Introduction to Technical Writing Syllabus for 2017-2018
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Instructor Information

Office Location

<p>SSC 142B</p>

Office Hours

Monday and Wednesday 1pm to 5pm

Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 8am to 5pm

Course Information

COVID-19 Protocols

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.

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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 course must complete all steps indicated on the Academic Withdrawal Request form by the course withdrawal deadline.

NOTE: Students who are 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. This withdrawal limitation does not include dual credit or developmental classes (Senate Bill 1231 Rule 4.10.) For more information on Drop and Withdrawal Policies, please visit the Registrar's Office Web site.

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-1302-004 Introduction to Technical Writing

Prerequisites

Course Description

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

Student ResourcesStudent Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:

Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact your advisor, the Legal Clinic, or the faculty member in charge of the educational program that you seek to enroll in. The further information you will receive will include notification to you of your right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing authority in order to clarify your particular situation.

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 2 lec, 2 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Gurak, L. & Lanno, J. (2016) Strategies For Technical Communication in the Workplace (3rd ed.), Pearson, Boston.  

*** You need to purchase the eText version with My Writing Lab.  You may purchase it in the East Campus Bookstore or online at http://www.mypearsonstore.com/bookstore/strategies-for-technical-communication-in-the-workplace-0133942740 

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
  • 1” 3-ring binder for Portfolio
  • Dividers for Portfolio

Student Performance

All students are expected to come to class on time, in uniform, and prepared to work with all required materials/tools for the course.  

All students are expected to adhere to the Student Code of Conduct.

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 without prior permission.  See the syllabus for your instructor’s policy on this matter.

Electronic devices may not interfere with the instructor's teaching, or the student's learning.  Electronic devices may be used in accordance with the lesson, but not for personal use during class time.  In the case of an emergency (which typically is not every class session), please let the instructor know of the need to monitor texts/calls and that you may be stepping out of the class to handle the emergency.  
 

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 take the chapter review test during 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 EXAMS will be taken the last day of class.

30%        PARTICIPATION & CHAPTER POST-TESTS

50%        ASSIGNMENTS – writing, vocabulary, academic skills

20%        FINAL  – Tests

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

MW Classes

DATE

MODULE

TOPICS

GRADED ASSIGNMENTS

Class 1

1

Blackboard

Syllabus

My Writing Lab

What is Technical Writing

TABE Test

Chapter 1 Reading Log

Class 2

2

Learning Zone/Performance Zone

5 C's and Gerson's 5 Traits

Common Employability Skills

Industry Expectations

Connections to INMT-1305: Project 1

Individual Academic Skills: Project 1 Evaluation and Discussion

Reading Logs

Chapter 1 Post Test

Project 1 rewrite

Class 3

3

Research and Documentation

MLA & Plagiarism

Ethics in the Technical Workplace

Lego Activity

Connections to INMT-1305: Grammar & Build My Learning Path

Lego Activity

Individual Academic Skills

Chapter 2 & 4 Post Test

Digital & Social Media Application

Class 4

4

Instructions and Procedures: Develop Instructions

Accuracy vs Precision

Connections to Trade: Evaluate Peer Work

Individual Academic Skills: Weekly Planning

Chapter 13 Post Test

Evaluation and Creation of Instructions and Procedures

Class 5

5

Providing Audiences with Usable information

Audience and Purpose of Technical writing

Connections to Trade: Vocabulary Terms

Individual Academic Skills: Note Taking and Marking the Texts

Chapter 3 Post Test

Digital & Social Media Application

Class 6

6

Structuring Information for Readers

Developing User-Friendly Documents

Connections to Trade: Basic Usability Survey & Checklist

Individual Academic Skills: Growth & Fixed Mindset

Chapters 5 & 8 Post Test

Revision of Project 5 Assignment

Class 7

7

Writing with a Reasonable Style

Connections to Trade: Create Flowcharts

Individual Academic Skills: Study on Praise and Mindsets

Chapter 6 Post Test

Creating Flowcharts

Class 8

8

Using Audience Centered Visuals

Creating Graphs

Connections to Trade: Technical Manuals Readability

Individual Academic Skills: Grammar & Punctuation

Chapter 7 Post Test

Submit Reading Logs

Graph Creation for Specific Audience

Team Assignment: Oral Presentation--Technical Manual readability

Class 9

9

Memos & Letters

Emails & Text Messages

Social Media

Connections to Trade: Breakdown Prints and Complete Work Orders

Individual Academic Skills: Costa's Levels of Inquiry

Chapters 10, 18, & 20 Post Tests

Work Orders

Class 10

10

Technical Definitions

Etymology of Trade Vocabulary

Connections to Trade: Develop Cost Proposals

Individual Academic Skills: Mastery Learning

Chapter 11 Post Test

Develop Cost Proposals

 

 

Class 11

11

 

Technical Descriptions and Specifications

Connections to Trade: Time Management

Individual Academic Skills: Opportunity vs Obligation

Chapter 12 Post Test

General Application #4

Team Application #1

Class 12

12

Informative and Descriptive Summaries

Connections to Trade: Conflict Resolution

Individual Academic Skills: Building One's Mindset

Chapter 14 Post Test

Informative and Descriptive Summaries assignment

Team Assignment: Conflict Resolution presentation

Class 13

13

Informal Report-Internal Progress Reports

Connections to Trade: Customer Service

Individual Academic Skills: Persistence

Chapter 15 Post Test

Progress Reports assignment

Team Assignment: Customer Service Role Play

Class 14

14

The future of Work

Finding a Job: Interview Preparation

Connections to Trade: Personal Skill Assessment & Goal Setting

Individual Academic Skills: Positive Outlook

Ready-To-Work worksheet

Create Interview Grid

Class 15

15

How to Build a Resume

How to Write a Cover Letter

Connections to Trade: Interview & Interview Questions

Individual Academic Skills: Positive Outlook

Chapter 9 Post Test

Resume

Cover Letter

Team Assignment: Interview Questions

Complete Learning Path

Class 16

16

Mock interviews

 

Mock Interviews

Final Exam


MW Classes

DATE

MODULE

TOPICS

GRADED ASSIGNMENTS

 

1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13

 

 

 

 

 

 

14

 

 

 

 

 

15

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

16

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additional Information

Syllabus Created on:

10/10/17 9:15 AM

Last Edited on:

10/10/17 9:36 AM