|
|
21W.732, Section 2: Introduction to Technical Communication Sally Susnowitz Spring 2000 Contact Information
Course Description This course is designed to promote confidence and proficiency in communication, particularly about scientific and technical subjects. We will study strategies for improving content development, organization, and stylistic clarity and correctness; analyze academic and professional formats; learn about persuasion and reasoning; and practice oral and written presentation. Assignments offer experience with professional and academic forms of technical communication and encourage students to develop practical materials for current use. Typical assignments include application letters, a resume, memoranda, a position paper, a proposal, and a research paper as well as two brief oral presentations. The course is a combination of lecture, discussion, and workshop, so active participation is required: students should be prepared to ask questions and discuss ideas, to write and revise frequently, to read and discuss examples and articles about technical communication, to do independent library research, to critique other students' writing, and to complete grammar and usage exercises. Required Texts
Course Information, Policies, and Requirements Attendance: I'll take attendance daily. I understand that you may need to miss a session or two because of illness, appointments, etc., so you will not receive a grade penalty for the first two absences. However, additional absences will adversely affect your grade (see the chart below). Frequent or extreme late arrivals and early departures will be counted as absences.
Conferences: You should schedule two 20-minute conferences during the course of the semester (these two required conferences constitute a minimum—I hope to see you often!) You can either come to office hours or set up appointments at another time; I’ll even consider an extended email conference, if that seems most accessible to you. The conferences will give us an opportunity to discuss questions, concerns, and progress, and to provide you with some individual consultation time. Exams: You may be tested on your mastery of the course material at any time, so be sure to ask questions as they arise. Additionally, you'll have at least one in-class writing assignment. Exercises: Doing these short assignments the day they are assigned will enable you to ask for timely clarification and to get credit for the assignments. If you have immediate questions, please phone or e-mail. Late papers: Since you have to do all the main assignments to pass the course, I will accept late papers, but I’d like you to be aware of the consequences:
Participation: The class is a collaborative effort, so be ready to participate by having your work done and your questions ready. If you're reluctant to speak out, you'll still have opportunities to ask and answer questions and to work with other students in small groups. The participation portion of your grade will include discussion (general and small group) and workshop preparation (e.g. submitting polished drafts, writing appropriate comments). Plagiarism: Write your own papers. Plagiarism is representing the work or ideas of someone else as your own; everything in your paper that comes from another source should be appropriately cited. Plagiarism can result in a failing grade for the course. Portfolios: Submit final drafts in a two-pocket folder that also contains 1) critiqued workshop drafts of the assignment, signed by the comment writer; 2) audience and purpose notes; and 3) all previous graded work (so keep a copy of any assignments you'll want to revise). Final drafts should be proofread carefully; they should be virtually free of typographical and grammatical errors. Take the time to learn correct grammar and usage: use your grammar book, review the packet, and ask for help when you need it. Failure to turn in one of the scheduled assignments will result in a failing course grade. Readings: Be prepared to discuss all the readings each time they are assigned.
Writing and Communication Center support: Free individual consultations and advice are available through this great assistance center, located at 14N-317. Phone 253-3090 Email writing-center@mit.edu Website http://web.mit.edu/writing Workshop participation: Workshop preparation and attendance are important; the workshops are your chance to get help with your own writing, to see other people's strategies, and to learn how to critique writing tactfully and productively. I'll keep track of workshop attendance and preparation, and your grade will reflect the quality and quantity of your participation. Drafts: You'll need enough copies for everyone in your group and one for yourself (usually 4 copies). Workshop drafts should be typed and proofread carefully; they should represent the best work that you can do on your own. Missing or incomplete drafts will be noted. Critiques: When you receive other students' drafts, write comments to help them revise. Each student's paper will also be discussed during class time in small peer-review workshop groups, but time constraints make written comments especially valuable. I'll credit you for your observations and suggestions when I look over the workshop drafts in the portfolios.
Grades You're welcome to talk with me about your grades at any time. If you are interested in revising work that has already been graded in an effort to improve your grade, please read the "Revision Option" handout. I'll also be happy to help you to revise. Assignment values 10% persuasive memo portfolio (1-2-page memo) 15% position paper portfolio (3-8-page paper) 20% proposal portfolio: proposal (3-10 pages), resume and cover letter (2-3 pages) 20% research report portfolio (6-10 pages) 20% oral presentations (20 minutes total) 15% exams, exercises, other assignments, critiques, class participation Grade guidelines
NOTE: Failing to complete any of the main assignments or missing 6 classes (three weeks) will result in a failing course grade.
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||