Syllabus

Welcome to Technical Writing!  I hope you're ready for a great semester. In order to help you orientate yourself to the course and to Canvas, we'll begin with introductions and common questions about this class.

First:

  • Need to contact your instructor? 
    • Via email: jperkins@nctc.edu
    • Via Canvas (Preferred Method)
  • What is the required textbook for the course?  The Essentials of Technical Writing (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.. Need a copy of the first chapter while you wait for your textbook to come in? Here you go.
  • How much time should you expect to spend on this course? Often, students think that online classes are easier or require less time than a traditional face-to-face course. However, this is not the case. You can expect to spend as much time reading the textbook, reading the course materials and linked pages, and completing the writing assignments as you would in a traditional face-to-face course. The difference for an online course is that you can determine what times during the week you will complete your coursework. If you are not willing to spend the necessary amount of time each week studying, reading, and writing, you will probably not be successful in this course. 
  • How much writing should you expect to produce in this course?  Keep in mind that this is a technical writing course; therefore, your grade in the course will be primarily based on your writing (i.e., memos, discussion forums, manuals, reports, letters). You can expect to write approximately three pages single-spaced each week (plus reading quizzes). Sometimes, you might write a bit more; occasionally, a bit less. I also provide student models for many of the assignments. These models are merely examples of how other students successfully approached the task. They are not perfect, and they are not the only way to complete the assignment.
  • How much computer knowledge should I have? You don't need to be a computer expert for this course. However, you will need to use Microsoft Word or Google Docs--and some of the less common commands--for your assignments. Later in the semester, you'll need PowerPoint or Google Slides. You will also need $20 to print your presentation at an office supply/copy center.
  • But, what if I don't know how to do something in Word or Google Docs (i.e., text wrap images or remove all formatting)? If you don't know how to do something (such as single-space entire document or adding right-aligned tab stops with a dot leader), you can teach yourself. There will be times when you are uncomfortable in this course and don't know how to do something. F1 and Google will be your friend. Part of this course is learning to write directions; therefore, you'll need to learn to read directions. 
  • What kind of feedback can you expect from me in the course? Your success in this course is my ultimate goal; therefore, I will give you feedback on most of your writing assignments. Sometimes writing comments on each student's assignment can take a couple of days, so please be patient. (There are 25 of you and 1 of me.) I aim to evaluate and provide feedback on your assignments within two weeks, and I will post an announcement when all tasks are evaluated. In return, I expect you to read, reflect upon, and apply my comments to your future writing assignments. I also promise to respond to your emails promptly (within 24 hours, at the latest). 
  • What Time are the Assignments Due?  Just like in a face-to-face class, you will have weekly assignments that will be due on Sunday night at 11:55 p.m.  
  • Getting Behind? I understand that sometimes things come up, so send me an email letting me know when to expect your work and I'll look for it then. I don't close the drop boxes or quizzes, so if you turn in your assignments a bit later on Monday or Tuesday, you won't be penalized. Just try not to make it a habit and don't get too far behind. You can't proceed in the course until you complete the major assignments. I want you to be successful in this course, so keep me informed if you need an extension or just a bit more support.
  • How should we respond to each other and the instructor? You are expected to communicate with your classmates and me with civility and respect when communicating via email or in discussion postings. Posts and emails that are rude, culturally insensitive, or hostile will be deleted, and students may be reported to administration. (In other words, be kind to each other. We're all learning here.)

Next:  

  • How do you get started? First, you'll want to review the course syllabus. Then, proceed to the Modules and start from the beginning. While the course might seem overwhelming at first, it's helpful to use the Modules tab and progress through the class using the "Next" button.  

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There are no Handouts for this set.