Northeastern State University

College of Arts and Letters

English and Languages Department

Tahlequah, Oklahoma

 

 

English 3083                           Technical Writing                               Spring 2004

 

Instructor:         Dr. Mary Stanley                                                                      Telephone: x3621

Office: Seminary Hall 343                                                        e-mail: stanlemf@nsuok.edu

Office Hours:

 

Catalog Description of Course:

Techniques of technical writing, with emphasis on developing conciseness, accuracy, and objectivity.  Extensive practice in using a variety of technical report formats. Prerequisites: English 1113, 1213

 

 

Course Purpose:

This course is designed to prepare students for the aspects of technical communication tasks in their chosen careers. Emphasis is placed on learning the different written formats used in technical fields, understanding the importance of teamwork in getting projects accomplished, and ethical considerations.

 

Expected Course Outcomes:

Students will:

                  *  Identify and use the appropriate format for a given technical communication         document.

                  *  Demonstrate the importance of teamwork.

                  *  Engage in problem-solving activities

                  *  Research, prepare and present a professional  investigative report.

                  *  Demonstrate professionalism and courtesy in class and interorganizational            relationships

                  *  Demonstrate library and computer skills

           

Instructional Materials:

Lannon, John M.  Technical Communication, 8th ed. New York: Longman, 2000

 

Instructional Procedures:

The expected course outcomes will be realized through a variety of instructional strategies to complement students’ life experiences. These strategies include, but are not limited to, the following: expository-discussion, demonstration, inquiry, and group activities in an electronic environment. Emphasis will be placed on developing problem-solving skills and preparing written papers that communicate clearly. 

 

Student Performance Activities:

This course is offered primarily online, and students are expected to stay current with the scheduled weekly activities just as in a regular class. Likewise, students will be expected to spend the equivalent amount of class and homework time as in a regular class. A specific amount of time will be allowed for posting and/or submission of documents for each online activity; once that time has passed, no materials will be accepted by the instructor. The schedule itself is subject to change without notice as class needs dictate.

 

Please be aware that I cannot drop you from the class; if you doing the class work and do not officially drop the course on your own, I will have no choice but to give you an “F.”

 

Assignment Due Dates:

Students will be responsible for completing problem-solving projects, reading assignments, and writing and revising a number of assignments.  Specific completion times can be found on the schedule and/or the written assignment sheet.

 

   Student Evaluation: 

         * All written assignments must be typed in MLA or proper professional format.

         * Late assignments will not be accepted unless circumstances warrant.

         * Students are expected to use good grammar, proper usage and correct spelling. 

               * Students are expected to deal with one another and the instructor in a professional and         courteous manner.

Grades will be assigned on a numerical basis.  Point values for assignments are as follows:

                           Class participation                   400

                          

                           Team project                           400

                                      Planning proposal                      50

                                      Project participation                100 (evaluated by peers & instructor)

                                      Project presentation                  50

                                      Project written report              100                 

                                                                              

                           Memo-personnel evaluation       50

                           Instructions                              100

                           Bad news letter                       50 

                           Letter of application/resume  100

                          

                           Final investigative report       600  

                                          Proposal/Research               50      

                                          Memo-Progress report        50

                                          Oral reports                        100

                                          Written report                     400                 

 

                           Total points:                        1600 

Note: Class work consists of regular attendance, attitude, completing assignments on time,         reading quizzes, group work, etc. These particular points may vary in actual number, but will retain the same percentage of the overall course grade.

 

Final grades will be determined by the total number of points earned. The following is the tentative scale:

                           A -  1600-1440

                           B -  1439-1199

                           C -  1198-1048

                           D -  1047-  897

                           F -    896-0

 

ADA Compliance:

If any member of the class feels that he/she has a disability and needs special accommodations of any nature whatsoever, please advise the instructor of such disability and the desired accommodations at the first class attended.

 

Inclement Weather/Disaster Policy:

 

As this class in online, weather should not plan a major role, but the following are basic premises for the inclement weather policy at Northeastern State University:

.                       1.  Classes are expected to be held if at all possible.

            2.  It is the student's responsibility to receive the information when weather is                

                      questionable.

                     3.   Neither students nor faculty are expected to risk life or limb.

  4.   Faculty members are obligated to hold classes if the University is not closed, unless the         faculty member is unable to get to campus.

 

                      Policy:  During times of inclement weather, decisions concerning day classes will be made by 6:00 a.m. in order for the media to be notified and for students to receive the announcement before they leave home.  Decisions concerning night classes will be made by 3:00 p.m.

 

The media will be notified regarding closing of the campus, and the automated attendant message on 918-456-5511 will be modified to include information concerning campus operations during inclement weather.

 

 

 

TEAM PROJECT TOPICS:

 

1.  Build a two-lane bridge that will span a 1-foot chasm using only toothpicks and gumdrops.  Bridges should be designed to hold at least a 2-pound weight when suspended from the bridge. Further instructions will follow.  The team will give one presentation and submit one written project report for the whole team.

 

2.  Produce a complete business plan including financials for a web-based company that sells a product or products imported from Canada or Mexico under NAFRA (North American Free Trade Agreement). The product(s) may not already be marketed widely in the U.S., so no serapes, velvet paintings, etc.  Books on how to do a business plan are available in the library.  One business plan will be presented and a written report submitted for the whole team.