Introduction to Technical Writing Syllabus for 2016-2017
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Administrative Drop Policy

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

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• 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withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career, including courses from which transfer students have withdrawn at other Texas institutions of higher education.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.

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Course

ETWR-1302-004 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

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/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

Additional Information