TECHNICAL WRITING

This course is designed to familiarize students with the genre of English writing that includes technical reports, proposals (for grants or research projects), commercial or other industry-related, specialized documents. This genre primarily uses a (typically neutral) fact-driven, communication-oriented style of writing, unlike the argumentative essay with which students are more familiar. Technical writing will be approached through a "see & experiment"h method: a small research project may be undertaken during the course, in order to incorporate firsthand practice planning and composing each type of document. It is hoped that, upon completion of the course, students are familiar with and competent in undertaking these tasks independently. This course will be offered as an optional credit course for sophomores (or higher) students in all majors.

- Compose effective professional documents (emails, memos, reports, job applications, etc.).
- Familiarize students with business writing style.
- Build effective proofreading skills.
- Apply audience analysis to writing.
- Increase communicative competence.
- Expand context-specific (professional) vocabulary.
- Build confidence in professional communication.
Provide skills that have specific real-world application.

First, Students are expected to attend all classes and to be punctual in both attending class and completing any assigned tasks.

The rules for this course are as follows:

1. Attend all lectures.
a. Classes missed without a viable excuse will carry a penalty (1% penalty/absence).

2. Be on time.
a. for class (Being more than 15 minutes later for class counts as an absence).
b. for submission of assignments (late assignments will be penalized).

3. Bring all required materials to class.

4. All classroom functions will be conducted in English.
a. Warning for breaking this rule will only be given once.

5. Cell phones/smart phones are not necessary in the classroom.

There are no pre-requistes for this course.

The course is open to any student above the freshman level (sophomore - senior)

This class is designed to have practical real-world application in terms of both academic and professional life.

The material examined in this course will have practical use for IB and IR students.

Business/workplace writing is a common component of many jobs, thus the skills learned through this course may prove useful for students entering into internships, entering the workforce, or for those who wish to start learning these skills early.