ENGL-2311 Technical and Business Writing
Kathryn Roosa
Credit Spring 2024
Section(s)
ENGL-2311-004 (75364)
LEC DIL ONL DIL
ENGL-2311-016 (75374)
LEC DIL ONL DIL
ENGL-2311-021 (75377)
LEC DIL ONL DIL
Course Requirements
This is a Z-cost class. The course uses free web-based materials and materials I have created.
Students will need a computer and free Office365 from the college.
For more information about the course and a list of frequently asked questions, go to https://sites.google.com/austincc.edu/businesstechnicalwriting/home
Student Learning Outcomes/Learning Objectives
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon the successful completion of this course, you will be able to:
- Recognize, analyze, and accommodate diverse audiences.
- Produce documents appropriate to audience, purpose, and genre.
- Analyze the ethical responsibilities involved in technical communication.
- Locate, evaluate, and incorporate pertinent information.
- Develop verbal, visual, and multimedia materials as necessary, in individual and/or collaborative projects, as appropriate.
- Edit for appropriate style, including attention to word choice, sentence structure, punctuation, and spelling.
- Design and test documents for easy reading and navigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is this a hard course?
It depends on what you mean by “hard.” It’s not difficult at all to make at least a B in this course if you read and follow the instructions carefully, and give the major assignments what we used to call “a good college try.” You can raise your grade on major assignments by revising. However, this course is more time-consuming than some online courses because it is a writing course, and the only way to get better at writing is to write! If you are taking a full load of classes, working a full-time job, AND taking care of a family, this might not be the term to take such a heavy load. Consider reducing your course load. However, most of my students find that if they have good time management, they can do well in the course.
- Is a textbook required?
No. You will not need to buy a textbook. We will be using online materials. Links to the readings are provided in each module.
- Why do we have to use Word?
If you have Word installed on your computer, you can use it. If not, use the free Word 365 that the college provides when you write your projects. Why? First, because when you get out in the “real world,” virtually all businesses use Word. Second, the formats and characteristics we study in this course are easiest to learn --and for me to teach and grade-- when we are all using the same program. Word 365 works the same whether you have a PC or a Mac.
3. May I work ahead in this class?
Not usually. The course is not self-paced. Each module builds on skills you develop in earlier modules. Therefore, you should not move ahead until you have received my feedback on your previous work. Once you have received feedback, you can move on to the next assignment. Be sure to apply what you learn to the future assignments.
Be sure to check the due dates for your assignments carefully. I'll inform you of any changes by email. Note that a student who misses two or three assignments in a row without contacting me risks being dropped from the course. If you run into problems completing assignments, contact me so we can agree on a way for you to catch up. I’m easy to work with!
4. What kinds of work can I expect to do in this class?
- You'll read the text or other materials. Be sure to take the time to read carefully, and read everything assigned if you want to make the highest grade possible.
- You'll write short responses, complete exercises, take quizzes or engage in discussions that let you show that you have mastered aspects of the course.
- You'll write assignments/projects that illustrate your understanding of the material.
I am very aware of my students’ many responsibilities, and so I NEVER assign “busywork.” I strive to make the requirements of this class take no more time than a traditional, in-person class.
5. Can we revise our work for a higher grade?
Absolutely! If you turn your work in on time, you will have the option to revise your work once. You must submit your revised major assignments within seven days after receiving the grade and comments. Note that there are special requirements that include asking you to highlight your changes and attach a note telling me what you learned from making the revisions. If you make substantial revisions that improve your document, I will raise your grade.
6. What if I am going to be out of town on vacation or for my job?
I don't recommend taking vacations in the middle of a term other than official college breaks. Vacations are not an excuse for late work. If you are going to take a trip, whether for work or play, plan ahead to get your work in on time.
See if you can submit work early or contact me if you will be unable to access the Internet to complete your work on time so we can negotiate a reasonable due date.
7. What if my Internet goes down?
Decide now what your contingency plan will be in the case of an internet outage. A contingency plan is a plan for how you will handle your assignments if something unexpected happens. If a pandemic requires that college labs are closed, you can get wi-fi in the college parking lot if all else fails! If your computer dies, the college may be able to loan you a laptop, so let me know immediately, and I'll help you with that. Of course, in the case of a storm or other wide-ranging occurrence like a breakdown in the electrical grid, we will adapt together and determine how and when to get our work done.
8. How much time will the course require?
Generally, you should plan on 10 - 12 hours a week. Writing classes require time to write, edit, and proofread, in addition to reading or preparing assignments. If you are taking several classes, plus working and/or raising a family, you'll need to plan your time very carefully to maintain your sanity!
9. What are your policies about late work?
I do occasionally allow late paper submissions because I know students have many competing aspects of their lives. With my permission, you may turn in a paper on a later date we agree upon without a grade reduction IF you contact me BEFORE the paper is due. Even so, remember: In the worst case, it's better to turn in something and get a low grade than to turn in nothing and get a zero!
10. What if I want some extra help with my papers?
I'm happy to schedule a writing conference with you. We can set up a phone or online meeting. Furthermore, I encourage you to take advantage of the tutoring services available through the college. I've included a link to them in the course navigation area. You can go over your paper with a tutor in person. You are also free to exchange papers with a classmate. A second set of eyes is always helpful.
11. What if I have questions about an assignment?
If you have questions about an assignment, first reread the course materials to see if your answer is there. If you still have questions, please feel free to text me! I am here to help you, and I appreciate your questions. Don’t ever think you are “bothering” me! :)
12. What if I experience technical difficulties?
If you have a technical question or issue, please contact the ACC Help Desk at 512-223-4636 or email blackboard@austincc.edu. You may also find that you run into fewer problems if you use Firefox or Google Chrome browsers.
Office Hours
M W F 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM https://austincc.zoom.us/j/3550910870
NOTE Office hours: Mondays 3 – 4 pm, Wednesdays 12 - 1 pm, Fridays 12 - 1 p.m. Click the link to access the room: https://austincc.zoom.us/j/3550910870 If these times are not good for you, contact me for a mutually convenient time when we can meet. I am always happy to meet with my students! Of course, you are always welcome to text me at any time to set an appointment or ask a question.Published: 01/26/2024 14:49:52