therefore, a technical
background is not needed. As the name suggests, the class focuses on writing, primarily done
on a word processor; however, students do not need previous experience. The class’ goal is to
provide said experience with the completion of quizzes and various homework assignments
based on material explored in the text and discussed in class. Finally, the primary form of
assessment will be in the form of six projects focusing on key writing and an individual
presentation of a final project.
TEXTS
Technical Writing: Principles, Strategies, and Readings, 7th ed: Diana C. Reep (REQ)
Handbook of Technical Writing, 9th ed: Alred, Bursaw, and Oliu (REC)
POLICIES
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Attendance is required.
Tardiness is not tolerated.
There are no make-ups for any missed work.
Class is a mixture of lecture, discussion, and practice, so students must be prepared to
work.
Students can submit one late project (Projects 1-5 only), but the project must be turned in
within one week of the due date for a reduction of 10 points.
Projects must be turned in as a hard copy; I do not accept these via email, no exceptions.
Students are encouraged to get help, especially by attending office hours.
Students must regularly check WebCT/Blackboard for course information,
announcements, and assignments.
Students must be respectful to everyone in class. Disruptive behavior will not be tolerated
(i.e. using any electronic device, talking/interrupting, coming late/ leaving early).
ENG 2413: Technical Writing
R. English-Bircher
HSS 4.02.62
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
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Students are expected to complete six projects over the course of the semester, worth
70% of your grade.
One individual oral presentation (for a total for 15% of the grade) is required.
Assignments, quizzes, and in-class writing will be given throughout the semester. The
average of these – with at least two dropped – will account for 15% of your overall grade.
ASSIGNMENTS
- QUIZZES: These will be over material from the text and will be done during the first 10
minutes of class (no exceptions). These are averaged (with writing assignments) and are
worth 15% of the final grade.
- WRITING ASSIGNMENTS: Students will complete regular writing exercises and
practices. These are averaged with quizzes to constitute 15% of the final grade.
- INDIVIDUAL PRESENTATIONS: All students will be required to present one of their final
reports to the class. Students will be required to create a PowerPoint to accompany the
presentation, as well as provide handouts. This is worth 15% of the final grade.
- PROJECTS: Worth a total of 70% of the grade, this work will constitute the majority of the
class. Each assignment will have specific guidelines and requirements that must be met –
including appropriate research and documentation. The following are possible projects.
1. Academic Paper
2. Group Project (Manual, brochure, etc)
3. Resumes and application letter
4. Case Study
5. Feasibility Study
6. Proposal
COURSE CALENDAR
This is a tentative calendar and all items are subject to change.
Week One: Introduction to Technical Writing
Week Two: No class Monday; Rhetorical Situation and Writing Process Basics
Week Three: Developing a Paper (Invention, Organization, Research, Drafting)
Week Four: Project 1 due; Writing Approaches
Week Five: Document Design
Week Six: Group Conferences
Week Seven: Project 2 due; Introduction to resumes
Week Eight: Continue resumes and job correspondence
Week Nine: Project 3 due; Correspondence
Week Ten: Spring Break
Week Eleven: Correspondence, cont, and Introduction to Reports
Week Twelve: Project 4 due; Long Reports and Specialty Reports
Week Thirteen: Presenting
Week Fourteen: Project 5 due; Presenting
Week Fifteen: Individual Presentations
Week Sixteen: Individual Presentations
Week Seventeen: Final Exams – Project 6 due and finish presentations