English 2053 Report Writing (3 hrs)

B. Keith Murphy, Ph.D.

Office:  Bond 238
Phone:  478-825-6680,  6392 (messages), 6110 fax
email:  sophist@bigfoot.com
Office hours, posted on office door.

Course Description:

English 2053 (Report Writing) is designed to introduce students to the technical writing and communicative demands they will encounter in the professions. The student will engage in the application of research, composition, and writing skills and techniques in such tasks as writing memos, technical reports, proposals, position papers, etc.

Course Objectives:

This course will help students master the skills and standards essential to providing clear concise technical communication in their chosen field. Toward that end, the student will:

• Practice audience and field analysis through the clear definition of their communicative purpose.
• Produce field variant modes of technical and persuasive writing.
• Communicate orally in a formal/professional environment.
• Learn how to integrate technology into the communicative process.
• Become adept with field variant research conventions.

By the end of the course, the student is expected to have most, if not all of the following capabilities:

• Effectively organizing and preparing a technical report.
• Effective use of rhetorical and argumentative strategies in the professional setting.
• An understanding of the appropriate use of the major forms of business and professional communication.
• An understanding of the role of technology in the changing face of professional communication.
• Writing and presenting an effective and comprehensive research project.
• Effective oral presentation of research materials.
• Effective research skills.
• An understanding of the job search process.
• Thinking critically and participating in debates and discussions in a dynamic and acceptable fashion.

Required Text and Materials

Parley, Stephen E. and Daniel G. Riordan. Technical Report Writing Today, (Boston: Houghton Mifflin) 5th ed.

Pen and Paper

An Appropriate Dictionary

At least one 3.5 inch DSDD diskette

A manila folder.

Methods/Procedures for Instruction:

Through a combination of lecture and workshop approaches, the student will focus on the communicative process. Students will write assignments that include:

1. Reports
2. Memos
3. Research Project
4. Resume/Cover Letter

The student will complete exercises and participate in class discussion. The student will increase competency in all aspects of the communicative process.

Attendance Policy:

Attendance is recorded daily, beginning with the first full day of class. Attendance is normally taken early in the class period. A "roll sheet" is circulated within 5 minutes of the start of class. If you arrive late it is YOUR responsibility to ask -- after the class is dismissed -- to be allowed to sign the roll; otherwise you will be counted absent for the day. Frequent tardiness will add up to absences.

Cut Penalty: The official institutional policy on unexcused absences states that "Students may be absent from a class the number of times equivalent to the credit hour of the class." This is a 3 credit hour class; therefore, you get three cuts. Any additional absences result in a one point deduction from your final average. ****note for summer courses: In summer, each course is accelerated: therefore each absence in the summer = 3 normal absences. Thus, you get only one cut.

You are still responsible for any work missed. Even if the absence is "officially excused."

Late Work: Unless cleared in advance, no late work will be accepted.

Examination Requirements: The Final Examination will be a short essay examination. The student will be asked to demonstrate both an understanding of the philosophy and practice of professional communication and that they can apply this knowledge to a data set.

Course Grade will be assigned as follows:

• Research Project 40%
  • Proposal
  • Abstract
  • Annotated Bibliography
  • Oral Report
• Employment materials 20%
  • Resume
  • Cover Letter
  • Follow-Up Letter
• Exam 20%
• Other Reports 20%
  • Memo
  • Tech Report
  • Position Paper
  • Argumentative Response
• Total 100%

Final Letter Grade: A=90 - 100%, B= 80-89%, C = 70 - 79%, D = 60 - 69%, F = 59% and below.

Portfolio: At the completion of the quarter, all of your work for the quarter will be presented to the instructor as a portfolio. This must include your research paper, and at least three reports, all memos, and your employment materials. therefore, it is expected that you will keep a file copy of everything you turn in.

Course Philosophy: The goal of this course is, in large part, to teach you how to be professional. Toward that end, you are expected to treat this class as if it were your career. I expect all assignments to be fully carried out and professionally completed. I expect class time to be used productively and professionally.

What is professionalism? It is a quality that you can aspire to but it will always be assigned by someone else. It deals with being on time, being prepared, looking prepared and eager. Professionalism is a set of behaviors, a mind-set, and a life style.

Tentative Course Outline

Summer Version

Go to Eng 2053 Topics Page

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