ENGL-2311 Technical and Business Writing
Kristi Gedeon
Credit Spring 2024
Section(s)
ENGL-2311-011 (75369)
LEC DIL ONL DIL
ENGL-2311-015 (75373)
LEC DIL ONL DIL
ENGL-2311-037 (75385)
LEC Th 10:00am - 11:30am DIL DLS DIL
Course Requirements
Course Objectives - Analyze audiences and learn to effectively write documents for particular audiences. Write a concise and error-free application letter and resume. Prepare a set of instructions that uses headings, lists, illustrations, and notices. Review and revise for terminology, color, and graphics issues that might cause comprehension issues for users.Write an evaluation report that uses persuasive techniques and graphic designs.Write a complaint letter that requests compensation for a bad product or service. Be sure that it is as well-designed as a business letter. Write a formal report that focuses on a specific, real-life situation; uses appropriate structure and formatting; documents borrowed information correctly through in-text citations and a Works Cited Page, and uses graphics effectively. This eight-page report must exhibit excellent technical writing procedures.
Course Subjects
Course Description: In this introduction to technical writing, we will learn about the many tools available that support the principles, techniques, and best writing practices that are needed in order to produce relevant and professional documents. Students must conduct produce scientific research that supports their own original ideas. Our focus is to accurately communicate information to a wide variety of audiences that we will address. Students will receive instruction in the writing of professional reports and letters, in the preparation and presentation of oral reports, and in other exercises applicable to a wide range of disciplines and careers. We will emphasize clarity, conciseness, and accuracy of expression. Since research is at the core of this coursework, its techniques will be discussed at length. As we move through the semester, we will learn the critical importance of writing professional error-free documents that rely on fact-based evidence.
Student Learning Outcomes/Learning Objectives
Course Policies: Late Work: Assignments are due by midnight on the due date. Just as in business where late work can lead to lost clients and revenue and thus is not acceptable, late work WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED except in the case of extreme hardship (illness is NOT extreme hardship by the way). This policy is at the top of the list for a reason. An A is reserved for exemplary work; A B represents good but not excellent work; A C is earned by adequately meeting the standards of the assignment; A D is the result of poorly written assignments and an F is given for work that does not meet the requirements of the assignment. Submitting Assignments; Unless otherwise noted, all assignments must be written in Microsoft Word using a 12-point font; You are responsible for keeping back-up and archival copies of all assignments. You must submit your assignments through SafeAssign, which can be found on ACC Blackboard Learning Platform. Your assignments are due by midnight of the due date. I will not accept or grade late assignments. NOTE: Other than the resume and application letter assignments, all of your assigned work must rely upon a variety of subjects; In other words, you cannot use the same topic on each assignment. Every piece of work you turn into me must involve a great deal of research and creativity, Attendance; You are adults and you are responsible for getting the information that you need to complete the assignments for this course; therefore, you must keep an online presence for the duration of this course. It is your responsibility to figuratively show for this class. I will NOT spend a great deal of time trying to re-address issues already learned in our virtual classroom to students who do show up online to participate in this learning experience. l'lll ask you to drop if you miss FOUR CLASSES. Cell Phone Policy-Since it is my goal to help each and every one of you succeed in Business Writing, I will be available to answer any questions you may have. Students may text me at (830)992-8022; I will respond to your texts but I'll definitely respond as soon as I possibly can) between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. five days a week. Withdrawal Policy – It is the student's responsibility to withdraw from the course. Professors are allowed to withdraw students but students must not rely upon their instructor to withdraw them if they wish to withdraw. Incomplete Policy - I do not Incompletes. Austin Community College policies for Academic Freedom, Scholastic Dishonesty, Student Discipline, and Students with Disabilities are as follows: Academic Freedom Statement: I strongly encourage each student to participate in this online class. In any classroom situation that includes discussion and critical thinking, there are bound to be many differing viewpoints; These differences enhance the learning experience and create an atmosphere where students and professors alike will be encouraged to think and learn. On sensitive and volatile topics, students may sometimes disagree not only with each other but also with the professor; It is expected that faculty and students will respect views of others when expressed in class discussions; Keep it civil; If your attitude gets in the way of your work, please be advised that it will affect your grade. SCHOLASTIC DISHONESTY; This policy is typed in all caps for a reason; I will NOT TOLERATE plagiarism. No excuses. If I catch you, I will report you to the Dean of Student Affairs IMMEDIATELY. Since all of your work will be submitted through SafeAssign found on ACC Blackboard Learning Platform, this greatly reduces plagiarism, but be advised that I have been a college professor for many years; therefore, I too can detect work that is not your own. This serious offense goes on your academic record for several year; For further clarification, acts prohibited by the College for which discipline may be administered include Scholastic Dishonesty, including but not limited to cheating on an exam or quiz, plagiarizing, and unauthorized collaboration with another in preparing outside work. Academic work submitted by students shall be the result of their thought, research or self-expression; Academic work is defined as, but not limited to tests, quizzes, projects, either individual or group; classroom presentations, and homework (Student Handbook). Penalties for scholastic dishonesty will depend upon the nature of the violation and may range from an F on the assignment to an F in the course and/or EXPULSION FROM THIS INSTITUTION. I have no problem turning students. Students with Disabilities Statement: All ACC campuses offer support services for students with documented physical or psychological disabilities; Students with disabilities must request reasonable accommodations through the Office of Students with Disabilities on the campus where they expect to take the majority of their classes. Students are encouraged to contact the Office for Students with Disabilities three weeks before the start of the semester (Student Handbook).
Extra Help: Although I am happy to answer questions, extra help is certainly available. If you need help understanding the concepts of this course, thinking of writing projects, getting access to computers, using software, producing professional-looking documents, handling basic writing matters, please use the ACC tutoring labs. Remember, though, that you won't be talking to these tutors about the types of documents you learn in this course.
Office Hours
Published: 01/16/2024 10:14:21