Project Descriptions
There are three types of assignments: (1) major writing assignments, (2) small assignments and group exercises, and (3) online conferencing.
Writing Assignments
You will complete six major writing assignments during the semester. They will enable you to develop and demonstrate your skills in different types of technical writing and to apply the writing strategies and techniques discussed in the course.
Four of the assignments are related to the final project for the course: an analytical report. In an analytical report, you describe a topic that you think is an issue or a problem needing attention; describe, analyze, and evaluate your research findings; draw conclusions; and provide possible recommendations for improvement. The four assignments related to the analytical report are as follows:
Assignment 1: Audience Analysis
These assignments will take you from the inception to the completion of a project. They represent deliverables you may be required to submit for a project. In the audience analysis, you will examine and evaluate the purpose of your project and the audience to whom you are directing the project deliverables. In the planning proposal, you describe the issue you're investigating, your proposed ideas for change, the resources you need to complete the project, and a schedule of your research activities and milestones. You present a summary of the status of your project in the progress report. In the analytical report, you provide the research results, conclusions, and recommendations.
The remaining two assignments focus on the following:
Assignment 5: Instructions, Technical Description, and Definitions
In the technical description/instructions assignment, you'll prepare a document containing definition(s), a technical description, and a set of instructions about a technical topic. The instructions describe how to perform an activity related to the technical topic. The technical description details a process, object, or mechanism involved in the instructions. The definitions are incorporated into the description and instructions. In the business correspondence assignment, you'll write a letter or memo about a topic or situation.
Small Assignments and Group Exercises
Small assignments and group exercises will allow you to gain practice in areas not covered directly by the major assignments. Some activities will relate to the final project. These activities will be introduced and described in the Conference area and Group Activities Area as the course progresses.
Small Assignment 1: Writing a Definition
Small Assignment 2: Writing an Abstract
Small Assignment 3: Outlining a Technical Presentation
Group Activity 1: Conducting Online Research
Group Activity 2: Giving Feedback on Writing
Online Conferencing
Through online conferences and activities, we'll explore the topics discussed in the readings. We'll also examine how technical communication plays a role in your professional, academic, and personal activities. Participation in the online conferences, activities, and exercises is an integral part of this Web-based course. We'll learn from each other and from our experiences through participation. Your participation in the online activities accounts for a portion of your grade. Conference topics will be posted weekly.