ENGL 309—Summer 2013
Texas A&M University Central Texas
ENGL 309.165: Technical Communication ONLINE
Summer 2013
Instructor :
Office:
Email:
Dr. Katherine S. Miles
Room 217C, Founders Hall
Please use Blackboard.
Office Hours:
Skype:
Monday - Thursday
Virtual (email/phone): Monday - Thursday
10a-12p
9a-1p
Please use Blackboard for all class-related messages. If you send an
email through Blackboard, and I do not respond within one (1) business
day, please use my university address to send a duplicate massage:
ksmiles@ct.tamus.edu.
My Skype Name is: finch.katherine
Please make an appointment (via email) if you wish to Skype. Signing-up
for an account is easy and free. All you need is a web cam. Many newer
computers have cameras built in, but a used camera can be purchased
online for as little as $5.
If you prefer to speak on the telephone, please email a request and
include your telephone number. At that time, we will negotiate a time to
speak.
This course has online components. Please contact the Blackboard Helpdesk if you need help accessing
This course has online components. Please contact the Blackboard Helpdesk if you need help accessing
Blackboard.
Blackboard.
Support Portal: http://www.ct.tamus.edu/bbsupport
Support Portal: http://www.ct.tamus.edu/bbsupport
Online chat (through the support portal at: http://www.ct.tamus.edu/bbsupport)
Online chat (through the support portal at: http://www.ct.tamus.edu/bbsupport)
Phone: (855) 661-7965
Phone: (855) 661-7965
Please contact the support portal for all Blackboard-related problems/issues. In most cases, I am unable
to resolve technical difficulties.
1.0
Course Description:
Technical communication is the study and practice of how best to convey information to
multiple audiences with different goals and needs. In this class, we will engage in
multiple, diverse forms of technical communication: from a basic resume to complex
instructions. Most types of professional writing incorporate the basic elements of
technical communication—writing with clarity for a specific audience—so you will learn
valuable skills in this course that will enhance your present and future communications.
2.0
Objectives of Course:
After taking this class, you will be able to:
ENGL 309—Spring 2013
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3.0
Recognize the rhetorical features of various genres of technical information,
especially contexts, purposes, and audiences
Communicate using clear, concise, and grammatically correct language
Demonstrate the basic principles of effective document design
Plan, design, develop, and present technical information
Convey complex, technical information to a lay audience
Required Reading and Textbook(s):
Lannon, John M. and Laura Gurak, Technical Communication. 12th Edition.
This text does not need to be purchased in the campus bookstore, but it is your responsibility to
obtain a copy BEFORE the first reading and quiz are due.
Additional readings will be delivered via Blackboard.
4.0
Course Requirements:
4.1 Quizzes (100 points, 10 quizzes @ 10 points each): A quiz will be given each week over the
reading material assigned for that day. Quizzes CANNOT be made up.
4.2 Discussion Board (150 points, 3 @ 50 points): The first major assignment is a discussion
board where each student will introduce themselves to the class. This assignment is
important in terms of setting the professional and collegial tone for the course, especially
since we will work collaboratively for many assignments. A second discussion
assignment is due where each assigned team will learn strategies for negotiating
conflict. The third discussion helps teams establish an agenda for the collaborative
project.
4.3 Resume/Cover Letter (100 points): These two documents will prepare you to seek
employment by documenting your education, experience, and skills for a specific job (of
your choosing). In addition, these documents exhibit the technical communication skills
needed for the semester-long, client project.
4.4 Collaborative Case Studies (100 points, 50 points each): There are two collaborative
activities that are intended to prepare students for the collaborative instructions. These
activities will be evaluated on participation in and contribution to the collaborative
endeavor.
4.5 Collaborative Proposal (100 points): The proposal will present your team’s plan for the
instructions assignment: what process your team will document, what tasks need to be
completed, who will complete each task, and what the timeline for completion is. Your
proposal will be evaluated on whether it provides a clear, detailed picture of 1) why the
instructions are necessary, 2) what you intend your instructions to be and do, and 3) how
you plan to accomplish your goals. It is expected that the instructions will evolve as we
progress through the project, so what your team proposes is not the final word.
4.6 Usability Test (30 points draft, 70 points for 2 tests): The usability test will uncover any
flaws or inconsistencies in the instructions before ‘going to print’. Your team will earn 30
points for submitting a complete draft. Also, each individual must complete two (2) tests
of other instructions. Thus, 30 points are collaborative, and 70 points are individual.
4.7 Print Instructions (200 points): This assignment asks you to create a set of instructions
for a process of your choosing (i.e., software documentation, cell phone repair, etc.). The
Instructions must have a practical use for a particular audience, and they will be based
on an action, assembly, operation or implementation of a critical process.
ENGL 309—Summer 2013
Grading Criteria Rubric and Conversion
100 points
Quizzes (10 @ 10 points each)
Discussion Board
Resume/Cover Letter
Collaborative Activities
Collaborative Proposal
Usability Test
Collaborative Print Instructions
150 points
100 points
100 points
100 points
100 points
200 points
TOTAL
850 points
I use a point system to calculate grades. At any point in the semester, you
should be able to easily determine you course grade. Simply a) divide the total
number of points earned by the total number of points possible for all completed
assignments, and b) multiply this number by 100. Use the scale below to
determine your grade:
A 90-100
B 80-89
C 70-79
D 60-69
F 59-below
A
Top-notch, excellent, extraordinary accomplishment. Really strong conception and execution. Minor
tinkering at most needed to make this comparable to professional-quality work.
B
Very strong work. Everything in order, well conceived and well executed. Minor editing problems at most.
NOTE:
The differences between an A and a B have to do with a combination of originality, excellence,
thoroughness, and attention to detail in execution. Although A grades may include comments on sentence
level editing, doing this type of editing would not be sufficient to raise a B to an A.
C
Average, but missing some components. No glaring conceptual or execution problems, but nothing
particularly outstanding in either department. Topic or problem may be somewhat limited, or execution may
be less than optimal.
D
Acceptable, but below average work. Either conception, execution or both definitely need to be improved.
F
Not of acceptable quality.
7.0 Complete Course Calendar
Topics and Activities
Week 1
Assignments
(Syllabus is subject to change.)
ENGL 309—Spring 2013
6.4.13 – 6.7.3
Introduction to Technical Communication
What is technical communication?
Accessing Blackboard
Communicating on the job: What do you
need to know?
READ:
Lannon & Gurak, Ch. 1; also read our syllabus and course
policies
DUE:
 Discussion Board: Introduction
 Quiz: Ch. 1 & syllabus
All assignments are due by midnight on Sunday of this week,
EXCEPT the Discussion Board: original posts are due by
midnight on WEDNESDAY, and two (2) comments on peers’
posts are due by midnight SUNDAY.
Week 2
6.10.13 – 6.14.13 Communicating Persuasively: How do you
get your message across?
Résumés and Cover Letters
READ:
Lannon & Gurak, Ch. 3
Lannon & Gurak, Ch. 18
Writing/Designing Resumes and Cover Letters, links on
Blackboard: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/564/01/
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/631/01/
http://www.rpi.edu/web/writingcenter/cover_letter.html
DUE:
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Resume and Cover Letter
Two (2) Quizzes: Ch. 3, Ch. 18, web links
All assignments are due by midnight on Sunday of this week.
Week 3
ENGL 309—Summer 2013
6.17.13 – 6.21.13 Communicating with Clients: memos and
email
READ:
Lannon & Gurak, Ch. 15
Lannon & Gurak, Ch. 16
DUE:
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Discussion: Resolving Conflict
Collaborative Assignment: Considering Your Reader’s
Point of View
Two (2) Quizzes: Ch. 15, Ch. 16
All assignments are due by midnight on Sunday of this week,
EXCEPT the Discussion Board: original posts are due by
midnight on WEDNESDAY, and two (2) comments on peers’
posts are due by midnight SUNDAY.
Week 4
6.24.13 – 6.28.13 Editing for Clarity: Understanding the rhetoric READ:
of good grammar
Lannon & Gurak, Ch. 11
Lannon & Gurak, Ch. 24
Writing Proposals
DUE:
 Discussion: Establish Team Agenda
 Collaborative Assignment: Seeing Proposals through
Reviewers’ Eyes, A Case Study
 Two (2) Quizzes: Ch. 11, Ch. 24
All assignments are due by midnight on Sunday of this week,
EXCEPT the Discussion Board: original posts are due by
midnight on WEDNESDAY, and two (2) comments on peers’
posts are due by midnight SUNDAY.
Week 5
7.1.13 – 7.5.13
Instructions
READ:
Lannon & Gurak, Ch. 21
DUE:
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Collaborative Proposal for Instructions
Quiz: Ch. 21
All assignments are due by midnight on Sunday of this week.
Week 6
7.8.13 – 7.12.13 Using Visuals to Convey Information
Designing Pages and Documents
READ:
Lannon & Gurak, Ch. 12
Lannon & Gurak, Ch. 13
DUE:
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Two (2) Quizzes: Ch. 12, Ch. 13
All assignments are due by midnight on Sunday of this week.
Week 7
ENGL 309—Spring 2013
7.15.13 – 7.19.13 Conducting Usability Tests
READ:
Lannon & Gurak, Ch. 14
DUE:
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Draft of Print Instructions (these drafts can be rough,
but we need to know what the basic procedure or
process is, and what the major steps are)
Two (2) usability tests of your peers’ drafts
All assignments are due by midnight on Sunday of this week,
EXCEPT the Draft: original drafts are due in the Discussion
Board by midnight on WEDNESDAY, and two (2) usability tests
of peers’ drafts are due by midnight SUNDAY.
Week 8
7.22.13 – 7.26.13
DUE:
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Collaborative Instructions
Survey of Collaborative Experience
All assignments are due by midnight on Sunday of this week.
8.0 Assignment Submission Policy
I expect you to submit your assignments by midnight on Sunday of each week. Occasionally,
assignments are due midweek (i.e., the draft of the instructions is due by Wednesday, so that
usability tests may be conducted).
Quizzes may not be made up. Late assignments will be penalized.
I am willing to negotiate an extension of no more than one week on no more than one occasion
during the semester for the major assignments (except the final instructions). The formal
request for an extension should be sent via email at least 24 hours before the assignment is
due. The formal extension request should be in memo format and should state the following:
o Ask for an extension
o Explain why the assignment will not be submitted on time
o Provide a new submission date
If no formal request is made for an extension, the assignment will be considered late. If the
assignment is not submitted on the new submission date, a ‘zero’ will be awarded.
Always keep back-up, electronic copies of ALL your work. If I misplace your assignment (or if
my computer crashes and I lose all data, which has happened), you are responsible for
promptly submitting another copy. Also, it is good practice to keep ALL graded copies of your
work in case a grade dispute arises.
9.0
Technology Requirements
All of our assignments will be submitted through Blackboard. If you are not familiar with
Blackboard (e.g., how to take a quiz, how to submit an assignment, how to use the Discussion
Board, etc.), then you are responsible for contacting the Blackboard Helpdesk for support (see
page 1 of this document).
ENGL 309—Summer 2013
10.0 Classroom Communication Policy
Like any workplace, this class is governed by a set of guidelines. Your professional selves
should emerge strongly in this class. We expect everyone to communicate clearly and
professionally with one another. We expect everyone to contribute productively to electronic
discussions. We expect everyone to respect others and to demonstrate a professional attitude
toward this class.
All questions or concerns should be sent to me via email. I will attempt to answer each email in
a timely manner. However, if the email is sent after normal business hours (9a-5p M-F), then I
will not respond until the next business day. For example, if a request is made on Friday after
5p, and that request is regarding a course that meets on Monday, then I will not respond to the
email before class. Please plan accordingly.
If I do not respond to your email through Blackboard within one (1) business day, please send
another message to my university account: ksmiles@ct.tamus.edu
11.0 Drop Policy
If you discover that you need to drop this class, you must go to the Records Office and ask for
the necessary paperwork. Professors cannot drop students; this is always the responsibility of
the student. The record’s office will give a deadline for which the form must be returned,
completely signed. Once you return the signed form to the records office and wait 24 hours, you
must go into Duck Trax and confirm that you are no longer enrolled. If you are still enrolled,
FOLLOW-UP with the records office immediately. You are to attend class until the procedure is
complete to avoid penalty for absence. Should you miss the deadline or fail to follow the
procedure, you will receive an F in the course.
12.0 Academic Honesty
Texas A&M University Central Texas expects all students to maintain high standards of
personal and scholarly conduct. Students guilty of academic dishonestly will fail the course.
The faculty member is responsible for initiating action for each case of academic dishonestly.
Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating on an examination or other
academic work, plagiarism, collusion, and the abuse of resource materials. The following
website from Purdue University’s Online Writing Lab provides an overview and definition of
plagiarism; links from this site provide guidelines for avoiding plagiarism. You should familiarize
yourself with these definitions and practices.
Understanding and Avoiding Plagiarism: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/589/02/
13.0 Disability Services
Texas A&M University – Central Texas complies with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of
1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. TAMUCT promotes the use of the
Principles of Universal Design to ensure that course design and activities are accessible to the
greatest extent possible. Students who require reasonable accommodations based on the
impact of a disability should contact Gail Johnson, Disability Support Coordinator at (254) 5015831 in Student Affairs, Office 114E. The Disability Support Coordinator is responsible for
reviewing documentation provided by students requesting accommodations, determining
eligibility for accommodations, helping students request and use accommodations, and
coordinating accommodations.
ENGL 309—Spring 2013
14.0 Library Services
INFORMATION LITERACY focuses on research skills that prepare individuals to live and work
in an information-centered society. Librarians will work with students in the development of
critical reasoning, ethical use of information, and the appropriate use of secondary research
techniques including: exploring information resources such as library collections and services,
Identify sources such as subject databases and scholarly journals, executing effective search
strategies, retrieving, recording, and citing relevant results correctly, and interpreting search
results and deciding whether to expand the search. Library Resources are outlined and
accessed through the web page. http://www.tarleton.edu/centraltexas/departments/library/
15.0
Tutoring
Tutoring is available to all TAMUCT students, both on-campus and online. Subjects tutored
include Accounting, Finance, Statistics, Mathematics, and Writing (APA). Tutors are available at
the Tutoring Center in Founder's Hall, Room 204, and also in the Library in the North Building.