Start Here Quiz

This is an "open book" quiz to help orient you to the course.

Understanding course requirements and routines is essential to succeeding.

Worth up to 10 points.

Quizzes

Quizzes cover assigned readings and video tutorials and include multiple choice, true/false, fill in the blank and/or short problem-solving items.

5 quizzes worth up to 20 points each = Worth up to 100 points

Discussion Forum

Students post in Discussion twice weekly in six out of sixteen weeks in the course.

For full credit, you submit an initial post the first Thursday the module covers and at least one more post by the last Sunday – deadline dates will be provided. Quality more important than quantity but making a substantial statement usually requires at least 20 words. Most topics are designed to help students brainstorm the assignment they are focusing on in that module.

 10 posts worth up to 60 points

Instructions Assignment  

Students create a set of instructions for a specific and defined audience that include an introduction, required tools, step by step instructions and glossary (if applicable) and safety requirements (if applicable).

Worth up to 100 points.

Peer Review Memos

Students use peer review to practice collaboration. Reviews are presented as professionally formatted as routine interoffice memos.

6 memos worth up to 120 points.

Job Application Materials

You will apply what you have learned about targeting messaging, persuasive writing and audience awareness to selling yourself. You will write and design a cover letter and a resume for a specific position or internship. No generics allowed. Job ad required! Can be used to apply for an internship.

Worth up to 100 points.

AI assignment

Students practice and reflect on their experience using AI ethically in research and writing.

Worth up to 60 points.

Proposal Draft Worksheets

Depending on their career focus, students choose an organization – a company, social, religious, local, city or state – and identify a real problem or opportunity to analyze and research for their final report.

Proposal Draft

Worksheet 1 Brainstorming

Worksheet 2 Evaluating online sources and list of vetted research sources

Worksheet 3 Proposed Primary Research

Worksheet 4 Background and Context

Worth up to 125 points

Final Version of Proposal         

Students will revise proposal draft after getting peer reviewed.     

Worth 75 points

Oral Report and PowerPoint

Students use PowerPoint to visualize their proposal for their final report. Online students will be asked to use the tech’s recording feature to include narration of slides.

Worth 100 points

First Draft of Final Report

Students post drafts of their final report for peer reviews and professor feedback

Worth up to 20 points

Second Draft of Final Report

Students post drafts of their final report for peer reviews and professor feedback

Worth up to 20 points

Final Report

Students develop their proposal idea into a 12-page final report that includes text, appropriate front and back matter including cover letter, title page, table of contents, and references, images and data visuals.

Worth up to 100 points.

Course Textbook

Instead of a traditional textbook, Open Educational Resources (OER) have been curated and embedded for your convenience, including video tutorials plus chapters from:

• Last, Suzan. (2019, January 1) Technical Writing Essentials.
• Tiffini Tijerina, et al. (2019, December 17) Introduction to Technical Writing 

“Please note that schedule changes may occur during the semester.  Any changes will be announced in class and/or posted as a Blackboard Announcement.

ENGL 2311 is an introduction to the forms and processes involved in business and technical writing. In our course, we'll investigate how key considerations of audience, purpose, context, and credibility influence the efficacy of these documents. We’ll also investigate how we can use rhetorical knowledge, research, design principles, technical skills, and effective writing processes to craft effective professional and technical communication. You will leave this course understanding how to communicate, collaborate, and learn more effectively in your places of work.

This course will cover principles, techniques, and skills needed to conduct scientific, technical, or business writing. Instruction in the writing of reports, letters, and other exercises applicable to a wide range of disciplines and careers. Emphasis on clarity, conciseness, and accuracy of expression. Research techniques, information design, effective use of graphics, and preparation and presentation of oral reports will be covered.

• Analyze audience, purpose, and context for technical and professional communication projects.
• Craft effective communication using rhetorical principles.
• Use effective information design for documents and graphics creation.
• Assess and select suitable technologies for communication.
• Select appropriate sources based on audience, context, and purpose.
• Gather and assess information from diverse perspectives.
• Assess information accuracy, authority, currency, and perspective.
• Attribute original ideas and cite sources appropriately.
• Evaluate ethical responsibilities in technical communication and apply this knowledge to create effective deliverables.
• Analyze cultural and environmental differences in professional communication.
• Design easy-to-read and navigable documents.
• Edit for technical style and correctness.
• Collaborate with peers to create effective technical and professional communication projects. 
• Reflect on the writing process and personal growth to become a more effective and engaged communicator

• Communication Skills -- Develop, interpret, and express ideas and information through written, oral and visual communication that is adapted to purpose, structure, audience, and medium.
• Critical Thinking Skills -- Gather, analyze, synthesize, evaluate and apply information for the purposes of innovation, inquiry, and creative thinking.
• Personal Responsibility -- Identify and apply ethical principles and practices to decision-making by connecting choices, actions and consequences.
• Social Responsibility (Civic and Cultural Awareness) -- Analyze differences and commonalities among peoples, ideas, aesthetic traditions, and cultural practices to include intercultural competence, knowledge of civic responsibility, and the ability to engage effectively in regional, national, and global communities.
• Teamwork -- Consider different points of view to work collaboratively and effectively in pursuit of a shared purpose or goal.

Review ACC’s college-wide policies and links to support services. This information is also available at the College Policies & Student Support Services link on our Blackboard course menu. These policies apply to all courses across the district. As a student, it is your responsibility to be aware of and abide by these policies. Please read them carefully and let me know if you have questions.

Distance Education

Students will use the Blackboard learning management system for assignment instructions, submitting assignments, and collaboration. If you have never taken an online course, note the differences between traditional face to face and online learning. To be a successful online student requires time management and study skills. Review these tips on how to succeed in online courses at ACC available at: https://online.austincc.edu/faq/

Be sure to check Announcements regularly. The Announcements feature allows me to "talk" to all of you at the same time and communicate important timely info such as reminders about due dates or any changes in the schedule or course due to technical problems (links that won't work, etc.) 

Please drop by the first week of class and introduce yourself to me and your classmates. I have found that in online courses participating in introductions can really help students feel more relaxed and develop a sense of community. You can find the discussion board by clicking on the Discussion link on the main menu. To post, click “create thread.”

Attendance and Class Participation

This is an online-only course. That means you won't have in person or virtual meetings that you are required to attend -- but you will have deadlines. Unless otherwise indicated, assignments are due by 11:59 p.m. Sundays. You will receive “friendly reminders” via Blackboard’s Announcement about upcoming deadlines. Regular and timely class participation in discussions and completion of work is expected of all students. Because this is an online course, if the school closes due to inclement weather, students are still responsible for completing assignments.  

Late Work/Missed Exams

All material should be submitted by the due date on the course calendar. If you expoect to be late with an assignment, email me in advance of the due date to discuss and extension. I will work with you to create a plan to help you succeed. 

ACC’s General Withdrawal Policy

It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that his or her name is removed from the roll should he or she decide to withdraw from the class. You do, however, reserve the right to drop a student should you feel it is necessary. If a student decides to withdraw, he or she should also verify that the withdrawal is submitted before the Final Withdrawal Date. The student is also strongly encouraged to retain their copy of the withdrawal form for their records.

Students are responsible for understanding the impact that withdrawal from a course may have on their financial aid, veterans’ benefits, and international student status.  Per state law, students enrolling for the first time in Fall 2007 or later at any public Texas college or university may not withdraw (receive a “W”) from more than six courses during their undergraduate college education. Some exemptions for good cause could allow a student to withdraw from a course without having it count toward this limit. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with an advisor when making decisions about course selection, course loads, and course withdrawals.” Access the ACC Withdrawals webpage for more information.

Instructor Withdrawal Policy

Because of the possible consequences discussed in the above section, I do not withdraw students. It is up to you if you want to withdraw.

Incomplete Policy Statement

I will award a grade of “I” (Incomplete) if circumstances warrant and the student has been an engaged student and encountered difficult circumstances preventing them from completing the course. A student must have completed a minimum of 75% of the semester’s work and maintained a “C” average or higher for you to consider awarding an “I” An incomplete grade cannot be carried beyond the established date established by the college which is usually the subsequent semester.

AI Policy