Course Information
Table of Contents
Technical Writing
ENG2575, OL70
Fully Online
Meets Online Asynchronously
Contact and Office Hours
Professor Ellis
Virtual Office Hours: Wednesday 3:00-5:00pm (link on OpenLab site each week) or by appointment.
Email: jellis@citytech.cuny.edu
Blog: http://dynamicsubspace.net
Course Description
Technical Writing is about managing complexity. It is about providing the right information, in the right way, for the right audience, at the right time. It is about communicating technical ideas using sound rhetorical choices and synergistic modalities (e.g., WOVEN, or written, oral, visual, electronic, and nonverbal) while maintaining the highest level of professionalism and ethics. In this class, you will have invaluable opportunities to learn the theory, skills, and heuristics of technical writing through projects relevant to your degree program, and you will develop a set of documents that you can include in your professional portfolio.
Learning Objectives and Prerequisites
ENG2575 Course Learning Outcomes
Required Texts (All Available Online for Free)
• David McMurrey, Online Technical Writing, https://www.prismnet.com/~hcexres/textbook/
• Purdue OWL, Professional and Technical Writing, https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/subject_specific_writing/professional_technical_writing/index.html
• Purdue OWL, APA Style, https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_style_introduction.html
• Other brief readings will be assigned as part of in-class assignments and exercises.
Required Resources
• Computer access, word processing software, and a means of saving your work securely.
• Access to your City Tech email.
• Access and accounts at https://openlab.citytech.cuny.edu and other designated web sites.
• Cloud-based storage for saving a backup of all your work.
• Google Drive/Gmail account for collaborative writing.
Grade Distribution
• Individual: Weekly Writing Assignments, 15%
Each week, students will have different reading and writing-based assignments focused on different technical communication concepts and approaches. Additionally, these assignments help develop their reading and writing acumen.
• Individual: 500-Word Summary, 10%
Individually, you will write a 500-word summary of a technical or scientific article that demonstrates: 1. ability to identify key processes and concepts in a professional science or technology article. 2. ability to describe complex processes and concepts clearly and concisely. 3. an awareness of audience. The summary should cite the article and any quotes following APA format.
• Individual: 750-1000-Word Expanded Definition, 10%
Individually, you will write a 750-1000 word expanded definition of a technical or scientific term, with cover memo, which demonstrates: 1. correct memorandum format. 2. knowledge of the etymology and historical development of the term. 3. examples of the term’s use in various written contexts. 4. ability to compare and contrast various uses of the term. 5. use and citation of sources with proper attribution. 6. awareness of audience. At least three library-sourced citations are required and should be cited following APA format.
• Individual: 1500-2000-Word Instructional or Training Manual, 15%
Individually, you will write a 1500-2000-word instructional or training manual that demonstrates: 1. ability to explain a task/process in clear, concise language. 2. selection and definition of appropriate terminology and concepts. 3. awareness of the intended user/audience. 4. knowledge of instructional manual format. All diagrams, illustrations, or photos must be created by the student and integrated into his or her manual. Any outside sources cited should be documented according to APA format.
• Collaborative: 4000-6000-Word Analytical Research Report, 20%
Each team member contributes 1000-1500-word contribution to a 4000-6000-word analytical research report on a scientific or technological problem that demonstrates: 1) knowledge of the history and context of the problem, 2) knowledge of the causes and nature of the problem, 3) ideas for solving the problem, 4) the ability to explain the problem and offer possible solutions to a general audience, 5) the ability to integrate written work with the written work of a partner or partners in a coherent report, and 6) knowledge of proper research report format. At least six library-sourced citations must be included (non-library-sourced citations are encouraged, but they do not count toward the six library-sourced sources). Any outside sources cited should be documented according to APA format.
• Collaborative: Seven-to-Ten-Minute Oral Analytical Research Report on a Scientific or Technological Problem, 10%
The goal of this part of the project is to transform your written report into an spoken presentation anchored by a PowerPoint or other visual presentation supplement. As a team, adapt and present your analytical research report as an oral presentation that demonstrates: 1) knowledge of oral presentation techniques and conventions, 2) the ability to organize a presentation effectively, 3) the ability to incorporate various media into the presentation, including appropriate computer software, 4) awareness of audience, 5) the ability to communicate the value of the product or service in clear spoken English, 6) the ability to answer audience questions, 7) the ability to collaborate productively with a partner or partners, and 8) the ability to explain the problem and offer possible solutions to a general audience.
• Collaborative: Website Advertising a Product or Service Responding to the Analytical Research Report and Oral Presentation, 10%
The goal of this part of the collaborative project is to imagine a service or product that your team can offer that is related to your research report and oral presentation, both of which will be featured on the website in some way. The website should demonstrate: 1) knowledge of the product or service offered, of pertinent market forces, and of the potential customer base, 2) basic knowledge of web page design and composition, including appropriate software. The website will be based on your presentation and it is encouraged to be integrated into your presentation (perhaps to demonstrate how your team is promoting your product or service). All graphics, logos, design, and text must be created by your team.
• Collaborative: 500-Word Report on Collaboration, 10%
During the collaborative project, the team as a whole needs to track and document their progress, challenges, and successes, and each individual delegated responsibilities needs to keep track of what they contribute to the project. As the last component of the collaborative project, write a brief report of 500-750 words reflecting on how the team worked together and what each individual team member contributed to the overall effort. Each team should submit only one report.
Policy for Late Work
Due dates for weekly assignments and major projects are provided on the schedule below. Assignments submitted late will incur point reductions. However, students should always follow my advice to submit something rather than nothing. The last day that any assignment may be submitted is the last day of finals as indicated on the schedule below. If a student knows that work cannot be completed on time, he or she should contact me or visit my office hours to discuss options for getting caught up and completing the class successfully.
Attendance Policy
In general, the expectation for successful and respectful college students is to arrive on time and attend all classes. Following City Tech’s policy, attendance is recorded and reported. Since this is an online, asynchronous class, attendance is recorded based on weekly participation by completing the weekly writing assignment discussed in lecture and posted to our OpenLab site. Attendance and class participation are essential and excessive absences may affect the final grade. Students who simply stop attending will receive a grade of “WU” (unofficial withdrawal – attended at least once).
Required Format for Papers
All formal writing and citations should follow APA guidelines. See the Purdue OWL APA section for more information: https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_formatting_and_style_guide/general_format.html. Remember in your research paper that quoting is far more persuasive than paraphrasing, and in either case, your use of others ideas or writing must be properly cited to give credit where credit is due and to maintain your own academic integrity.
Student Accommodation Policy
Qualified students with disabilities, under applicable federal, state, and city laws, seeking reasonable accommodations or academic adjustments must contact the Center for Student Accessibility for information on City Tech’s policies and procedures to obtain such services. Students with questions on eligibility or the need for temporary disability services should also contact the center at: The Center for Student Accessibility, 300 Jay Street room L-237, 718-260-5143. http://www.citytech.cuny.edu/accessibility
College Policy on Academic Integrity
Students who work with information, ideas, and texts owe their audience and sources accuracy and honesty in using, crediting, and citing sources. As a community of intellectual and professional workers, the College recognizes its responsibility for providing instruction in information literacy and academic integrity, offering models of good practice, and responding vigilantly and appropriately to infractions of academic integrity. Accordingly, academic dishonesty is prohibited in CUNY and at New York City College of Technology, and is punishable by penalties, including failing grades, suspension, and expulsion. The complete text of the College policy on Academic Integrity may be found in the catalog.
Tentative Schedule
Week 1 (Aug 26-Sept 2)
Introduce the class and review the syllabus.
Refresher on rhetoric and composition.
Give first weekly writing assignment: Send an introductory email to Prof. Ellis (jellis@citytech.cuny.edu).
Please read Laura Portwood-Stacer, “How to Email Your Professor (Without Being Annoying AF),” https://medium.com/@lportwoodstacer/how-to-email-your-professor-without-being-annoying-af-cf64ae0e4087#.1m6lc0rkd
Please read “What is Technical Communication?”, http://wps.prenhall.com/wps/media/objects/5547/5681092/pdfs/CH01.pdf
Week 2 (Sept 2-Sept 9)
Due: Last week’s weekly writing assignment.
Introduce: 500-Word Summary
See OpenLab and listen to lecture for new weekly writing assignment.
Please read “How to Summarize a Research Article,” https://writingcenter.uconn.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/593/2014/06/How_to_Summarize_a_Research_Article1.pdf
Week 3 (Sept 9-Sept 16)
Due: Circulate 500-Word Summary draft and solicit feedback.
Due: Last week’s weekly writing assignment.
See OpenLab and listen to lecture for weekly writing assignment.
Week 4 (Sept 16-Sept 23)
Due: 500-Word Summary final draft.
Due: Last week’s weekly writing assignment.
Introduce: 750-Word Expanded Definition
See OpenLab and listen to lecture for weekly writing assignment.
Please read “Definition,” https://www.westerntc.edu/sites/default/files/student-life/documents/OWC/Definition.pdf
Week 5 (Sept 23-Sept 30)
Due: Post three quotes with bibliographic entries using term for 750-Word Expanded Definition.
Due: Last week’s weekly writing assignment.
See OpenLab and listen to lecture for weekly writing assignment.
Week 6 (Sept 30-Oct 7)
Due: Circulate 750-Word Expanded Definition draft and solicit feedback.
Due: Last week’s weekly writing assignment.
See OpenLab and listen to lecture for weekly writing assignment.
Week 7 (Oct 7-Oct 14)
Due: Post 750-Word Expanded Definition.
Due: Last week’s weekly writing assignment.
Introduce: 1500-2000-Word Instruction or Training Manual
See OpenLab and listen to lecture for weekly writing assignment.
Please read “Instructions” and “Standard operational policies and procedures” linked from David McMurrey’s Online Technical Writing: https://www.prismnet.com/~hcexres/textbook/
Week 8 (Oct 14-Oct 21)
Due: Circulate prospectus and outline for 1500-2000-Word Instruction or Training Manual and solicit feedback.
Due: Last week’s weekly writing assignment.
See OpenLab and listen to lecture for weekly writing assignment.
Week 9 (Oct 21-Oct 28)
Due: Circulate 1500-2000-Word Instruction or Training Manual draft and solicit feedback.
Due: Last week’s weekly writing assignment.
See OpenLab and listen to lecture for weekly writing assignment.
Week 10 (Oct 28-Nov 4)
Due: Post 1500-2000-Word Instruction or Training Manual draft.
Due: Last week’s weekly writing assignment.
Introduce Collaboration projects (Research Report, Website, Oral Presentations, and Report on Collaboration).
Please read “The Basics of Working on Teams,” https://hr.mit.edu/learning-topics/teams/articles/basics, and Steven D. Krause’s “How to Collaborate and Write with Others,” http://www.stevendkrause.com/tprw/Chapter%204.pdf
See OpenLab and listen to lecture for weekly writing assignment.
Week 11 (Nov 4-Nov 11)
Due: Email collaborative prospectus to Prof. Ellis and cc all team members.
Due: Last week’s weekly writing assignment.
See OpenLab and listen to lecture for weekly writing assignment.
Week 12 (Nov 11-Nov 18)
Due: Email Research Report outline to Prof. Ellis and cc all team members.
Due: Last week’s weekly writing assignment.
See OpenLab and listen to lecture for weekly writing assignment.
Week 13 (Nov 18-Nov 25)
Due: Email team member assignments/delegation email to Prof. Ellis and cc all team members.
Due: Last week’s weekly writing assignment.
See OpenLab and listen to lecture for weekly writing assignment.
Week 14 (Nov 25-Dec 2)
Due: Circulate Research Report between teams and solicit feedback (singular feedback from one team to another).
Due: Weekly writing assignment.
See OpenLab and listen to lecture for weekly writing assignment.
Week 15 (Dec 2-Dec 9)
Due: Post link to your project’s website (the website does not have to be completed at this time but a “under construction” version must be live by this point. When completed, your website will include your Research Report and embedded presentation videos).
Due: Last week’s weekly writing assignment.
Monday, Dec 21
Last day to submit any assignments or projects in the class for credit.
Due on or before this date: Each team should email their Report on Collaboration to Prof. Ellis and cc all team members–this may be turned before this final due date but only after the collaborative project is completed.
