Description:

This course provides an advanced knowledge of technical writing. Students will learn the writing process (prewriting, writing and rewriting) to follow when constructing correspondence. Types of technical writing covered in this course include memos, letters, e-mail, short reports, long reports, instructional manuals, Web pages, PowerPoint presentations, brochures, newsletters, journal articles, resumes and online resumes. Students also will learn seven key traits of effective technical writing; clarity, conciseness, document design, organization, audience recognition, audience involvement and accuracy. Accuracy specifically entails the need for students to adhere to rules of grammar and mechanics. Students will learn how to create computer-generated graphics and learn word-processing skills. Finally, the students will learn how to work in teams, modeling Total Quality Management skills. 3 hrs./wk.

Supplies: Refer to the instructor's course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Textbook(s): For information see - http://bookstore.jccc.net

Course Fees: NONE

Course Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course the student should be able to:

1. Use various prewriting techniques to overcome writer's block.
2. Write rough drafts.
3. Rewrite rough drafts by employing revision techniques and working with Peer Evaluation groups.
4. Compose different types of technical correspondence, using emerging technologies and specifically applicable to their career goals
5. Write correspondence which abides by the seven essential traits of Technical Writing: Clarity, Conciseness, Document Design, Organization, Audience Recognition, Audience Involvement, and Accuracy (correspondence which is grammatically and mechanically correct).
6. Create computer-generated graphics.
7. Download and modify computer-generated graphics.
8. Use computer word processing skills and learn new technologies.
9. Acquire problem-solving skills inherent in the challenges of writing and teamwork.
10. Work in teams, modeling Total Quality Management skills.

Content Outline & Competencies:

I. Prewrite to Overcome Writer's Block
   A. Gather information for correspondence.
   B. Organize this information according to the type and purpose of the
correspondence being written.
      1. spatial
      2. chronological
      3. importance
      4. analytical
      5. cause/effect
      6. problem/solution
      7. memo
      8. letter
      9. short report
      10. long report
      11. instruction
      12. e-mail
      13. web page
      14. brochure
      15. newsletter
      16. resume
      17. online resume
      18. journal article
      19. sales
      20. inquiry
      21. directive
      22. informative
   C. Identify and determine audience needs.

II. Write Rough Drafts
   A. Draft text for the specific assignment.
   B. Organize the text according to the type and purpose of the
correspondence being written.
      1. spatial
      2. chronological
      3. importance
      4. analytical
      5. cause/effect
      6. problem/solution
      7. memo
      8. letter
      9. short report
      10. long report
      11. instruction
      12. e-mail
      13. web page
      14. brochure
      15. newsletter
      16. resume
      17. online resume
      18. journal article
      19. sales
      20. inquiry
      21. directive
      22. informative

III. Rewrite the Rough Drafts Using Revision Techniques and Peer Group
Evaluations
   A. Add new details for clarity.
   B. Delete unnecessary information for conciseness.
   C. Reformat the text to improve document design.
   D. Enhance the tone of the text for audience involvement.
   E. Clarify word usage.
   F. Correct grammatical and mechanical errors.
   G. Work with peers to help each other and learn from each other.

IV. Compose Different Types of Technical Correspondence - A major focus of
this course is writing geared toward the unique interests and career goals
of each student.  Students determine their own course content, selecting
at least 6 assignments from a list of possibilities.  Each student will
begin by writing a long report proposing their semester's work and
scheduling the assignments.  Then, the students could complete any of the
following:
   A. Write a cover letter of application.
   B. Write a resume.
   C. Create an online resume.
   D. Write a letter of inquiry to request information about a job opening
or career opportunity.
   E. Write a memo to direct subordinates, inform colleagues, request
assistance from supervisors, etc.
   F. Create a web site with a home page and multiple screens for a
company, church, club, organization, etc.
   G. Write a user manual informing clients how to perform a series of
tasks.
   H. Create an online user manual with help screens.
   I. Write a progress report to a boss, informing him or her of status on
a project.
   J. Write e-mail to the teacher updating him or her about the student's
achievements and challenges in the course.
   K. Write a brochure about a product or service.
   L. Write a newsletter for a company, church, club, organization, etc.
   M. Write and submit for publication a journal article.
   N. Create a PowerPoint presentation informing the class of the
student's achievements that semester.

V. Write Correspondence Which Abides by the Seven Essential Traits of
Technical Writing
   A. Clarify ideas by answering reporter's questions and by providing
specific, quantifiable information.
   B. Write concisely, by limiting the length of words, the length of
sentences, and the length of paragraphs.
   C. Design the page layout of text through highlighting techniques, such
as boldface, underlining, white space, italics, changes in font size and
typeface, etc.
   D. Organize the text according to the type and purpose of the
assignment.
      1. spatial
      2. chronological
      3. importance
      4. analytical
      5. cause/effect
      6. problem/solution
      7. memo
      8. letter
      9. short report
      10. long report
      11. instruction
      12. e-mail
      13. web page
      14. brochure
      15. newsletter
      16. resume
      17. online resume
      18. journal article
      19. sales
      20. inquiry
      21. directive
      22. informative
   D. Recognize audience.
      1. determine whether the reader is a high-tech peer, a low-tech
peer, a lay reader, or combinations of the above.
      2. define terms according to the reader's level of understanding
avoiding sexist language.
   E. Involve audience through pronouns, contractions, positive word
usage, and personalized tone.
   F. Create accurate text, avoiding the nine major grammatical errors and
minor errors in punctuation.
      1. fused sentences
      2. fragments
      3. agreement errors
      4. verb tense shifts
      5. reference problems
      6. problems with modification
      7. spelling errors
      8. comma splices
      9. and shifts in person
      
VI. Create Computer-Generated Graphics
   A. Use Paint, PhotoShop, Lview, FrontPage, Adobe Workshop, etc., to
create bitmap images.
   B. Use Microsoft Word to create bar charts, pie charts, line graphs,
etc., for use in documentation.

VII. Download and Modify Computer-Generated Graphics
   A. Download GIFs (Graphical Interfaces) and JPGs (Joint Photographic
Group) graphics from the Internet.
   B. Use a conversion software to modify the text to avoid copyright
infringement.

VIII. Use Computer Word Processing Skills and Learn New Technologies
   A. Word process on Microsoft Word.
   B. Use PowerPoint.
   C. Use RoboHelp.
   D. Use FrontPage.
   E. Use any HTML editor.

IX. Acquire Problem-Solving Skills Inherent in the Challenges of Writing
and Teamwork
   A. Solve problems inherent in writing, such as gathering information,
organizing text, recognizing audience, abiding by the seven key criteria
for Technical Writing, and avoiding grammatical/mechanical errors.
   B. Solve problems inherent in working with computer hardware and
software.
   C. Work in groups for team projects, overcoming challenges inherent
with writing skills.

X. Work in Teams, Model Total Quality Management Skills
   A. Choose team leaders for projects.
   B. Choose team record keepers for role checking.
   C. Work to get along with others from diverse backgrounds.
   D. Achieve equal levels of labor.
   E. Support others in a team project.
   F. Help each other and learn from each other.

Methods of Evaluation of Competencies:

Evaluation of student mastery of course competencies will be accomplished using the following methods:

Students in Technical Writing II determine their own course content,
selecting at least 6 assignments from a list of possibilities.  Based on
the following sample assignments, evaluation of student mastery of course
competencies will be accomplished:

Proposal                                                             20%
Cover letter of application                                          10%
Resume (traditional, paperbound resume)                              15% 
Online resume (web-based resume using HTML coding)                   25% 
Letter of inquiry                                                    10%
3 e-mails                                                            10%
Daily grades (prewriting, rough drafts, and peer group assessments)  10%  

                                                                    100%

Final grades will be assigned according to the following scale:
      90 -100 = A
      80 - 89 = B
      70 - 79 = C
      60 - 69 = D
    Below  60 = F

Caveats: NONE

Disabilities:

If you are a student with a disability, and if you will be requesting accommodations, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services. Access Services will recommend any appropriate accommodations to your professor and his/her director. The professor and director will identify for you which accommodations will be arranged.

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you desire support services, contact the office of Access Services for Students With Disabilities (913) 469-8500, ext. 3521 or TDD (913) 469-3885. The Access Services office is located in the Success Center on the second floor of the Student Center.