TCO 341 Syllabus Spring 2013

Textbooks and Supplies

Required - Markel, M. (2009), 9th Edition. Technical Communication. New York: Bedford/St. Martin's. ISBN: 978-0312692162

Suggested -Good college-level English handbook
Good college-level dictionary
Class notebook - Three-ring standard binder and notebook paper; dividers for separate sections.

TCO 341, required for all students earning a degree from the School of Engineering, is designed to acquaint you with the forms and conventions of technical documents. You will produce a resume, letters, memos, reports, instructions, and a proposal. Additionally, you will make oral presentations. Professional standards will be expected as you learn the importance of skilled communication in working contexts.

Emphasis will be placed on writing as a process of thinking, of clarifying ideas and discovering questions, as well as on writing as information transfer. You should expect to write a great deal and to gain fluency and ease as you master different techniques.

Upon successful completion of this course, you should be able to do the following:

1. Analyze audience and purpose for a document and design an appropriate document to achieve the communication goals.
2. Identify the types and purposes of documents used in a professional context.
3. Prepare an effective resume of your skills and experience.
4. Write informal reports concerning the feasibility of a decision.
5. Generate a clear and concise set of assembly instructions.
6. Prepare and deliver an effective oral presentation.
7. Conduct peer reviews.
8. Participate in team writing activities.
9. Use effective proposal writing techniques to develop a brief proposal.

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Engineering 107/108 or FYS 101/102 or equivalents.

1. Assignments are due at the beginning of the class period on the date due. In an exceptional circumstance you may petition to hand in an assignment late. If granted, the grade will be reduced one letter grade per day late.

2. Prepare all out-of-class writing using a computer and format it properly in a business-like manner. No handwritten assignments will be accepted.

3. Correct grammar (usage, spelling, and punctuation) is the standard requirement for technical communication. It is assumed that you know the mechanics of writing and this will not be the focus of this course. Therefore, errors will count in class.

4. Attendance is required due to the large amount of in-class work and team activities we will be doing. You can't "make up" experiential learning. Therefore, if you must miss a class, please notify me in advance. Each absence above 3 unexcused absences will result in a loss of 10 points off the final cumulative grade points total. It is especially important that you be present when your classmates give peer reviews and oral presentations, since you will be giving written feedback.

5. Collaborative work will be assigned regularly because companies routinely use teams to accomplish their business goals. Collaborative work is a learned skill that you must consciously develop. You will be learning to manage the group process as well as the communication principles in this course. Each group member will be asked to rate the participation and effectiveness of others.

6. Grading encompasses every aspect of the course, from participation through final products. You can assume that every task requested directly or indirectly factors into your grade. For example, having your work prepared for your group is as important as having it ready for me. Regular feedback will be given on documents submitted.

7. You are encouraged to schedule a meeting with me at any point that you need it. If you need to see me, catch me after class, schedule a time, or email me at codone_s@mercer.edu.

8. Because computer-assisted communication is so critical to your survival in the technical world, we will include in this class instruction on methods for online library searches. You also will be expected to use PowerPoint for two presentations.

9. Students bear the sole responsibility for ensuring that papers or assignments submitted electronically to a professor are received in a timely manner and in the electronic format(s) specified by the professor. Therefore, you should have your email client issue a receipt verifying that the document has been received. You are encouraged to retain a copy of the dated submission. To the best of my ability, I will acknowledge receipt of your assignments.

12. Out of courtesy for all those participating in the learning experience, all cell phones and pagers must be turned off before entering the classroom or lab.

13. The honor code provisions as outlined in the Bulletin and in the student handbook, The Lair, will be assumed for everyone. It should be clear from class discussion which projects will be collaborative and which ones must be individual.

14. Students requiring accommodations for a disability should inform the instructor at the close of the first class meeting or as soon as possible. The instructor will refer you to the Disability Support Services Coordinator to document your disability, determine eligibility for accommodations under the ADAAA/Section 504 and to request a Faculty Accommodation Form. Disability accommodations or status will not be indicated on academic transcripts. In order to receive accommodations in a class, students with sensory, learning, psychological, physical or medical disabilities must provide their instructor with a Faculty Accommodation Form to sign. Students must return the signed form to the Disability Services Coordinator. A new form must be requested each semester. Students with a history of a disability, perceived as having a disability or with a current disability who do not wish to use academic accommodations are also strongly encouraged to register with the Disability Services Coordinator and request a Faculty Accommodation Form each semester. For further information, please contact Carole Burrowbridge, Disability Services Coordinator, at 301-2778 or visit the Disability Support Services website at http://www.mercer.edu/studentaffairs/disabilityservices

Approximate Weighting Of Assignments
900 Points Possible

last modified 7 January, 2013