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ENG 2000 Home Page Course Syllabus

TECHNICAL AND BUSINESS WRITING

1. COURSE DESCRIPTION

ENG 2000 is designed for students in baccalaureate technical and business programs. It focuses on the types of on-the-job writing encountered in technical, professional and business areas, such as business correspondence (letters, memos, e-mail), informal and formal reports, proposals, instructions, and employment documents. Prerequisite: ENG 1001.

2. EXPECTED STUDENT OUTCOMES

After completing this course, you should be able to do the following:

2.1. Recognize and apply techniques for effective writing

2.1.1. Identify techniques for planning, organizing, and expressing ideas in writing

2.1.2. Communicate ideas and opinions clearly and effectively

2.2. Recognize and apply techniques for effective analysis and presentation of numerical data

2.2.1. Identify techniques for organizing, analyzing, and expressing numerical data in writing

2.2.2. Communicate numerical data clearly and effectively

2.3. Apply techniques of problem solving

2.3.1. Identify the steps in problem solving

2.3.2. Apply critical thinking and problem-solving steps to a problem

2.4. Write practical, technical and business written communications in the student’s major

2.4.1. Identify audience and purpose for professional writing

2.4.2. Apply appropriate strategies based on audience, purpose, and content

2.4.3. Employ appropriate formats

2.4.4. Select, design, and incorporate appropriate graphics for professional writing

2.4.5. Collect data and conduct research

2.4.6. Document sources in writing

2.4.7. Utilize standard English and appropriate terminology in writing

2.4.8. Utilize effective revision, editing, and proof-reading strategies in producing final documents

 2.5. Employ up-to-date communication modes

2.5.1. Produce a variety of acceptable, professional-level documents using word processing programs and other applicable software

2.5.2. Send and respond to electronic mail

 2.6. Apply techniques of collaborative writing

2.6.1. Work in a team to analyze and provide suggestions on the format and content of technical and business documents

2.6.2. Work in a team to plan, organize, write and edit business and technical documents 

3. REQUIRED TEXTS 

3.1. Oliu, E. O., Brusaw, C. T., & Alred, G. J. (2007). Writing that works: Communicating effectively on the job (9^th ed.). Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s.
3.2. College-Level Dictionary (Recommended)

4. WRITING ASSIGNMENTS (1500 POINTS) 

4.1. Writing Assignments
You will be completing a number of graded writing assignments during this class.  They are listed below.

4.2. Writing Assignment Requirements 
You must type all writing assignments except for the e-mail and PowerPoint using a word processor and submit all assignments (except for the e-mail) as file attachments to a Blackboard assignment posting. For each 24-hour period that any assignment is late, the grade for that assignment will be dropped by five percentage points.  In addition, this late penalty will also be applied to any rewrite of that assignment.

After I grade your writing assignments, I will return them to you with my comments. For each of the assignments noted above with an asterisk (*), you may keep the grades you earn, or you may resubmit each of them for a higher grade. You may resubmit each of these writing assignments only once.  If you resubmit, you also must attach a file containing a typed, correctly formatted memo that explains what changes you made and how you hope they improve the document. Rewrites typically are due no later than two weeks after I return your assignments to you. You should use e-mail to submit the rewrites.

NOTE: You will not be able to turn in a rewrite of the Formal Report PowerPoint, application letter, or resume.

Please note that you must turn in at least one draft of all writing assignments to pass the class (though doing so does not guarantee a passing grade).  In addition, in the case of consistently below-average writing (D or F level), I do reserve the right to base your course grade solely upon the quality of your writing assignments. 

5. QUIZZES (150 POINTS)

You will complete a quiz at the end of each unit.  These quizzes may cover reading assignments, handouts, discussions, and any other class material.  You will complete the quizzes in Blackboard. Quizzes must be completed by the due date to receive credit.

6. MISCELLANEOUS ASSIGNMENTS (350 POINTS)

Most of these points will come through participation in the Blackboard discussion board--answering assigned discussion questions and participating in class discussions of writing issues. The miscellaneous assignments may also include exercises, collaborative workshops, or other assigned work. Any assignment that fails to meet the requirements or that is not turned in when it is due may receive partial credit or no credit. 

7. GRADING SCALE

I will grade all of your assignments and assign your final course grade based on the scale below.  

8. ATTENDANCE AND PARTICIPATION

Because this class is delivered entirely online and we don't meet face-to-face, the class doesn't have a traditional attendance policy. 

However, your participation in class activities not only affects your learning, but that of your fellow students, as well. In addition, the quantity and quality of your contributions to the class may affect your class grade if it is "borderline" at the end of the semester. 

You are expected to participate regularly in all class activities, including the following:

• Reading the textbook and handouts
• Reading and responding to one another's writing
• Contributing to online class and group discussions
• Collaborating with other students
• Being on time with assignments
• Exhibiting professional behavior

Be prepared to log onto our class virtually every day (especially Monday through Friday) to check assignments, respond to questions, turn in work, etc. If you don't log in frequently, you'll probably fall behind rather quickly.

On my end, I'll check in on the class each weekday (and possibly weekend days, depending on assignments, questions, etc.). I'll try to respond to questions within 24 hours during the week and no later than on Monday for questions sent to me over the weekend. My goal is to return graded assignments to you within one week after their due dates.

9. ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

SSome of the work you complete this semester will include borrowing and documenting information from other texts, or sources. We will spend adequate time as a class discussing using and documenting sources. Proper documentation, that is, giving full credit to the original source, is an absolute requirement. Failure to do so is plagiarism, which can destroy your credibility as a writer and is grounds for failing an assignment or this course. See the current IVCC catalog and Student Handbook for the college's academic integrity policy. Please feel free to discuss with me any concerns you have about these issues.

10. WITHDRAWAL POLICY

You may withdraw from this course through Apr. 8. Please see the current IVCC catalog for a full description of the IVCC withdrawal policy. Please note that in this class you must request a withdrawal from the instructor.

Withdrawal from a course can affect financial aid, as can simply stopping participating in class altogether. Students who receive financial aid should see an advisor in the Financial Aid Office before withdrawing from a course.

11. DISABILITIES AND ACCOMMODATIONS

You may be eligible for academic accommodations if you have a physical, psychiatric, or cognitive disability. If you have a disability and need more information regarding possible accommodations, please contact Tina Hardy at 224-0284, Jim Prendergast at 224-0350, or stop by office B-204.

12. EXTRA HELP

One final but significant note: Please take advantage of my availability through our course Blackboard, by e-mail, and by phone to talk to me about a specific writing assignment or the class in general. If necessary, we can arrange to meet at my office on campus. Get your money's worth out of your instructor and this class. I'm pleased to help you with the class in any way I reasonably can.

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