COURSE SYLLABUS ENGLISH 2710, TECHNICAL REPORTS ...

COURSE SYLLABUS ENGLISH 2710, TECHNICAL REPORTS Class/Credit Hours: 3

Catalog Course Description A course in the practical application of principles of logical organization, formatting, and stylistic conventions as appropriate in communication in business and industry. Emphasis on reader- and listener-oriented communication and on collaborative planning and presentation of research-based data. Includes word processing assignments. Prerequisites ENGL 1010 (C grade or higher) Textbook and Other Reference Materials Technical Communication (TC) 7th Edition by William Sanborn Pfeiffer and Kaye E. Adkins Handbook of Technical Writing (HTW) Ninth Edition by Gerald J. Alred, Charles T. Brusaw, and Walter E. Oliu Flash drive for classwork/backups College-level dictionary and thesaurus Access to computer equipped with Microsoft Word software Access to videocamera or audiovisual equipment to videotape oral presentations – Online students Required Student Learning Outcomes (Program Student Learning Outcomes (PSLO) and Course Student Learning Outcomes (CSLO)) PLSO 1: The goal of the Communication requirement is to enhance the effective use of the English language essential to students’ success in school and in the world by way of learning to read and listen critically and to write and speak thoughtfully, clearly, coherently, and persuasively. CSLO 1: Analyze and evaluate oral and /or written expression by listening and reading critically for elements that reflect an awareness of situation, audience, purpose, and diverse points of view. CSLO 3: Develop appropriate rhetorical patterns (i.e., narration, example, process, comparison/contrast, classification, cause/effect, definition, argumentation) and other special functions (i.e., analysis of research), while demonstrating writing and/or speaking skills from process to product. CSLO 4: Understand that the writing and/or speaking processes include procedures such as planning, organizing, composing, revising, and editing. CSLO 5: Make written and/or oral presentations employing correct diction, syntax, usage, grammar, and mechanics. CSLO 6: Manage and coordinate basic information gathered from multiple sources for the purposes of problem solving and decision-making.

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Required Assessments/Assessment Names and Descriptions Report 1 (30-point Letter of Application and Resume) assesses students’ ability to focus on audience awareness, format, tone, abstract/body/conclusion, and style of each type of document while applying concepts in written communication in their attempt to persuade a prospective employer to invite them for a job interview. (PSLO:1 – CSLOs: 1, 3, 4, and 5) Report 2 (20-point Instruction Project) assesses students’ ability to compose a set of step-by-step guidelines designed for hands-on activity. (PSLO: 1 – CSLOs: 1, 3, 4, and 5) Report 3 (20-point Ethics Report) assesses students’ ability to produce a document in response to an on-the-job simulated situation and demonstrate a clear understanding and application of the Society of Technical Communication (STC) ethical standards. (PSLO: 1 – CSLOs: 1, 3, 4, and 5) Report 4 (30-point Formal Proposal/Feasibility Study/Research) assesses students’ ability to respond to a quandary situation on-the-job in a simulated environment while defining and analyzing the problem, applying appropriate research, and producing the findings in an appropriate formal document which in addition to its content includes page design, visuals and documentation. (PSLO: 1 – CSLOs: 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6) Oral Presentations (100 points) assesses students’ ability to demonstrate formal speaking skills (for setting including government agencies, industry/business, education, and community) while following proper speech procedures in organizing, explaining background, defining purpose and main topics, being thorough, using visuals effectively, showing enthusiasm, talking directly to audience, using good diction and language, and drawing appropriate conclusion in summary. (PSLO: 1 – CSLOs: 1, 3, 4, 5 and 6) Exercises (70 points) assesses students’ ability to select appropriate media in response to technical requests and distinguish between email, formal letters, memorandums, text messages, voice messages, and other media. (PSLO: 1 – CSLOs: 1, 4, and 5) Final Exam (10 points) assesses students’ ability to comprehensively recall essential components of technical communication in an report application format. (PSLO: 1 – CSLOs: 1, 3, 4, and 5)

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CSLO/Assessment Alignment - CSLOs: 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6 CSLO: 1

Reports 1-4 Orals 1-3 Exercises A-G Final Exam

CSLO: 3


CSLO: 4


CSLO: 5

Reports 1-4 Oral Presentations Exercises and Quizzes Final Exam

CSLO: 6

Report 4 Oral 3

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Grading Scale or Policy, Weekly Outline, Topics, or Instructional Activities Points Possible Report 1 – Writing for Employment Report 2 – Instruction Report/Group Report 3 – Ethics Report/Group Report 4 – Formal Report/Proposal/Feasibility Study Exercises “A” through “G” – Ten points each for Oral Presentations 1, 2, & 3 (Best 2 of 3 @ 50 points each) Final Examination Total

( 30 points) ( 20 points) ( 20 points) ( 30 points) ( 70 points) (100 points) ( 10 points) ( 280 points)

Grading Scale Point Scale A = 252-280 (90% and above) B = 224-251 (80 to 89%) C = 196-223 (70 to 79% D = 182-195 (65-69%) F = 181 and lower or (Below 65%) Course Delivery Format Faculty may require Online activities and assignments to include Online exercises and submission of all written and Online communications. The extent of Online activities/assignments may vary by course and instructor but will be specified on the course syllabus. Standard Format – This format is the traditional classroom setup but may also use an Online format to provide access to materials which include the syllabus, course material, contact information, and presentations. Upon request, faculty must provide a copy of syllabus and any other course materials. Faculty may require Online activities and assignments to include Online tests and submission of all written and Online communications. The extent of Online activities may vary by instructor but will be specified on the syllabus. Online Format – This format is totally Online, nontraditional; however, students may contact the instructor on campus when necessary. Orals will be submitted via elearn and course management system or via CD-R recording and delivery. All course material, instructions, and contact information are provided Online. Assessments may be conducted Online or in a proctored environment.

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College Policies This class is governed by the policies and procedure stated in the current Chattanooga State Student Handbook. Additional or more specific guidelines may apply.

Email Communication Please note all communication with instructors about your course work should be through the eLearn Email system. For assistance on how to use the eLearn Email tool go to this url: http://river.chattanoogastate.edu/orientations/Student_PDFs/eLearn_eMail_au g09.pdf. For all other communication the official email system used by the college is through Tiger Mail. This is accessible by clicking the blue paw icon from the top right hand side of your Tiger Web home page: https://tigerweb.chattanoogastate.edu/cp/home/displaylogin.

ADA Statement Students who have educational, psychological, and/or physical disabilities may be eligible for accommodations that provide equal access to educational programs and activities at Chattanooga State. These students should notify the instructor immediately, and should contact Disabilities Support Services within the first two weeks of the semester in order to discuss individual needs. The student must provide documentation of the disability so that reasonable accommodations can be requested in a timely manner. All students are expected to fulfill essential course requirements in order to receive a passing grade in a class, with or without reasonable accommodations. Disruptive Students The term “classroom disruption” means – student behavior that a reasonable person would view as substantially or repeatedly interfering with the activities of a class. A student who persists in disrupting a class will be directed by the faculty member to leave the classroom for the remainder of the class period. The student will be told the reason(s) for such action and given an opportunity to discuss the matter with the faculty member as soon as practical. The faculty member will promptly consult with the division dean and the college judicial officer. If a disruption is serious, and other reasonable measures have failed, the class may be adjourned, and the campus police summoned. Unauthorized use of any electronic device constitutes a disturbance. Also, if a student is concerned about the conduct of another student, he or she should please see the teacher, department head, or division dean.

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Affirmative Action Students who feel that he or she has not received equal access to educational programming should contact the college affirmative action officer.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY/ACADEMIC HONESTY In their academic activities, students are expected to maintain high standards of honesty and integrity. Academic dishonesty is prohibited. Such conduct includes, but is not limited to, an attempt by one or more students to use unauthorized information in the taking of an exam, to submit as one's own work, themes, reports, drawings, laboratory notes, computer programs, or other products prepared by another person, or to knowingly assist another student in obtaining or using unauthorized materials. Plagiarism, cheating, and other forms of academic dishonesty are prohibited. Students guilty of academic misconduct, either directly or indirectly through participation or assistance, are immediately responsible to the instructor of the class. In addition to other possible disciplinary sanctions, which may be imposed through the regular institutional procedures as a result of academic misconduct, the instructor has the authority to assign an "F" or zero for an activity or to assign an "F" for the course. The instructor reserves the right to modify this syllabus in writing during the course of the semester.

Instructor Policies Policies: Plagiarism in any form will result in a score of zero for the assignment, probable failure of ENGL 2710, and possible expulsion from course. See Pledge at the end of this syllabus. Online netiquette and ethical standards are expected throughout the semester. When in the classroom, the following are prohibited: food, drinks, audible phones/beepers/pagers, pets, children, visiting inappropriate Websites unrelated to course, and disruptive behavior. (See Student Handbook) Online students must contact instructor each week for attendance purposes. If contact is not made, students will lose a letter grade for each week after the third week of no contact. Online students may attend the 10:00-10:50 MWF classroom section or the 5:30-8:10 Tuesday evening class in H-109 when seats are available. Other Expectations: Perpetual and active communication and participation are required each week. Work should be submitted by due dates unless prior arrangements are made with instructor. Late papers will receive a penalty of one letter grade (lower) for the first week they are late. No papers will be accepted after they are one week late.

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Online students are to retain a personal file of all scored papers. Late papers submitted after Week 7 may not be returned to students. Formal projects (Report 4) submitted after Week 13 will not be returned. However, students may contact instructor for results. Special Needs Restatement: Students with special needs, problems, or disabilities should inform the instructor and report to Disabilities Support Services in the Student Center to obtain an accommodation form. If you have a documented learning, psychological, or physical disability, you may be eligible for academic accommodations in order for you to have equal access to educational programs and activities while you are enrolled at Chattanooga State. In order to receive these accommodations, you must contact Disabilities Support Services (DSS) and provide that office with appropriate documentation of your limitations. The DSS professional staff and you will develop an Accommodations Notice, which you will deliver to your instructors. This notice alerts your instructors of your specific accommodation requests. All students are expected to fulfill essential course requirements in order to receive a passing grade in a class, with or without reasonable accommodations. Disabilities Support Services: Student Center, Room 113 – Phone (423) 697-4452

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WEEKS – ASSIGNMENTS – SCHEDULE Week 1 CONTACT YOUR INSTRUCTOR IMMEDIATELY FOR ATTENDANCE PURPOSES! NOTE: Please check with the Center for Distributed Education (CDE) for elearn orientation sessions at the beginning of the semester if you are not familiar with navigating in Desire2Learn (elearn). (423) 697-4408. Introduction, Computer/Online Orientation, Read/Discuss Syllabus Read Chapters 1, 2, and 5 in TC Report 0: Memo- Persuasive Message (Sample Diagnostic Writing) On the first class contact you will be introduced to the instructor and given general information about the course. Students are requested to supply an alternate email address (in the message area of the Dropbox) as a backup contact. It is assumed that each student is at least moderately skilled in using Microsoft Word. The zero assignment is to present a sample writing on the scenario below. You may use any standard memo style. The instructor will evaluate writing levels and organization skills. Submit this project during the first week. Report 0: Memo – Persuasive Message (Sample/Diagnostic Writing) Due 1st Week of Class Assume you work at an M-Global office and have no undergraduate degree. You are not yet sure what degree program you want to enter, but you have decided to take one night course each term. Your M-Global office has agreed to pay 100 percent of your college expenses on two conditions. First, before taking each course, you must write a memo of request to your supervisor, justifying the value of the class to your specific job or to your future work with the company. Clearly, your boss wants to know that the course has specific application or that it will form the foundation for later courses. Second, you must receive a C or better in every class for which you want reimbursement. Write the persuasive memo just described. For the purposes of this assignment, choose one course that you actually have taken or are now taking. Yet in your simulated role for the assignment, write as if you have not taken the course.

*Pfeiffer, William Sanborn and Kaye E. Adkins. Technical Communication. 7th ed. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Prentice Hall, 2010.

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Week 2

Reading, Exercise A, and Introduction to Report 1 Reading Pages 35-39 in HTW; start at “application letters” Pages 471-481 in HTW; start at “resumes” Page 551 in TC Chapter 16 “Job Search.” You may also contact the Planning and Placement Center in the Student Center at Chattanooga State for additional information on job placement. Exercise A See Due Dates Select one of the two options for Exercise A Option 1 (Consult Chapter 1) o Send a memo to your instructor discussing audience awareness in technical communication o Gathering information o Separating usable facts from nonessential information o Organizing and outlining essential details o Composing, revising, and editing drafts through final copy Option 2 (Consult Chapter 5) o Send a memo to your instructor discussing the major points on communicating through email Report 1 Introduction See Due Dates

Report 1: Letter of Application and Resume: Page 574 – Item 1 TC READ EXPLANATION OF ASSIGNMENTS AND GENERAL NOTES IN HANDOUTS Include a title page, application letter, and resume. If you fictionalize your letter and resume, be sure to reflect the information requested in the assignment. Various web links provide excellent information on job searching. Comparatively, Chapter 16 in TC supplies the job seeker with an abundance of information to help land the ideal job, internship, or scholarship. Most college students will use the contents of this chapter throughout their careers. Not only will they need the materials to find an initial position, but they will also rely upon the information for mobility and advancement.

Week 3

Reading and Report 1 Reading Pages 75-84 in HTW; start at “colons, comma splice, commas” Pages 490 in HTW on; start at “run ons” Pages 23-29 in HTW; start at “agreement” Page 588 in TC Chapter 17 “ Style in Technical Writing”

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Report 1 – Letter of Application and Resume: Page 574 – Item 1 TC See Due Dates READ EXPLANATION OF ASSIGNMENTS AND GENERAL NOTES IN HANDOUTS. Include a title page, application letter, and resume. If you fictionalize your letter and resume, be sure to reflect the information requested in the assignment. Week 4

Reading and Exercises B and C Reading Page 74, Chapters 3 in TC, “Organizing Information” Page 101, Chapter 4 in TC, “Page Design” Page 119 in TC, Communication Challenge, for greater understanding of the importance of organization and page design Exercise B (Grammar Quiz) See Due Dates Timed grammar quiz from last week’s reading – Instructor will post quiz Exercise C (Organization and Page Design) See Due Dates To be announced

Week 5

Reading, Exercises D and E, and Oral Presentation 1 Reading Pages 391-401 in HTW; start at “presentations” Page 469 Chapter 14, Oral Communication, in TC Exercise D (Quiz on Syllabus’ Contents) See Due Dates Exercise E (Writing an Abstract) See Due Dates Page 94, Item 10 Oral Presentation No. 1 See Due Dates (Generic Topic: Student’s choice, upon approval of instructor) - See the Oral Presentation section in the Handouts under Explanation of Assignments. Also, find the Oral Presentation Evaluation form in the Handouts

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Week 6

Reading, Exercise F, and Start Report 2 (Group Project) Reading Pages 72-75 in HTW Page 447 in TC Chapter 13, “Collaboration and Writing” Pages 258-263 in HTW; start at “instructions” Page 193 in TC Chapter 7, “Process Explanations and Instructions” Exercise F (Memo discussing process and instruction writing) See Due Dates In a memo to your instructor, discuss the similarities and differences in process description and instruction – Please be thorough and proofread carefully Report 2 – Instruction Report – Group – Page 213, Item 11 See Due Dates READ HANDOUTS FOR EXPLANATION OF ASSIGNMENTS AND GENERAL NOTES: Your instructor will make group selections, unless you already know with whom you would prefer to work. Refer to this week’s reading. You may alter the assignment to your group’s selection. That is, your group may choose a set of instructions for some other technical procedure, not necessarily an “office procedure” as stated in Item 11. Each group member must submit his/her own copy of the finished report in the Dropbox; however, the same score will apply to all members.

Week 7

Reading and Start Report 3 (Group Project) Reading Pages 176-179 in HTW; sections on “ethics” Pages 43-47 and 63 in TC Report 3 – Ethics Report – Page 245, Item 16 See Due Dates

READ EXPLANATION OF ASSIGNMENTS AND GENERAL NOTES IN HANDOUTS. This report is in the form of a letter – You may use the model on Pages 256-257 or any one of the company letter models in Chapter 5. In this assignment assume that you own your own consulting company (Create a company name for your group). Assume that J.B. Payne, Vice President and Technical Analyst at M-Global, Inc. at the home office, has requested that you and your group members analyze, discuss, and resolve the problems in the situation in this assignment. (See Chapter 2 for home office and other information about M-Global) In your letter to J.B. Payne discuss any ethical implications and make suggestions for Mr. Marshal, as well as M-Global, Inc. You are encouraged to find other usable, credible information via Internet search, your textbook, or other sources to help verify ethical standards and/or violations.

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You may also reference any statements (stated or implied) in the memo to Ms. Stillwright in Figure 8-3. If you use references, be sure to select appropriate materials, document your sources using MLA format, and do not plagiarize. See pledge at the end of this syllabus. Total assembly of this assignment should include title page and a letter report to J. B. Payne and a Works Cited or Reference page if sources are sought.

Weeks 8 & 9

Reading and Oral No. 2 – Complete Report 3

Reading Review Chapter 14 and the Handout section on Oral Presentations Chapter 15 in TC, Page 495, “Technical Research” Oral Presentation No. 2 – Technical Topic – Five to Seven Minutes See Due Dates Week 10

Reading and Introduction to Report 4 – Group Projects are optional Report 4 - One of the following: Feasibility Study, Formal Proposal, or Formal Research – See additional guidelines for Report 4 on Page 23 in the Handout section of this syllabus. See Due Dates Reading Depending on which type of report you select, read one of the following sets:

Feasibility Studies: Pages 185-188 in HTW and Chapter 10 in TC, Page 302  Proposals: Pages 412-433 in HTW and Chapter 10 in TC, Page 302  Formal Reports: Pages 195-217 in HTW and Chapter 9 in TC, Page 258 NOTE: Technical Research is found in Chapter 15 in TC and under the heading “documentation sources” on Pages 129-152 in HTW. Each section gives a thorough description of various referencing formats. Your instructor will permit you to use any one of the formats as long as you do not mix the forms. That is, you may not mix MLA with APA, for example. You may also find it beneficial to inquire at a local engineering group, other professional organizations, your major department, or ABET to find out which research documentation form is preferred. Before you begin Report 4, you must let your instructor know if you will write a feasibility study, proposal, or formal report as well as which documentation format you select. 

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NOTE: Report 4 must contain visuals/graphics. Tables consist of lists, columns, and rows and are labeled at the top of the table – see Page 419 TC. On the other hand, figures consist of pictures, charts, and graphs and are labeled at the bottom of the image – see Page 421 TC.

Weeks 11-12

Reading and Work on Report 4 Reading Topics for Report 4 Depending on the type of report you choose, select from the following: Formal Research: Topics – Page 276, Items 5, 6, 7, 8, or 10 Models – Pages 278-301 Technical Research: Topics – Page 543, Items 1, 2, or 3 Model – Page 546 Proposals and Feasibility Studies: Topics – Page 327, Items 7, 8, or 10 Models – Pages 329-365 Reading Review assigned readings from Week 10 NOTE: Any materials used in these reports that are taken from sources such as Internet/Websites, magazines, books, TV, radio, etc, and the information is not common knowledge, then the material must be documented. MLA documentation style should be used for this report. DO NOT PLAGIARIZE. See section in this syllabus on plagiarism. Students may want to revisit the pledge at the end of this syllabus.

Week 13

Submit Report 4 Report 4: Submit Report 4 See Due Dates

Week 14

Exercise G, Oral 3, and Study Statements Exercise G: Quiz over semester’s readings See Due Dates

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Oral No. 3: See Explanation of Assignments in Handout for oral discussion See Due Dates Study Statements: A study guide will be sent out approximately one week before final exams Week 15

EXAM WEEK (Schedule TBA )

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Oral Presentation Form Speaker: ___________________________________________________________ Topic for Oral No. Evaluation (up to five point in each category) – Scores will be taken from highest two speeches (50 points per speech for a total of 100 points)

No. 1 Planned Speaking Time (minutes):

2-5

No. 2 5-7

No. 3 7-10

Actual Speaking Time Within Limit: Catagories: Uses ABC approach Explains background to subject Defines purpose and main topics Organizes information well Explains material thoroughly Uses visual aids effectively Shows enthusiasm Talks directly to audience Uses good diction and language Draws a conclusion; summarizes talk Total: Less overtime or undertime: Final Score: Scale: poor/weak = 0-15; fair =16-25; good =26-35; very good = 36-45; excellent = 46-50 Comments:

Evaluator:

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DUE DATES Technical Reports ENGL 2710 To Be Announced Each Semester