Introduction to Technical Writing Syllabus for 2016-2017
Return to Syllabus List

Instructor Information

Office Location

East Campus Support/Learning Center
ESSC 153

 

 

Office Hours

Course Information

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

If you have a disability (learning, mental, physical) that affects your ability to participate effectively and have access to any program or service at Amarillo College please contact Disability Services at (806) 345-5639 . Our offices are located in the Student Service Center office 112. More information may be found at www.actx.edu/disability.
Disability Services facilitates access to all programs and services according to the ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as well as other federal and state laws.

Amarillo College Web Accessibility Policy Statement

Amarillo College is committed to providing equal access to all programs and services, including all working, learning, and service environments that affect equal access for persons with disabilities. This commitment to provide equal access and opportunity for persons with disabilities is in compliance with federal and state law. Amarillo College also strives to provide Electronic and Information Resources (EIR) that are accessible to all authorized users.

If you find you are unable to access material in an accessible format please contact the Disability Services Office at (806) 345-5639 . This office will work in conjunction with other campus resources to address and accommodate your issue in a timely manner.

Statement for Mental Health and Advocacy & Resource Center:

As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc

Amarillo College Tutoring for Success Policy:

Administrative Drop Policy

Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016

Student Withdrawal Procedures

Students who wish to withdraw from a class must:

  • consult with their instructor to obtain a signed academic withdrawal request form to submit to the AskAC department for processing
  • consult with the financial aid office if receiving financial aid
  • consult with the Veterans Benefit Coordinator if receiving veteran benefits
  • consult with their academic advisor to determine how withdrawing may affect their enrollment in future semesters
    • NOTE:  The Texas Education Code stipulates that students attending Texas institutions of higher education for the first time fall 2007 and later may not withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career, including courses from which transfer students have withdrawn at other Texas institutions of higher education. (Senate Bill 1231) Rule 4.10.

Privacy Statement

The Amarillo College Privacy Policy is found at https://www.actx.edu/-amarillo-college-privacy-notice , and applies to all Amarillo College students.  If you have questions about this privacy statement or you believe that your personal information has been released without your consent, send email to humanresources@actx.edu .

Course

ETWR-1302-001 Introduction to Technical Writing

Prerequisites

Course Description

Introduction to the principles, techniques and skills needed for scientific, technical and business writing.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 2 lec, 2 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Johnson-Sheehan, Richard. Technical Communication Strategies for Today, 2e, Pearson, 2015

Supplies

  • Access to a computer with internet connections and Microsoft Word
  • Ability to print required documents
  • Flash drive for computer
  • Notebook paper, composition book, or spiral for daily writing and note taking
  • 2-3” 3-ring binder for Portfolio
  • Dividers for Portfolio

Student Performance

No performance information available

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

  Amarillo College Technical Education
                                  Code of Professional Conduct

          Amarillo College has the responsibility to provide you with the education, training and “hands on” practice to become a professional in your chosen field. The instruction,
equipment, facilities and apparatus are provided for your use. Studying, practicing, and
learning are required by you.
          As a participating student in Amarillo College Technical Programs, you will be expected to act, perform, and train in a professional manner.  The following rules and guidelines are to be followed by everyone.
 

Attendance:
          Unless it is an emergency, it is highly recommended that you do not miss class.
Recovery of missed information will be the responsibility of the student. Class begins at
the scheduled time. If you are not in your seat in class or at the designated location
during laboratory exercises, you will be counted as tardy. The student will be required to
show an acceptable understanding of the topic(s) covered during their absence. Check
syllabus for your instructor’s policy regarding attendance.
 

Professional Attire:
          Every student will be required to wear an approved AC logo shirt to both class and lab.  Shirts must be ordered through your advisor during the registration period. It is
recommended that each student purchase one shirt for every class in which they are
registered.
    

    Pants will be:

  • clean and well maintained
  •  no large rips or tears
  •  held at the waist (i.e no sagging)
  •  blue jeans or long pants (no sweats/exercise pants)
  •  have no hanging chains/loose strings (safety issue)

          You are expected to reflect the dignity, pride and respectfulness of an industry
professional. As a representative of Amarillo College’s Technical Education Program
you shall wear your AC logo shirt while in the classroom and on the training field or in
the laboratory.
          There will be no caps, hats, bandanas, beanies, or hoods allowed to be worn in the classroom. Lab attire will be determined by your instructor. Please check your syllabus.  Your Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) shall be worn when indicated by the instructor in charge during any training, field, or laboratory exercises.  It is your responsibility to keep your equipment clean and in good shape.  Required professional attire is mandatory for class and laboratory participation.
 

Tools / Equipment / Books / Supplies / PPE:
          You must show up to class with the required list of tools, equipment, books, supplies, and PPE listed on your syllabus in order to be allowed to participate and earn credit for the day.

Conduct:
          Due to the importance of maintaining a safe atmosphere in the training field/laboratory environment as well as in the classroom, any disruptive behavior will not be tolerated. All students are expected to be respectful, courteous, attentive, and quiet in order to support the learning environment.
          There shall be no smoking on any AC campus.
          Students shall refrain from the use of abusive or slanderous language. There is to be no horseplay, fighting, harassment or misconduct by anyone. Any student who uses, has in their possession, or is under the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol on campus or at the training field will immediately be turned over to the campus police for appropriate action. This will be a ZERO tolerance policy with immediate steps taken toward withdrawal from Amarillo College.
          Anyone who is caught cheating on an exam or quiz will immediately be excused from class and not allowed to return. This is an Amarillo College rule and will be strictly enforced. This applies to plagiarism as well.
 

Electronic Devices:
          All electronic devices which produce audible sounds must be silenced during class and on the laboratory/training field. All visual slides and materials are the property of the instructor and may be copyright protected, hence no photocopy is allowed.  See the syllabus for your instructor’s policy on this matter.
 

Grievances:
          Any student who feels that there is a conflict with a course instructor should first make every effort to resolve that matter with the instructor. If you are unable to resolve differences then you should seek resolution from the immediate supervisor of the instructor or the course coordinator.
NOTE: Compliance with the Amarillo College Technical Education Code of Professional Conduct is mandatory for class participation.

Grading Criteria

  • Students must be present in order to earn a PARTICIPATION grade for each class – no makeup for these grades.  
  • Due dates for ASSIGNMENTS must be met for full credit.  Late ASSIGNMENT grades will be reduced by 25%.
  • Student must be present on initial test or quiz dates for full credit. 
  • FINAL EXAM will be a portfolio of assigned tasks.

20%        PARTICIPATION – Common Employability Skills, attendance

50%        ASSIGNMENTS – writing, vocabulary, academic skills

30%        FINAL  – Portfolio

A = 90-100             high achievement

B = 80-89              above average achievement

C = 70-79              satisfactory achievement

D = 60-69             unsatisfactory achievement

F = below 60         unacceptable

Attendance

Daily attendance and punctuality is expected.

Students should contact instructor through AC email regarding emergency absences.

Calendar

TR Classes

DATE

MODULE

TOPICS

GRADED ASSIGNMENTS

17-Jan-2017

1

 

Course Expectations

AC Connect & Blackboard

Learning Community/Mindset

Detailed Forms

TABE Locator

Assignment 1

Vocabulary 1 assigned

Participation 1

 

19-Jan-2017

2

 

TABE Pre-Assessment

Workforce Expectations

Common Employability Skills

Documentation of Procedures

Assignment 2

Participation 2

Quiz - Vocabulary 1

Vocabulary 2 assigned

 

24-Jan-2017

3

 

Personal Skill Identification

Goal Setting

Time & Resource Management

Basics of Technical Writing

Skill Support

Assignment 3

Participation 3

Quiz – Vocabulary 2

Vocabulary 3 assigned

26-Jan-2017

4

 

Teamwork

Business Models /Accountability

Organizational Patterns

Safety and Ethics Codes

Skill Support

Assignment 4

Participation 4

Quiz – Vocabulary 3

Vocabulary 4 assigned

31-Jan-2017

5

 

Academic Strategies

Audience, Context & Purpose

Cultural/Generational Considerations

Skill Support

Assignment 5

Participation 5

Quiz – Vocabulary 4

Vocabulary 5 assigned

02-Feb-2017

6

 

Levels of Inquiry

Levels of Organization

Depth of Detail

Skill Support

Assignment 6

Participation 6

Quiz – Vocabulary 5

Vocabulary 6 assigned

07-Feb-2017

7

 

Evaluating Sources

Citing Sources

Records and Progress Reports

Skill Support

Assignment 7

Participation 7

Quiz – Vocabulary 6

Vocabulary 7 assigned

09-Feb-2017

8

 

Workplace Ethics

Customer Service

Conflict Resolution

Estimates & Proposals

Skill Support

Assignment 8

Participation 8

Quiz – Vocabulary 7

Vocabulary 8 assigned

14-Feb-2017

9

 

Technical Descriptions

Technical Specifications

Skill Support

Assignment 9

Participation 9

Quiz – Vocabulary 8

Vocabulary 9 assigned

16-Feb-2017

10

Supporting Data

Charts, Tables, Graphs, Diagrams

Microsoft Office

Skill Support

Assignment 10

Participation 10

Quiz – Vocabulary 9

Vocabulary 10 assigned

21-Feb-2017

11

Advisor Visit

Educational Plans

Skill Support

Assignment 11

Participation 11

Quiz – Vocabulary 10

Vocabulary 11 assigned

23-Feb-2017

12

Job Preparation: Resumes, Applications, Cover Letters, Interviews

Skill Support

Assignment 12

Participation 12

Quiz – Vocabulary 11

Vocabulary 12 assigned

28-Feb-2017

13

Common Employability Skills

Skill Support

Assignment 13

Participation 13

Quiz – Vocabulary 12

02-Mar-2017

14

TABE Post-Assessment

Skill Support

 

 

07-Mar-2017

 

15

Final Portfolio Presentation

Final Portfolio

 

MW Classes

DATE

MODULE

TOPICS

GRADED ASSIGNMENTS

17-Jan-2017

1

 

Course Expectations

AC Connect & Blackboard

Learning Community/Mindset

Detailed Forms

TABE Locator

Assignment 1

Vocabulary 1 assigned

Participation 1

 

19-Jan-2017

2

 

TABE Pre-Assessment

Workforce Expectations

Common Employability Skills

Documentation of Procedures

Assignment 2

Participation 2

Quiz - Vocabulary 1

Vocabulary 2 assigned

 

24-Jan-2017

3

 

Personal Skill Identification

Goal Setting

Time & Resource Management

Basics of Technical Writing

Skill Support

Assignment 3

Participation 3

Quiz – Vocabulary 2

Vocabulary 3 assigned

26-Jan-2017

4

 

Teamwork

Business Models /Accountability

Organizational Patterns

Safety and Ethics Codes

Skill Support

Assignment 4

Participation 4

Quiz – Vocabulary 3

Vocabulary 4 assigned

31-Jan-2017

5

 

Academic Strategies

Audience, Context & Purpose

Cultural/Generational Considerations

Skill Support

Assignment 5

Participation 5

Quiz – Vocabulary 4

Vocabulary 5 assigned

02-Feb-2017

6

 

Levels of Inquiry

Levels of Organization

Depth of Detail

Skill Support

Assignment 6

Participation 6

Quiz – Vocabulary 5

Vocabulary 6 assigned

07-Feb-2017

7

 

Evaluating Sources

Citing Sources

Records and Progress Reports

Skill Support

Assignment 7

Participation 7

Quiz – Vocabulary 6

Vocabulary 7 assigned

09-Feb-2017

8

 

Workplace Ethics

Customer Service

Conflict Resolution

Estimates & Proposals

Skill Support

Assignment 8

Participation 8

Quiz – Vocabulary 7

Vocabulary 8 assigned

14-Feb-2017

9

 

Technical Descriptions

Technical Specifications

Skill Support

Assignment 9

Participation 9

Quiz – Vocabulary 8

Vocabulary 9 assigned

16-Feb-2017

10

Supporting Data

Charts, Tables, Graphs, Diagrams

Microsoft Office

Skill Support

Assignment 10

Participation 10

Quiz – Vocabulary 9

Vocabulary 10 assigned

21-Feb-2017

11

Advisor Visit

Educational Plans

Skill Support

Assignment 11

Participation 11

Quiz – Vocabulary 10

Vocabulary 11 assigned

23-Feb-2017

12

Job Preparation: Resumes, Applications, Cover Letters, Interviews

Skill Support

Assignment 12

Participation 12

Quiz – Vocabulary 11

Vocabulary 12 assigned

28-Feb-2017

13

Common Employability Skills

Skill Support

Assignment 13

Participation 13

Quiz – Vocabulary 12

02-Mar-2017

14

TABE Post-Assessment

Skill Support

 

 

07-Mar-2017

 

15

Final Portfolio Presentation

Final Portfolio

Additional Information

No additional information available

Syllabus Created on:

01/11/17 3:35 PM

Last Edited on:

01/14/17 4:19 PM