Professor Ayers

SPRING ’07 SYLLABUS: TECHNICAL WRITING (3211 U03  C)  

             Text: Technical Communication. John Lannon, 10th Edition  


            Technical Writing is an Advanced Writing Course. Students must have
            already mastered all aspects of English Composition. Papers will include exact,
            specific technical language. Final writing will exhibit a sound understanding of
            mature style and appropriate diction with emphasis on scientific objectivity.     

Jan. 9,11        Course Overview. Library: photocopy 1 page tech.writing from a magazine   CP

                      In-class writing; essay format. 500 words.   (1)

                       In-class rewrite.  CP 

 

Jan. 25           Proposal paper: Create a plan or a concept for a company: 2 ˝ pages. 600 words.  (2)

                       Library: Review Research Methods.

Feb. 6              Scientific/Technical Description paper; common household object exactly

                         described(no electronics); typed. 400-500 words, with original drawing (by hand). (2)

Feb. 20           Interviews in class. Answer Questions in text; write individual questions. (CP)

 

Feb. 22           Typed sentence outline (full page) for Research Oral Presentation.  Subject: one main    contribution from major figure in technology or industry or science (preferably career field) with specifics regarding the invention/discovery (technical description.)

                       Include 2 sources (print-published book or periodical;(may be Internet accessed); attach   photocopies (highlighted) and Works Cited . No Encyclopedias or Reference Books.Both Typed Outline and Works Cited to format.  (2)                           

March 6         In-class Group Project tba; individual writing to topic; 350 words.  (1)

 

March 8          Field Research Interview Paper—technical career field. Brief 4-sentence ID of local career person. Query specific job rewards, challenges, future prognosis.

                        Interviewer must elicit technical information. Attach his/her business card to report.

                        2 pages; 500 words; typed to format.  (2)

 

March 13       Typed Process Paper Outline; to format.  (1) 

 

March 15        Process paper in class, with typed outline;explain system and/or procedure; 600 words

                        Documentation required if necessary.  (2)                  [ Spring Break 3/19-24]

 

March 29        Research Oral Presentation on major figure in industry, technology or science ( see

Outline assignment  2/22). Visual Aids: large original drawing and original large chart or graph(28”x22”);no photocopies; also bring 8 ˝ x 11 copies of visual aids for instructor.

                        Include Works Cited, typed. Min. 6 min. Max. 8 min. (2)

 

April 3--10    Presentations continue.  Attendance required.

April 12         Free Writing  (1)       April 17  Writing Review; bring all writing. (1)     

 

April 19           Final Writing in class; 500 words; topic  tba.   (2)  

                        (    )   Grade Weight.    CP: Class Participation and Preparation    (1)  

 

*Documentation required for all special information: Works Cited, Source Proofs, photocopies.(see

notes and text). Review Plagiarism handout. All work must be handed in to the teacher in class. Use Arial 12 font, no smaller. Unlined white bond paper required for all writing. STAPLE papers( point deduction.)   ayersm@fiu.edu   DM453  348-2874  Off. Hrs.  Tues/Thurs  3:30—4:30