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ENGL-2311-008 Technical and Business Writing
<p>Prerequisite: ENGL 1301</p>
Intensive study of and practice in professional settings. Focus on the types of documents necessary to make decisions and take action on the job, such as proposals, reports, instructions, policies and procedures, e-mail messages, letters and descriptions of products and services. Practice individual and collaborative processes involved in the creation of ethical and efficient documents.
Student ResourcesStudent Resources Website
Upon successful completion of this course, students will:
The English Department takes plagiarism seriously.
Plagiarism is defined as the following: the use of someone else’s exact words that are neither quoted nor cited; paraphrasing someone else’s words without citing them; or using someone else’s research without citing it.
Student plagiarism in the Amarillo College English Department is internally tracked. To clarify, records will be kept in the Department of those students who have plagiarized. At the beginning of each new semester, the names of students who plagiarized the previous semester will be sent to all English Department faculty.
Plagiarism may receive a penalty of a zero. A subsequent infraction will be deemed a reason for expulsion from the class. At this point, the case will be referred to the Vice President of Student Affairs.
Note: Self-plagiarism will be discussed with the class by each instructor and infractions for such are left up to the individual instructor’s discretion.
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.
(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)
Hybrid
Required Textbook
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Gurak, Laura J. and John Lannon. Strategies for Technical Communication in the Workplace. 3rd ed. 2016.
IMPORTANT: You MUST have the textbook to be successful in this class. The concepts you need to know to successfully complete the assignments are in the textbook. |
Course Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will:
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".
Student Responsibilities
Attend all classes. This course is fast-paced, and your attendance is an important part of your success.
Respect others: I expect students to treat the instructor and other with respect and dignity. Disrespect will not be tolerated.
Please use cell phones and other devices only as instructed.
Please do not text during class.
Please do not talk to classmates when the instructor is speaking.
Other Responsibilities
Check your grades regularly in Blackboard. If you have any questions or concerns about your grades, please talk to me as soon as possible.
If you have questions or concerns about any assignment grade, you must meet with me about your concerns BEFORE the week of finals.
Avoid plagiarism. Plagiarism is a serious offense and will result in a zero on the assignment. If you are concerned about plagiarism or are not sure whether you’ve cited sources correctly, please schedule a visit with me or with the Writers’ Corner.
Grade Determination
Students can earn a total of 1000 points, including draft workshops, quizzes, and all assignments.
Grades will be based on the following system:
A 90-100=high achievement (895 – 1000 points)
B 80-89= above average achievement (795 – 894 points)
C 70-79= satisfactory achievement (695 – 794 points)
D 60-69= unsatisfactory achievement (595 – 694 points)
F 0-59= unacceptable (0 – 594 points)
Points for Activities
| Category | Activity and Points | Total Points |
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Quizzes |
6 quizzes, 25 points each | 150 |
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Rough Draft Peer Reviews and Discussions |
Peer Reviews (3 x 20 points each) Discussions (6 x 15 points each) |
150 |
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Writing Assignments 6 major writing assignments |
Claim Letter = 50 Instructions Revision = 50 Proposal = 100 Progress Report = 100 Analytical Report = 200 Resume = 50 |
550 |
| Final Exam |
Multiple Choice = 50 Writing Prompt = 100 |
150 |
| Total Points | 1000 |
Assignment Criteria and Feedback Policy
A rubric is provided for each writing assignment that will set forth the criteria for grading.
Timely instructor feedback is important for student success. However, writing assignments often take time to grade, and I strive to give helpful comments on each assignment. You can expect feedback on assignments as noted below:
Tutoring
TUTORING: You can use SMARTHINKING (click), online tutoring available through the AC website. Be advised that the Smartthinking tutoring service has a 2-3 day turnaround, so you need to submit work well before the due date to be sure to receive timely feedback from a tutor.
You are welcome to visit the Writer's Corner (click) located in Ordway Hall to get help with your assignments.
Assignment Submission and Late Work
Assignment Submission:
Late work will be not be accepted. Please work on assignments before due dates.
Missed Quizzes Policy: If you miss an in-class quiz, you cannot make it up unless you knew you were going to be absent and you let me know before the quiz.
Missed Draft Workshop Poilcy: If you miss an draft workshop, you cannot make it up. You may email me your rough draft for partial credit, but you cannot make up the peer review unless you know you are going to be absent and you let me know ahead of time.
Withdrawal
If you consider withdrawing, you must talk to your instructor first. The deadline for withdrawal is on the Amarillo College Calendar.
NOTE: Withdrawing early from a class could affect scholarship or financial aid monies.
Course Outline
Click on the course calendar link within the course for assignment due dates.
This outline gives you an idea of which chapters will be read and when major assignments are due. Check your class calendar in Blackboard for specific due dates. The following outline is subject to change at the instructor’s discretion and based on students’ needs.
Module 1: Principles of Workplace Writing
Week 1
Introductions: Intro. Discussion, Diagnostic writing
Read Chapters 1 and 3 (Technical Communication Basics)
Quiz: Ch. 1 and 3
Module 2: Common Workplace Correspondence
Week 2
Read Chapters 4, 18, and 10 (Ethics, Emails, Texts, Letters, and Memos)
Quiz: Ch. 4, 18, and 10
Claim Letter Assignment
Week 3
Read Chapters 6 and 8 (Writing Style and Document Design)
Quizzes: Ch. 6 and Ch. 8
Module 3: Research and Report Writing
Week 4
Read Chapter 17 and 2 (Proposals and Research Process), Review Appendix A
Ch. 2 Quiz
Proposal Assignment
Week 5
Read Chapters 15 and 16 (Reports), Chapter 5 (Structuring Information)
Quiz: Ch. 15, 16, 5
Research for Report; Progress Report Assignment
Week 6
Chapter 7 (Visuals)
Report Draft Workshop
Report Final Draft Due
Module 4: Job Search Materials
Week 7
Read Chapter 9 (Job Application Materials)
Resume and Application Letter Assignment
Week 8
Review and Final Exam
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Final Exam:
To Be Announced . . .
10/18/17 1:26 PM
10/23/17 2:07 PM