English 381, Scientific and Technical Writing Spring 1999 Bruce Leland Western Illinois University

PURPOSE OF THE COURSE:

Technical Writing is the characteristic professional writing of any field or profession. It is written for a specific audience and usually involves conveying specific technical/professional information or arguments. English 381 builds on previously acquired writing skills with a focus on audience analysis, technical writing genres, mechanical accuracy, and a pragmatic approach to writing that works.

Note: The fully linked version of this syllabus is available on the 381 WebCT site

Prerequisites:

English 180 and 280

TEXTS:

• Houp, Pearsall, and Tebeaux. Reporting Technical Information (9th ed)
• Hacker. A Pocket Syle Manual
• WebCT

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

1. Assigned readings from text and web
2. Writing projects including:
   • Resume and letter of application
   • Web site
   • Instructions
   • Unsolicited letter proposing change
   • Technical report or proposal in your field (Including oral presentation)
   (Click "Assignments" or "Calendar" icons on WebCT page)
3. Participation in WebCT electronic conference
4. Faithful attendance
5. Full participation in class discussion and activities
6. Additional written or oral work as appropriate

COURSE OUTLINE:

Schedule page: Check regularly for updates. Writing assignments will be posted here.

CLASS MEETINGS

The class has partial access to a computer lab for the semester. We will alternate classes between Simpkins 324 (a classroom) and Simpkins 321, the lab. If we're not in one room, we'll be in the other.

(A note on the labs: We will be upgrading the Simpkins labs this summer, but for this semester we still need to work with Window 3.1 machines. When you work (as you should) in Win95 or 98, be sure to use the "Save As" command to save your work in format that can be read in Simpkins.)

GRADING:

I don't usually grade with mathematical precision, but here is the relative weighting of the assignments:

Resume/letter: 10%
Web site: 10%
Unsolicited letter: 10%
Instructions: 10%
Major report/proposal/study in your discipline (including oral presentation): 40%
Class and electronic participation: 20%

SPECIAL NEEDS:

If you have a condition which requires physical accommodation in the classroom, or which may interfere with your completion of any course requirements, please let me know at once. If illness or personal emergency prevents you from attending class at any time, please let me know by phone or email. If at any time you feel you are falling behind or failing to work up to your potential, come in to see me.

Simpkins 217
298-2212
email: mfbhl@wiu.edu
Web: http://www.wiu.edu/users/mfbhl/
Office Hours:
Mon, Wed, and Fri: 1-2; Tue and Thur: 1:30-2:00 and by appointment

DISCLAIMER:

Syllabus may be updated with written notice. All changes will be posted on the class web site.