English 235: technical writing

Fall 2012, Section A

9:30-10:20am daily, R201

 

 


Instructor: Donna Miguel

Office: R230-T        Phone: (425) 564-2553

Email: d.miguel@bellevuecollege.edu  (please follow proper “netiquette” for emails)

Office Hours:

Materials online: MyBC – http://mybcc.net/

 


                                                 

Required Texts/Materials

 

 

 

Course Description[1]

English 235 is designed to help you report technical information clearly, completely, and persuasively. Technical writing shares many of the same concerns of other kinds of writing, such as attention to Purpose, Readability, and most significantly, Audience. It is characterized by:

 

 

 

NOTE: This is an introductory course in technical writing for students in BC’s professional/technical programs and those who will enter technical careers after completing their four-year degrees. As an upper 200-level course, it is demanding in the amount of work and time required to complete it. It is recommended, but not mandatory, that students enrolling in English 235 should have completed at least three quarters of work at BC (or equivalent) and have strong college-level reading and writing skills.

 

Course objectives[2]

Upon completion of the course, you should be able to:

1.     Understand the purpose and process of communication in business and industry

2.     Recognize and be able to analyze effective and ineffective technical communication

3.     Understand and execute the written, visual, and verbal processes of technical communication

4.     Communicate technical information in a complete, accurate, and honest form

5.     Prepare various types of technical documents that are appropriate and effective for diverse and various audiences (e.g. multicultural)

6.     Balance verbal and visual elements of communication in technical documents

7.     Use clear, focused, specific, and grammatically correct language in technical documents

8.     Use effective strategies for collaborative work in group exercises and preparation of documents

9.     Communicate technical information clearly and effectively in all class discussions, small group work, and course assignments

10. Understand the importance of target dates an deadlines in a professional environment

11. Follow directions carefully!

 

 

COURSE POLICIES

 

Students contribute to making a class effective as the instructor. Do your work, read, and participate in class discussions. Seek out campus resources for additional help. Remember, I am not your babysitter, so please act maturely and respectfully. You will work and earn your grade.

 

Attendance – you are clearly expected to attend class regularly and be on time. Be warned: In accordance with the BC/Arts and Humanities attendance policy, you will receive a failing grade (F) for the class if have 10 unexcused absences.  Furthermore, arriving late twice will equal one (1) absence, and so on. If you are habitually tardy, I reserve the right to mark all lates as absences. If you must miss a class, please contact me (and other classmates if necessary) to make arrangements for your work. I will pass out a sign in sheet that serves as roll, so if you don’t sign it, then you are absent.

 

 I will post all assignments, handouts, and exercises on MyBC. Please print or read out whatever necessary before the class session. Also, should I miss class (ill, off campus, weather related, conferences), please check under “Announcements” for any change, directions, or assignments.

 

Assignments – See Homework Rubric. There will be some in-class work, exercises, and homework that will figure into your final grade. All assignments are due at the beginning of class – the day listed on the schedule. Consult your schedule for these due dates. Although I typically do not accept late work, if you do turn a major report or assignment in late, your grade will be dropped the equivalent of one-half letter grade. Also, take pride in your work; take yourself and your work seriously. Don’t present/turn in work that is sloppy: crumped, mangled, with coffee or food tains, or is folded. See homework rubric; be thoughtful with the presentation and content of your work.

 

Laptop Use - You may NOT use a laptop unless cleared with me (or DRC) first, or you have purchased the e-version of the text. Please let me know so I won’t growl at you in class.

 

Reading – Let’s be clear: You need to purchase the book (or e-version) and you need to read if you want to complete the assignments and pass this class. Please have all assigned reading completed on the dates noted on the schedule, and have it read before the class meets. Okay, to ensure that you are reading the assigned chapters/materials, there will be a pop reading quiz. This is a closed book, closed notes quiz. If you’ve done your reading, you should be able to pass the quiz. There will no trick questions. You cannot make this up. Along with this, class discussions will be based primarily on technical communication principles you are learning, so be prepared to participate by understanding the information in the assigned reading. Through discussion, we will learn and strengthen technical writing strategies and their practical applications.

 

Collaboration – You will be expected to work in groups either in discussions or on course projects. As professionals, you will be frequently working in collaboration with your peers/colleagues. Remember, group work is vital not only for your grade, but to your peers as well. Chapter 4 in the Markel text explains further about collaboration. Finally, you may bring in your laptop on days marked “Group work” so you and your group can work in class on your assignments. Just remember to be considerate to your groupmates as you will be with them for approximately 2-3 weeks during a major assignment.

         

Participation – See Participation Rubric. You will receive points at the end of the quarter for your participation; therefore, speak up, come to class with all of your materials, and have your homework or reading done. Don’t lose points by rudely yawning, goofing off, chatting with our friend, text messaging, listening to your iPod, or refusing to be on task. It is important for you to be present on the days of peer critique because your classmates are counting on your input. You will not receive points on assignments that day if you are not present.

 

Plagiarism – Just don’t do it. ALL work for this class must be original work. If you have any questions about correct citation methods, or how to safely cite from various sources, it is imperative you ask me for help. Don’t cheat, plagiarize, or perform any other misconduct or serious consequences may follow, including receiving a “0/F” for the assignment or an “F” final grade. Also, there may be a report of the incident filed in the Dean of Students’ Office. All assignments are subject for scanning at Turnitin.com, so please save all your e-documents.

 

Respect – I am not a fan of disrespect, esp. to me or any of your classmates. This being said, any comments, jokes, or remarks that belittle the worth of an individual’s (or group’s) physical attributes, race, creed, sexual preference, religion, gender, and/or ethnicity are inappropriate and will not be tolerated. If our behavior inhibits the class’s learning and education, you will be asked to leave, and may be directed/reported to the Associate Dean of students and/or Campus Security. Finally, please silence your cell phones or beepers as they are distracting, disruptive, and annoying. Be warned: I will ask you to leave the class or report you to the proper authorities should disruptive situations arise, you’re unprepared, or you’re sleeping. Please refer to the Arts and Humanities Web page for Student Expectations, which apply to all of my classes: http://www.bellevuecollege.edu/artshum/poilcy.html

 

 

Office Hours – If you have questions or concerns about your assignments, readings, or grade in the class, please see me during office hours (as noted on this syllabus), or make an appointment with me so I can set specific time aside for you. If you need to chat about your topic, please come and see me.

 

Need more assistance?

For Special Accommodations – If you need course accommodations because of a disability, please refer to the Disability Resource Center (DRC) at B132, or by calling (425) 564-2498, or TTY (425) 564-4110

Library Media Center – D building

 Reading/Writing Lab – D204-D.

Additional Student Support Services and Support – Academic Success Center, TRiO, Multicultural Services, Student Programs, Veterans Admin Programs, Women’s Center, etc. See separate handout for list of all Student Support Services and appropriate contact information.

The Disability Resource Center serves students with a wide array of learning challenges and disabilities. If you are a student who has a disability or learning challenge for which you have documentation or have seen someone for treatment and if you feel you may need accommodations in order to be successful in college, please contact us as soon as possible. If you are a student with a documented autism spectrum disorder, there is a program of support available to you. 

 

If you are a person who requires assistance in case of an emergency situation, such as a fire, earthquake, etc, please meet with your individual instructors to develop a safety plan within the first week of the quarter.

 

The DRC office is located in B 132 or you can call our reception desk at 425.564.2498. Deaf students can reach us by video phone at 425-440-2025 or by TTY at 425-564-4110.   .    .  Please visit our website for application information into our program and other helpful links at www.bellevuecollege.edu/drc

 

ASSIGNMENTS

All assignments, unless otherwise noted, must be typed or printed in black ink. Use a standard 12-point font (Courier, Times, Ariel). Each assignment will have a specific format that will be discuss in class. The standard format is single spacing between lines and double spacing between paragraphs. Follow the directions as stated on the assignment sheets.

 

 

 

Although I assign points for each individual assignment, this is a rough calculation:

 

Assignment

Percentage (approx.)

INFORMAL DOCUMENTS

Email

Report 1: Memorandum

 

 

COLLABORATIVE PROJECT

Report 2: Instructions

Presentation (to be graded by peer groups)

 

FINAL PROJECT

Report 3: Project Proposal

Report 4: Progress Report

Report 5: Project Data Report

Report 6: Final Project Report

 

ROUGH DRAFTS/PEER CRITIQUES

 

POP READING QUIZ

 

PARTICIPATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

GRADING SYSTEM

Remember, attendance, punctuality, participation affect your overall grade.

 

A

A-

B+

B

B-

C+

C

C-

D+

D

F

100-95%

94-

90

89-87%

86-85%

84-80%

79-77%

76-75%

74-70%

69-67%

66-60%

59% or fewer

 

 

 

 

 

D. Miguel

Participation Rubric - All classes

 

 

OUTSTANDING

“A” level

STRONG

“B” level

ADEQUATE

“C” level

POOR

“D” & “F” level

PREPARATION FOR CLASS

You bring all your materials. You’re ready to work once the class starts.

You usually bring all materials. You are ready to work once class starts.

You frequently “forget” to bring required materials to class; haven’t bought the book; often not ready to begin when class starts.

You frequently ask to borrow materials from classmates. You are rarely ready to start when class starts. Maybe you walk in late?

FREQUENCY OF PARTICIPATION

Your hand is almost always raised during class discussions.

 

Your hand is often raises during class discussions.

 

Your hand is seldom raised.

 

 

 

You do not volunteer to contribute to class discussions.

QUALITY OF PARTICIPATION

Students who fall into this category offer thoughtful and critical commentary and analysis.

You raise questions, explore difficult concepts, theories, and refer back to the text.

 

 

 

 

You also do not pose as a disruption/distraction to the class (unnecessary, inappropriate comments)

Students who fall into this category participate but as a whole, responses tend to be general, may go off topic, and may not engage/connect/refer back to or with the text.

 

 

 

 

 

Your comments may be unnecessary, inappropriate.

(#8 on the syllabus policies)

Students who fall into this category tend to come to class and pay attention, but they rarely participate.

When you do, it is more likely than not to simply echo someone else’s opinion and/or “easy” questions.

 

 

 

 

Your comments are unnecessary, inappropriate.

#8 on the syllabus)

Students who fall into this category either don’t come to class, don’t contribute at all to the discussion, fall asleep, are caught texting, tweeting, and/or completing assignments for other classes.

You also appear unengaged in class discussion.

 

 

Your comments are inappropriate and may be asked to leave the class. (#8 on the syllabus)

GROUP WORK

You are always on task and a leading and/or equal partner during pair and group activities. Your peers would likely describe you as enthusiastic, helpful, critical, and an actively engaged team member.

You complete group activities and pair activities. You are an equal partner for the most part but are less helpful and/or actively engaged than someone in the “Outstanding” category.

You sometimes need to be reminded to stay on task during group or pair activities OR you carelessly rush through activities.

You give very little effort during pair and group activities and are often off task. You appear disinterested, disengaged and you bring down the morale of your group. (Sitting like a lump)

LISTENING

You actively listen when the instructor and your fellow students speak during class.

You listen when the instructor and your fellow students speak in class but you may appear distracted at times.

You sometimes listen when the instructor and your fellow students speak in class. At times, you may be seen texting, tweeting, completing assignments for other courses, talking to your friends during class discussions.

You “tune” out and sit like a lump when the instructor and fellow students begin speaking in class. Rather than listen, you are openly disengaged and can almost always be found texting, sleeping, completing homework for other classes, etc.

 


[1] Departmental and individual instructors’ description

[2] Departmental objectives