Professor: Dr. Ritu Raju

Syllabus: English 2311

Academic Discipline

English

Course Title

Technical Writing--English 2311

CRN 45298/45340

Location and Meeting Days and Times

Online

Course Semester Credit Hours (SCH)

3 Semester Credit Hours –Summer I, 2013

Contact Hours

48 Contact Hours

Course Length

5 weeks

Type of Instruction

Online

Instructor

Dr. Ritu Raju

English Department

(713) 718-5614 (office phone)

Email: use Eagle email for class matters;

official email: ritu.raju@hccs.edu

Instructor Office Location and Hours

Campus: Spring Branch

Office: 900E

Office Hours: by appointment.

Communication and Contact:

Communication is important to any class, workplace, or any situation! Since our class deals with

professional and technical communication in the workplace, this is a great opportunity to practice

effective communication. To that end, please feel free to communicate with me—no question or

comment is too small or trivial. Please make sure that your tone and word choices are both respectful

and professional; be sure to review the Professional Email Format handout (PEF handout) as well.

In these days of texting, it is tempting and easy to send a quick message without proper

salutation or conclusion. Sometimes, I receive emails with no sender’s name; the email does not

identify the student either. To avoid these situations, be sure to email with a proper greeting and

be sure to mention your name at the end.

Since our class is completely online, I will be glad to talk to you on the telephone or via Skype as

well. You can also make an appointment to visit with me at my office in Spring Branch. I will be

happy to talk to you, provide clarifications, and answer questions regardless of the mode of

communication you chose.

Sometimes, when I’m swamped with emails (I often receive more than 500 emails a day) I may

send you a brief response. Please know that my intention is not to be curt; rather, I would prefer

to send you a quick, efficient response that answers your question quickly. If I send you a brief

message that does not resolve your question, please feel free to let me know if you need more

information.

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Required Text:

Dragga, Sam, and Elizabeth Tebeaux. The Essentials of Technical Communication. Second

Edition. New York: Oxford University Press, USA, 2012. Print.

We will use the textbook extensively, so please buy the book. Using the textbook is vital to your

success in the class. You’re welcome to check out low-cost options such as renting the book (try

Chegg or Bookflix) or buying a used copy on Amazon or similar websites.

I will have a copy of the book on reserve at the Spring Branch library. You can use the book in

the library and make photocopies; you won’t be able to check it out.

Course Description

Studies in the writing of definitions, technical descriptions, evaluations, basic letter types,

abstracts, elements of proposals, the memo report and the short formal report, including

investigative and recommendation reports. Assesses audience needs and develops effective use

of graphics in written reports and oral presentations.

Prerequisites: ENGL 1301 or TECC 1305 or Program Approval

Course Goals:

• To understand the theories that inform technical communication

• To become familiar with the kinds of writing common in the workplace

• To learn to write effective documents

• To develop oral and written presentation skills

• To design audience-appropriate documents

Expected Learning Outcomes:

1. Analyze communication contexts rhetorically by understanding audiences, purposes, and

situations

2. Create technical documents that solve problems and improve situations through

communication

3. Write effective technical prose and edit documents for clarity and conciseness

4. Design convincing and usable documents

5. Analyze the ethical responsibilities involved in technical communication

6. Communicative effectively with diverse audiences

7. Collaborate on communication projects

CORE Curriculum Competencies:

This course stresses the HCC CORE Competencies of reading, writing, speaking, listening,

critical thinking, and computer literacy.

Instructional Methods and Internet Component

This class is completely online. Please take note of the following:

1. You will take a quiz for every chapter—quizzes are on Eagle. You need to take the quizzes

before the due date; you must read the chapter thoroughly to do well in the quiz.

If you miss the due date, you miss the quiz. No make-ups.

2. Chapter notes, handouts, assignment sheets, and all other documents will also be posted on

Eagle.

3. You can communicate with me or with classmates via Eagle.

The HCC Eagle Vista logon page is: https://hccs1.mrooms3.net/login/index.php

Your Eagle Online ID is now the same as your HCC User ID which is used for Online Registration.

[For example: W0034567]

If you don't know your HCC User ID, you can retrieve it here.

The default Eagle Online password at the beginning of the term for new accounts is: "distance".

If you have previously used Eagle Online, use the password that you previously created.

This password is independent of your Online Registration password. You will be required to

change your password when you first log in.

For additional Eagle Online tutorials and resources go to http://online.hccs.edu.

For additional help, please use the EO Helpdesk.

Browser troubles? Use the latest version of Firefox.

Submitting Assignments:

Completing assignments on time is very important for your success in this course; please be mindful of

the deadlines in the calendar.

All Assignments must be submitted typed, double-spaced, in APA format.

All papers will be submitted to turntin.com in order to check originality. Papers not

submitted will receive an F.

All major writing assignments must be completed to pass the course.

All assignments must be submitted on the due date to receive a grade. Late assignments

will not be accepted.

Plagiarism will earn a “0” for that assignment and may not be made up. A second

instance of plagiarism will result in an F in the course.

Save all assignments to a flash drive as a backup.

Grading Criteria:

Grade Meaning Potential Impact in the Workplace

A (90-

100

points)

An “A” document is excellent work. The

audience analysis is insightful, the topic

precise, the organization clear and logical.

The document contains sufficient detail;

the information is accurate, timely, clear,

and comprehensive. The writing is

excellent: good use of advance

organizers, well-developed paragraphs,

graceful and concise sentences, and

precise word choice. The document is

complemented by appropriate, clear,

correct, and honest graphics. The design is

clear, attractive, and professional.

Your supervisor would be impressed and

would pass the document along to his or

her supervisors, without revision.

B (80-89

points)

A “B” document is good work. It has

almost all the virtues of the “A” document,

but one or more of the elements are

missing. For instance, persistent spelling

errors could reduce an A document to a B.

Unprofessional design, ineffective

paragraphing, awkward sentences--any of

these problems could account for the grade

Your supervisor would appreciate your

work, but would want to have the

document revised before passing it along.

of B.

C (70-79

points)

A “C” document is satisfactory work.

Although the document satisfies the

requirements of the assignment, it is

significantly flawed. Usually, two, three,

or more problems make it difficult to read,

to understand, or prevent it from fulfilling

its purpose. For instance, a proposal that

lacks a project calendar and a list of

works cited would receive a C despite

excellent writing.

Your supervisor would be somewhat

disappointed with the document and would

want it revised significantly before passing

it along. In addition, the supervisor would

begin to doubt your ability to complete

similar assignments successfully.

D (60-69

points)

A “D” document is unsatisfactory.

Although some aspects of the document

might be well done, there are numerous or

significant problems with its conception or

execution.

Your supervisor would have another

employee re-do the document. In addition,

your supervisor would question your basic

competence and suitability for your

position. Performance evaluations would

reflect this doubt.

F (0-59

points)

An F document is failing work. It is

submitted after the deadline, it does not

respond to the assignment, it is extremely

difficult to read, or it is unprofessional in

appearance or writing quality.

Your supervisor would likely draw the

conclusion that you do not care about the

quality of your work.

Grade Breakup

Gradebook Item Points Possible

Quizzes (25 x12 chapters) 300

Discussions (50 x 6) 300

Resume and Cover Letter 100

Mid Term 100

Final 100

Total 900

DUE DATES: (also read the Late Work Policy)

Completing assignments on time is vital not just in a class but also in the workplace. Our class is

a professional space and we will work together to follow the calendar.

The deadlines for assignments are firm. That means that I will not accept late work. My

syllabus includes a good mix of assignments (quizzes, discussions, major writing assignments)

so that, if you miss a minor assignment, your grade will not suffer drastically. Repeatedly

missing assignments, or missing major assignments, will affect your grade. If you miss

something, please accept responsibility, move on, make a pledge to yourself not to miss any

future assignments, and work extra hard on the subsequent assignments.

CAUSES FOR LATE ASSIGNMENTS:

The main reason for students missing deadlines is waiting until the last minute. Please recognize

that things can go wrong, technology can fail at the last minute. Begin your assignments well in

time so you can complete them well before the deadline. Being able to meet deadlines and doing

your best work within a given time frame is key to your success in the real world. Use this

opportunity to learn the skills of time management.

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WITHDRAWAL FROM CLASS:

If you stop attending the class, you need to officially withdraw yourself prior to the

withdrawal deadline. (See dates in the current Schedule of Classes).

I will not drop you or give you a W.

ATTENDANCE AND CLASS PARTICIPATION:

You are expected to log on regularly and to be an active participant in the class. This means that

you should

1. Log on at least once a day during the summer semester

2. Keep up with reading assignments and have writing assignments ready on time

3. Contribute to the class by participating in general discussions

4. Follow all instructions with regard to formatting and submitting assignments

In case of an emergency or illness, keep up with the assignments as far as possible. If you must

miss an exam or a due date, email me to discuss the problem. Not logging in regularly and not

doing the readings in this class will seriously impact your ability to understand and do the

assignments; it will also seriously affect your grade.

CLASS RULES:

Virtual Classroom Conduct:

As with on-campus classes, all students in HCC Distance Education courses are required to

follow all HCC Policies & Procedures, the Student Code of Conduct, the Student Handbook, and

relevant sections of the Texas Education Code when interacting and communicating in a virtual

classroom with faculty and fellow students. Students who violate these policies and guidelines

will be subject to disciplinary action that could include denial of access to course-related email,

discussion groups, and chat rooms or being removed from the class.

Please remember the following:

Maintain civility and politeness in all your interactions with me and with other students

Be mindful of what you post—remember that what you post remains in the system

Adhere to the rules and conventions of grammar and writing when you email/post

DO NOT email the entire class for any reason; only the instructor does so

3 PEAT RULE:

“ Students who enroll for most credit CEU classes for a third or more times will be charged

an additional $50.00 per semester credit hour and $3.00 per contact hours."

PLAGIARISM AND COLLUSION:

The Student Handbook lists cheating, plagiarism, and collusion as scholastic dishonesty. It

defines plagiarism as “the appropriation of another’s work and the unacknowledged

incorporation of that work in one’s own written work offered for credit”. It defines collusion as

“the unauthorized collaboration with another person in preparing written work for credit”.

Possible punishments are “a grade of 0 or F on the particular assignment, failure in the course,

and/or recommendation for probation or dismissal from the College System” See the Student

Handbook.

In my own classes, students who intentionally plagiarize or collude on any assignment, major or

minor, receive a 0 in the assignment. A second instance will result in an F in the course.

Plagiarism is viewed with utmost disapproval. As a deterrent, I will require

you to submit all your papers to turnitin.com. Assignments NOT submitted to

Turnitin.com will NOT receive a grade.

NORTHWEST COLLEGE STUDENT SERVICES: provides master’s and doctoral-level

counseling for high-quality support services for the Northwest College student body. Counselors

are available at each campus to assist students in creating class schedules, evaluating college

transcripts and completing degree/certificate plans.

STUDENT SERVICES LOCATIONS AND HOURS:

Katy Campus, Suite 104

(713) 718-5751

8:30am–6:30pm Monday thru Thursday 9:00am–1:00pm Friday

Spring Branch Campus

(713) 718-5669

9:00am–7:00pm Monday thru Thursday 9:00am–1:00pm Friday

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

http://northwest.hccs.edu/northwest/campus-services

EARLY ALERT: HCC has instituted an Early Alert process by which your professor will

“alert” you through counselors of concerns that you might fail a class because of excessive

absences and/or poor academic performance.

ALL STUDENTS ARE ADVISED: Contact your professor/counselor about opportunities for

private tutoring and other assistance prior to considering withdrawal, or if you are not receiving

passing grades. There are many opportunities available to assure your success!

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS: Receiving either a “W”, or “I” in a course may affect the

status of your student Visa. Once a W is given for the course (after you have formally submitted

a withdrawal form), it will not be changed to an F because of the visa consideration. An “I” does

convert to an “F”, but only after six months have passed from the end of the term it was received.

Please contact the International Student Office at 713-718-8520, if you have any questions about

your visa status and other transfer issues.

HCC Course Withdrawal Policy

The State of Texas imposes penalties on students who drop courses excessively. Students are

limited to no more than SIX total course withdrawals throughout their educational career at a

Texas public college or university.

To help you avoid having to drop/withdraw from any class, contact your DE professor regarding

your academic performance. You may also want to contact your DE counselor to learn about

helpful HCC resources (e.g. online tutoring, child care, financial aid, job placement, etc.). HCC

has instituted an Early Alert process by which your professor may “alert” you and DE counselors

that you might fail a class because of excessive absences and/or poor academic performance.

You (the student) may drop yourself online through the HCC Student Center prior to this

date: Summer I Session: Monday, June 24

After the deadline to drop yourself, you MUST provide an email request to your DE

professor, PRIOR to the withdrawal deadline to receive a “W” on your transcript.

After the withdrawal deadline has passed, you will receive the grade that you would have earned.

Zeros averaged in for required coursework not submitted will lower your semester average

significantly, most likely resulting in a failing grade of an “F”. It is the responsibility of the

student to withdraw from the class; however, your professor reserves the right to withdraw you

without your request due to excessive absences. If you do not feel comfortable contacting your

professor to withdraw, you may provide a written request to DE Counseling through the

AskDECounseling form found at de.hccs.edu. However, please do not contact both a DE

counselor and your DE professor to request a withdrawal; either one is sufficient.

Classes of other duration (mini-term, flex-entry, 8-weeks, etc.) may have different final

withdrawal deadlines. Please contact the HCC Registrar’s Office at 713.718.8500 to determine

mini-term class withdrawal deadlines.

Student Services

DISTANCE EDUCATION ADVISING AND COUNSELING SERVICES

Much DE student information can be found on the DE Student Services website: de.hccs.edu.

Advising or counseling can be accomplished through our online request form AskDECounseling.

Counselors and Student Services Associates (SSA) can assist students with admissions,

registration, entrance testing requirements, degree planning, transfer issues, and career

counseling. In-person, confidential sessions, can also be scheduled to provide brief counseling

and community referrals to address personal concerns impacting academic success.

DISABILITY SERVICES

Any student with a documented disability (e.g. physical, learning, psychiatric, vision, hearing,

etc.) who needs to arrange reasonable accommodations must contact the Disability Support

Services Office at the beginning of each semester. Professors are authorized to provide only the

accommodations requested by the Disability Support Services Office.

DE students who are requesting special testing accommodations may choose the most convenient

DSS office for assistance each semester:

District ADA Coordinator – Donna Price – 713.718.5165

Central ADA Counselors – Jaime Torres & Martha Scribner – 713.718.6164

Northeast ADA Counselor- Kim Ingram – 713.718.8420

Northwest ADA Counselor – Mahnaz Kolaini – 713.718.5422

Southeast ADA Counselor – Jette Lott - 713.718.7218

Southwest ADA Counselor – Dr. Becky Hauri – 713.718.7910

Coleman ADA Counselor – Dr. Raj Gupta – 713.718.7631

After student accommodation letters have been approved by the DSS office and submitted to DE

Counseling for processing, students will receive an email confirmation informing them of the

Instructional Support Specialist (ISS) assigned to their professor.

LIBRARY RESOURCES

As a DE student you have the same access to first-rate information resources that the HCC

Libraries make available to all HCC students. A special website pulls together all the tools DE

students will need to complete research. Visit Library Resources specifically for Distance

Education students.

Library services are available throughout HCC. Through a daily library delivery service and a

listing of all materials belonging to HCC libraries, books may be requested from and delivered to

any campus library. HCC also has cooperative borrowing agreements with the University of

Houston libraries and provides a copy of the Houston Public library catalog at each library.

These arrangements provide students with access to over 4 million volumes.

Special services provided by the library system include photocopying facilities; specialized

equipment for disabled students; group and personalized instruction in library use, including a

self-instructional media program to orient students to the use of the HCCS libraries; a “term

paper” workshop; and online bibliographic search services.

Calendar/Schedule of Readings and Assignments

Week Dates Reading Assignment: Due Date

1 June 3--June 9 Chapters 1—3

Ch.1, 2, 3 quiz: June 5

DP1 : Introductions: June 5

DP2: Ethics Case: June 9

2 June 10--16 Chapter 12

Chapters 4--6

Ch. 4, 5, 6 quiz: June 12

Ch. 12 quiz: June 16

Resume, Cover Letter: June 16

3 June 17--23 Midterm exam (open

book, online, covers

Chapters 1-6, 12)

Chapter 10

Midterm: June 18-19

Chapter 10 Quiz: June 23

DP 3: Instructions and

Procedures: June 23

4 June 24—June 30

June 24

Chapters 7, 8, 9

Drop Date

Ch. 7, 8, 9 Quiz: June 26

DP 4: Memos and Emails: June

30

DP 5: Report: June 30

5 July 1—July 7

Chapter 11

Revise all chapters for

Final (open book,

online)

DP 6: Oral Reports: July 2

Final Exam: July 3

July 8

Grades Due