Humanities Division / English Department
English 230, Technical Writing
English Department / Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences Division
English230, Technical Writing, Section 1. MW 11 a.m.-12:20 p.m. Rm. IB3315
Credits: 3.0
Course Overview
Pre-requisites
Prereq: ENGL& 101 for most degree and all Engineering transfer students. Appropriate test scores as designated by certificate programs. Fulfills portion of transfer requirements for UW Engineering Programs.(Not recommended for first-year transfer students.)
Texts and Materials Needed
Textbooks
Technical Communications, Process and Product. Gerson and Gerson, 8th Edition, 2014. Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ.
The Elements of Style, Strunk and White, 4th Edition, 2000. Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ.
Other materials
Dictionary; methods for saving MS Word, PowerPoint and other documents;portfolio for presentation of written work; paper, pens, pencils.
Course Description
This course will cover skills associated with Technical Writing: identifying audience; and sources, research methods and interviewing skills; writing and presentation skills. It will emphasize writing and presentation processes usedin preparing reports, proposals, internal communications/memos/resumesas well asuser guides , technical descriptions and specifications for technical hardware and software and procedures. Use of accurate and concise language will be emphasized.
The main focus will be on writing for occupational areas related to engineering technologies,especially planning, executing and completing technical communication projects with consideration for layout, design and the use ofillustrations (including schematics, charts, graphs and mathematics).
Instructor Information
Professor Suess
Offices: 2324 Suite 3 IB; Phone: 206-934-______Email:
General Educational Goals
1)To become aware of and adept at producing different forms of technical writing for specific internal and external audiences.
2)To emphasize critical thinking and problem solving, including quantitative reasoning and research skills, including accessing information from a variety of sources and media.
3)To increase proficiency in technical writing, reading, speaking and listening skills.
4)To become familiar with software used by Technical Writers.
Course Goals
1)To develop the skills necessary to effectively write in business, engineering/ technical and other professional environments.
2)To compose a variety of representative technical writing assignments
3)To learn the efficient use of the library as a technical writing resource facility.
4)To learn the efficient use of the internet as a technical writing resource.
5)To learn the steps necessary for developing effective technical documents
6)To write effective introductory, body and closing paragraphs.
7)To use the processes of writing, revising, and editing to develop technical documents that are comprehensive and fluent and that include a variety of sentence structures. Compositions should include proper word usage, grammar, mechanics and punctuation.
8)To improve critical reading, thinking and writing techniques by working with selected materials.
Objectives
1)To learn new words by keeping a spelling list and using the words in complete sentences.
2)To learn about library resources
3)\To learn about computer resources
4)To practice pre-writing, creating thesis statements and developing outlines.
5)To create complete and compelling sentences.
6)To learn to write dynamic opening, paragraphs. (Also called the lead, thesis or introductory paragraphs.)
7)To write body paragraphs in support of the thesis statement
8)To write appropriate closing paragraphs
9)To practice the “writing process” of pre-writing, drafting, revising and editing to create effective documents.
10)To learn to thoroughly revise, edit and proofread compositions to assure they contain a variety of sentences, meaningful and accurate vocabulary, proper word usage, grammar, mechanics and punctuation.
11)To practice reading, thinking and writing critically by analyzing selected materials
Minimum Course Requirements
1.Complete a series of exercises/homework assignments from the text
2.Work in teams to complete assignments: to understand the strengths and potential problems of working teams; resolving conflicts.
3.Write several types of in-house memorandaemail, memo, letter of inquiry
4.Write one technical description and one instruction.
- Write one 200 to 250 word abstract, summary
- Write one 5 page, documented analytical report, proposal or instruction guide, using library an online resources
- Prepare one oral presentation accompanied by Power Point slides.
- Other possible requirements:
Prepare a questionnaire/process evaluation
Write one process analysis paper 2-3 pages.
Write one data sheet/specification sheet including features and functions
Grading Policy / Weights
20% Final written report
20% Final presentation
20% Homework Assignments
10% Teamwork
10% In-class participation
Note: Late papers will not necessarily be accepted, nor will make up exams necessarily given.
Course Grades
Letter GradeInterpretationGrade Points
ASuperior4.0
BGood3.0
CAverage2.0
DBarely passing1.0
FFailing0.0
IIncomplete0.0
Note: An Incomplete depends on requirements of the college.
Attendance, Decorum and Academic Integrity
Attendance and Punctuality
More than four absences may adversely affect your grade. A student who enters class after attendance has been taken should see the instructor at the end of class to verify his or her attendance. If you miss a significant portion of the class either by coming late or leaving early, you may be counted absent.
Classroom Decorum
We will be spending the entire term together and, as such, we will be, essentially, a learning community. Being a part of this community will require that you bring to class a basic level of involvement, enthusiasm, commitment and consideration. Each student is expected to address everyone in the class with courtesy and respect. It is up to each person in the class to make this a positive learning experience. Disruptions and disrespect of anyone in the classroom are unacceptable and any student who is not intent on learning will be asked to see a college counselor for assistance.
All students are expected to be prepared for every class, pay attention, cooperate with the instructor and with other students, and to complete all assignments on time. Food, CD players, cell phones and beepers should not be seen or heard in the classroom. School policy prohibits children or friends from accompanying registered students to class. Rules also state that no eating, drinking or smoking are allowed in class.
Academic Integrity
Plagiarism is passing off another writer’s work as your own or not giving appropriate credit to the original author. Make no mistake; it is cheating. Plagiarized papers are given automatic F’s, with no possibility of re-writes and may result in failure of the course.
CAVEAT
The above procedures and course calendar are subject to change in extenuating circumstances.
Additional Resources for Students
The Learning Center is open to all students on a drop-in basis. Writing and English tutors are located in The Learning Center near Grove Cafeteria. E-tutoring is available as well at: .
Note: Tutors provide guidance and instruction concerning the writing process and writing skills.. All students, regardless of writing experience, are encouraged to see a writing tutor during the quarter.
The Library is a valuable resource. Please acquaint yourself with it and use it.
Librarians are available to assist you in finding materials in the library and online.
Computer Labs. Papers should be produced using computer applicationsso they can be revised for improvement. Computer labs are open to all students. Students without computer training should ask for help from specialists available in the lab.
Fall Semester; Professor Suess
English Department, Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences Division, North Seattle College1