Course Syllabus. Date Revised: November 8, Chris Gaspare and Susan M. Bernadzikowski. Course Number: EGL 211. Total Lecture Hours: 45

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1 Course Syllabus Date Revised: November 8, 2017 Prepared By: Course Title: Chris Gaspare and Susan M. Bernadzikowski Technical Writing Course Number: EGL 211 Total Lecture Hours: 45 Total Laboratory Hours: 0 Total Course Contact Hours: 45 Credit Hours: 3 Pre-requisite: EGL 101 Co-requisite: None Course Description: Technical Writing entails the study and practice of written communications in professional settings. In an ongoing workshop, students will be asked to think critically about rhetorical situations; analyze and address case studies; collaborate with team members; research, design, and write effective, ethical texts; develop multiple literacies for multiple audiences; respond constructively to peer writers; present texts through a variety of electronic media; and improve oral presentation and discussion skills.

2 At Cecil College, for all credit courses, students are expected to spend a minimum of 45 hours of 50 minutes each of combined instructional time and related coursework time per credit hour. For this course, the following applies: 3-Credit Course Number of Hours Total hours of direct instruction and/or out-ofclass 135 student work required Direct Faculty Instruction 45 Out-of-Class Student Work 90 TIME REQUIRED TO SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE EGL 211: EGL 211 Technical Writing is a 3 credit hour course, offered in lecture, hybrid, or online formats. You should expect to spend 45 hours in class and an additional 90 hours outside of class. The hourly breakdown of is given below: Assignment Reading/Video Tutorials Supplemental Assignments Formal Writing Assignments Semester Total Description Average reading time 5 minutes per page ~500 pages ~2500 minutes total ~ 270 minutes Supplemental consist of worksheets, discussion boards, peer review sessions, writing workshops, etc. that focus on increasing skills sets needed for formal writing and workplace communication Includes research, writing, revision, and editing Total Out-of- Class Hours (Lecture) Total In-Class Hours (Lecture) ~45 ~9 ~

3 Topical Outline I. Introduction to technical communication. II. Brief communications and electronic mail; audience analysis. III. Concise, clear, energetic style. IV. Correctness: grammar, mechanics, and usage. V. Collaborative work. VI. The case study method. VII. Letters and employment correspondence; writing application letters and resumes. VIII. Peer response work; revision. IX. Ethical considerations. X. The research process. XI. Writing analytical reports. XII. Writing instructions. XIII. Visuals. XIV. Workshop on Web pages. XV. Workshop on desktop publishing. XVI. Analytical reports revisited: report text, letter of transmittal, abstract, appendices. XVII. Oral presentations and PowerPoint. XVIII. The electronic portfolio.

4 Outcomes Indicators Assessment Types Sample Assessment Tasks A. Students who complete demonstrate improved critical thinking skills and problem-solving strategies in various rhetorical situations. 1. Students will be able to read and analyze texts and data. 2. Students will be able to propose and implement solutions appropriate to a particular purpose and a set of audiences. a. Reading responses c. Writing d. Exams C, D, F, and G) B. Students who complete demonstrate an understanding of what constitutes effective writing in a professional setting, of what diminishes the effectiveness of said writing, and of how to write and revise for increased effectiveness. D, E, and F) C. Students who complete use 1. Students will understand how to establish and fulfill a writing purpose. 2. Students will understand how to adjust form and content to address a variety of writing purposes. 3. Students will develop multiple literacies to address a variety of audiences. 4. Students will be able to identify and replicate a style appropriate to writing in the professions. 5. Students will review the basic elements of an effectively written sentence: unity, coherence, and appropriate diction. 6. Students will review the essentials of grammar, mechanics, and usage. 7. Students will review the connotative effects of words and will use these effects to improve their writing. 1. Students will be able to procure and synthesize research materials, both print a. Class discussions c. Exams d. Writing e. Projects f. Group work a. Workshops i. Analysis of readings ii. Audience analysis exercises iii. Group and individual problemsolving exercises iv. Case studies v. Formal and informal writing vi. Final exam i. Analysis of readings ii. Audience analysis exercises iii. Grammar and style exercises and exams iv. Formal and informal writing v. Case studies vi. Collaborative projects vii. Peer reviews viii. Final portfolio ix. Final exam i. Library review ii. Media workshops

5 library and information resources, both print and electronic, as well as use electronic media to convey information clearly and effectively. and electronic. 2. Students will understand how to design and present texts via a variety of electronic media. c. Writing d. Projects e. Group work iii. Research exercises iv. Media exercises v. Collaborative research vi. Formal analytical report vii. Oral presentation with visuals viii. Final electronic portfolio D, E, F, and G) D. Students who complete demonstrate improved oral presentation and discussion skills. C, E, and F) E. Students who complete demonstrate an enhanced awareness of cultural diversity and of ethics. C, D, and F) 1. Students will be able to participate actively in discussions. 2. Students will be able to present oral information effectively. 3. Students will be able to evaluate what others are communicating and suggest ways of improving communication. 1. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the needs and attitudes of a variety of cultures. 2. Students will develop multiple literacies to address a variety of audiences. 3. Students will be able to work responsibly in collaboration with team members. 4. Students will demonstrate increased understanding of writing and workplace ethics. a. Class discussions c. Workshops d. Group work e. Presentations a. Exercises b. Class discussions c. Writing d. Projects e. Group work i. Discussion of readings and case studies ii. Oral presentation exercises iii. Peer review of oral presentations iv. Formal oral presentations i. Audience analysis exercises ii. Ethics exercises iii. In-class discussions iv. Formal and informal writing with multiple audiences v. Case studies vi. Cultural research vii. Collaborative projects

6 General Education Student Learning Outcomes: A. Critical and creative thinking skills and problem-solving strategies B. Writing C. Oral communications D. Quantitative analysis E. Computer literacy and the ability to work productively with information technology F. An enhanced awareness of ethics, cultural diversity, artistic expression, health and wellness issues, and the physical and social environment G. Information literacy including finding, evaluating, and using information effectively