Office: FO 224
Phone: 924-4512
Office Hours:
Technical Writing (English 100WT) is an upper division writing course designed to help you write as a part of your technical career. In the workplace, you'll be expected to write many types of documents in order to communicate with your peers and managers. Thus, the types of writing you'll do in this class will include resumes, jobs application letters, business letters, status reports, abstracts, proposals, memos, and a formal report.
This course is taught in a Macintosh classroom,
and students will be expected to use the computers with reasonable proficiency.
English 1A, English 1B, and a passing score on the WST screening examination
are prerequisites.
Required Books and Materials
Recommended Books
This class will follow the course schedule
which is provided on the last page of this greensheet.
If any changes become necessary, I will announce them in advance in class.
Most of the writing done in this course will be
an integral part of a formal report to be submitted at the end of the term.
A detailed description of this course requirement is included in the Technical
Writing Guide.
The resume project is an integrated series of assignments designed to encourage self assessment and to build self-marketing skills. Resumes will be written along with letters of application and two related essays.
Other class assignments include an oral presentation,
the abstract project, and three in-class writing assignments.
Grammar
Depending upon the results of the in-class writing
and grammar diagnostic assignments, we may spend class time on certain
exercises from the book, and some may be assigned as homework. These assignments
will be given a Credit/No Credit grade.
Classroom Participation
Attendance in this class and preparation for it is critical. Participation will be evaluated based on involvement in classroom discussions, assigned reading preparation, and quizzes.
Final Examination
The final examination will be held at the university
designated time and will cover the concepts included in this course. Attendance
is mandatory.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism means using someone else's words or ideas without giving the author credit. Plagiarizing all or any part of any essay or other work can result in an automatic “F” for that assignment, or for the entire course. In addition, plagiarism is grounds for dismissal from the University.
English Department Grading Policies
The Department of English reaffirms its commitment to the differential grading scale as defined in the official SJSU Catalog ("The Grading System"). Grades issued must represent a full range of student performance: A = excellent; B = above average; C = average; D = below average; F = failure. Courses graded according to the A, B, C, No Credit system shall follow the same pattern, except that NC, for No Credit, shall replace D or F. In A, B, C, No Credit courses, NC shall also substitute for W (for Withdrawal) because neither NC nor W affects students' grade point averages. This statement shall be included in all Department of English syllabi or "greensheets."
1. Grading Policies: The grades given in this course will be A, B, C, and NC. Any student receiving an NC on an assignment must make an appointment to see me to discuss a major revision.
Your written work will be evaluated on the basis
of its accuracy, clarity, accessibility, conciseness, correctness, and
comprehensiveness. Because this course is intended to prepare students
to write in the workplace, the following criteria will apply to grades:
B Manager would be satisfied but not impressed.
C Manager would be disappointed and ask you to rewrite.
NC Manager would be troubled by the poor quality of your work and start looking for someone to replace you.
3. In-Class Writing: In-class writing assignments can only be made up with advance permission and under unusual circumstances.
4. Writing Production Requirements: All out-of-class assignments must be typed on the computer using formats as assigned. In-class assignments will be written on the computer. Be sure to make copies of assignments before submitting them and keep all assignments after they have been returned to you to resubmit at semester end.
5. Essay Revision: I encourage essay rewriting and revision. If, after receiving a grade on an essay, a student decides to revise it, he or she should consult with me first and then resubmit a revised version. If the essay is improved significantly, I will assign a higher grade and average the two grades. Revisions are due at the beginning of the class session immediately following the one in which the original assignment was returned to the student.
6. Class Materials: All textbooks, including the Course Guide, should be brought to class every day along with writing materials and floppy disks.
7. Conferences: The week of October 13 will be devoted to student conferences and no regular class meetings will be held. After appointments have been scheduled, on-time attendance is mandatory.
8. Office Hours: I am always available during my office hours, by appointment, or by phone to discuss your writing and other concerns. If you have any questions, you are responsible for coming to see me on a timely basis.
9. Attendance: Attending class is as important
as any of the other activities that undergraduate students engage in. If
you miss a class, you will be missing opportunities to write and will not
be able to contribute to the class discussions. Please contact me in advance
if you expect to be missing a class due to illness.