I have this class not online but the assignments needed to be turned in in class but we can write out side class. So I want one to write it all as first secind draft then final about all what needed in the syllbus to get nice in the class all ready started two weeks agao now the final draft of first assingment is due on Octuber 8, but the is shoud be firsr draft at least, o=please read the attached for more details. A work needed or at least B or not getting payed.
Syllabus for: English 305T—Technical Writing—Fall 2013
Suggested Text:
Alred, Gerald J., Charles T. Brusaw., and Walter E. Oliu. Handbook of Technical
Writing. 9th ed. 2008.
Course Overview/Rationale:
This course assumes that you are currently studying or are already within a profession that utilizes technical communication—i.e. that utilizes the means of information interchange to communicate discipline-specific knowledge. This course requires you to write within the subject area of your major/profession. The subject matter for this course is your own major/profession. It seems logical that students benefit most when they actually use and apply their discipline-specific knowledge to a technical writing course—this seems obvious. It also seems obvious that students learn best when writing projects within the course are integrated—i.e. the writing projects/papers are all related to each other using the same subject matter. Rather than write a series of disconnected and potentially unrelated writing projects, it is more beneficial to relate the different types of technical papers together so that students can successfully pursue an in-depth inquiry into subject matter within their own profession. Each of the writing projects should be viewed as one long semester-based project. Each project is a series of steps within a longer project for the semester course.
Papers/Grade Determinates:
There are 3 formal papers in this course:
Paper 1: Proposal-Feasibility Report (Problem-Solution)
Brief Synopsis Description: This paper takes a topic from your
major/profession (your choice of topic), defines a problem within your
major/profession, and tells how you intend to solve the problem in
the remainder of the papers—Papers 2 and 3. (4 to 8 pages/single
spaced) 33 1/3% of Final Grade
Paper 2: Selected Abstract /Annotated Bibliography
Brief Synopsis Description: This paper gathers sources (books, mags,
journals, etc.) together, summarizes the “solutions” to the problem
from Paper 1, and presents evidence for the solution of the problem to
use in Paper 3. (20 pages/single spaced) 33 1/3% of Final Grade
Paper 3: Final Report w/graphics
Brief Synopsis Description: This paper is the sum total of Papers 1 and 2.
More than just a simple compilation of papers, Paper 3 must
demonstrate workable solutions to the problem. (15 to 20 pages/
double spaced) 33 1/3% of Final Grade
Course Format:
I use a “workshop” approach to teach writing. About 90% of this course is spent actually working on your papers with me in class—one-on-one. Normally, I will introduce papers for assignment in the form of a “lecture” to the class. Then, we proceed to actual “critique days” in which you write your paper in a series of stages and then bring it to class for me to discuss with you. Almost every student who has completed this class with me as the Instructor will tell you that “critique days” are very important for success in this course; they will probably tell you that the workshop approach is very beneficial as a form of intense “hands on” learning. In this course, you will get 100% help from me in the composition of your paper; however, YOU must be ready to compose multiple drafts of the paper and come to class and work toward the objectives.
Late Paper Policy:
Normally, late papers—those received after class time on the day they are due—are not accepted. Papers will not be accepted when submitted via email, under the office door, submitted via the office mailbox, or to personnel of Indiana State University. The only acceptable way to submit a paper that is due is to submit it to me personally by hand on the day that it is due in the class in which you are enrolled. However, sickness, weather, or other problems may prevent you from submitting the paper on time. Students will be required to document reasons why papers are late. When a late paper is received with documentation, it will receive one letter grade off for each day it is late unless documentation provides evidence why the paper could not be submitted on time. Under no circumstances will any paper, for any reason, be accepted more than a week (seven days) after it is due.
Course Grade Determination:
Each paper is assigned a letter grade. Letter grades are based on the ISU grading scale (Below). Grades are added together and then divided by three (3) to get the final course grade. Grades are not rounded up. There is no “extra credit” in the course. All Paper grades are final.
A+
=4.3
A
=4.0
A-
=3.7
B+
=3.3
B
=3.0
B-
=2.7
C+
=2.3
C
=2.0
C-
=1.7
D+
=1.3
D
=1.0
D-
=.7
F
=0
Hypothetical Sample Grades:
Paper 1: C+
=2.3
Paper 2: B
=3.0
Paper 3: B+
=3.3
Total
=8.6 Divided by 3 Total Grades =2.8 or B- Course Grade.
Plagiarism and Academic Dishonesty
Plagiarism Defined: The intentional or unintentional use of another source’s ideas, information, or point-of-view without giving proper style-sheet (MLA, APA, etc.) documentation within the written paper. Unintentional plagiarism is often the result of poor documentation or note-taking skills. Intentional plagiarism can never be allowed– period.
Plagiarism is grounds for failing this course. All cases of suspected plagiarism will be referred to the English Department Chairperson for further review. Suspected cases of plagiarism will be search-engine scanned.
Students are encouraged to read: “ISU Academic Dishonesty Policy” at
305T: Technical Writing
Paper 1: Proposal
Fall 2013
Due Date Oct 8th
Guidelines: (Note: Keep these guidelines. They will not be on all assignment handouts. Everything except the page-count applies to all of the papers we will be working on).
Format:
Font: All: 12 cpi/normal default setting.
Style of Font: All: Tms Roman or New Tms Roman.
Margins: All: Top, Bottom, Left, and Right @ 1″ for all sides. Left-side justification only.
Text Spacing Between Roman Numeral Subheadings: Double Space after and before a subheading. All subheadings should be
in 12 cpi font and be in bold.
Text Spacing Between Graphics/Visuals: What’s Proportionate to in-graphic text comments and/or “keys.” (Normally two
double-spaces before and after visual).
Total Page Count: Minimum: 6 pages DS. Maximum: 8+ pages DS.
Unacceptable Visuals: (Not Applicable to Proposal)
1) Photocopies (use “*scan-in” text document forms for visuals). 2) Non-Computer-Aided Drawings/illustrations/Graphs (Use a CAD software program). *Use graphics that are generated, designed by you; often downloadable graphics are not acceptable for publication for legal reasons. Also, if they are downloadable from the I-net or CD-ROM software, they “cheapen” the integrity of what you are trying to accomplish. In this way, you will avoid legal issues attached to copyrights and “fair-use” limitations. Visuals must be clear, have a tendency to be self-explanatory, have high resolution, and be in color where applicable (Note: to get proper depth perception, we need to show third dimensions–3d), and have
“Keyed,” self-referencing process explanations either within the text or with the graphic itself. All visuals need to be internally referenced within the text as parenthetical citations. Example: (See Fig. 2-4, 5). Also, don’t forget to “support” your \visuals by providing textual or word explanations for them.
Your name: (Last, then First–an example: Records, Monty) one-inch (I”) down from the Left- side margin. Page one, the first page with your name, is not numbered. Subsequent pages after page one will have your Last Name Only and Page Number in the upper Right-hand Comer of the page, one-inch (1″) down from the Top of the page (example: Records 2, Records 3, etc). Leave two (2) spaces between the last letter of your name and the page number.
Title: After you type your name, Triple-Single Space (3 single spaces), type the name of the Title to the Proposal, and then center it in the middle of the page. You should give a creative indication to the Title–examples in 12 cpi font:
Impact of Poverty within the Terre Haute Community: A Proposal Concerning Social Issues
OR:
Proposed Study of Robotic Technology as it Applies to Automotive Manufacturing
OR:
Electrical Efficiency in Three-Phase Inductive Motors: Proposed Guidelines for Use in Industrial Applications
After the title has been typed in 12 cpi font, centered, and placed in bold, Triple-Single Space (3 single spaces) and begin the first paragraph or subheading (See Section: I. Definition of Problem).
2) Language/Style:
You may use discourse/discipline-specific language as long as parenthetical definition
clarifications are given within parentheses.
Poor Example: “The main Alternating Circuit panel uses poly-phase, induction-based, synchronous-speed motors with laminated stators to account for losses due to hysteresis and eddy current variations that occur within printing industry motors when used on steady conveyor applications.”
Better Example: “The main electrical circuit panel uses Alternating Current (480 V AC) to adjust motor speed. This AC circuit is used to power constant-speed motors (Synchronous Motors) so the process of printing materials on a steady conveyor line will not contribute to electrical motor loss. Motor losses include: Hysteresis (resistance to becoming magnetized) and Edgy-currents (isolated currents within the motor stator; the non-moving part) (See Fig 1-3).” Notice how the language “internally references” itself to the document that is currently being read; it doesn’t assume too much on the part of the audience.
Many websites were based on this internal reference factor with the creation of links/ hyperlinks.
The diction (word choice) and style (the way something is said) should be clear at all times, even if writing to a professional audience. Notice that the “Better Example” above has direct, to-the-point style and language. In Technical Writing, clarity of language = clarity of ideas–this is an exact relationship. Your documents should have both. This doesn’t mean, however, that you
Compromise the subject matter for general everyday language that is imprecise and technically vague. Never use the words I, me, or my in Technical Writing; let the subject do the talking. The style of Technical Writing pretends objectivity, so it is written in 3d person. In other words, it appears through the style (3d person) that the subject is of primary importance, not the writer.
3) Subheadings/Sections: (Specific Sections of the Proposal) (Type the Subheadings into your paper)
Paper 1: Proposal
These are the actual sections of the paper below:
I. Definition of the Problem(s):
In this section, you need to define what the problem is exactly; to do this, you need to do the
Following things:
Use a clear, precise definition of the problem. It may be your own definition or a more objective (dictionary type) definition.
► Make sure the diction (word) choice is appropriate for understanding the problem.
► Make sure you have denotative, not connotative, meanings in your definition.
► since the definition leads to the description of the problem, does your definition adequately “set up” or support the descriptions
that follow? Is there a good connection or “lead- in” from the definition?
Example Sentence: “Within the major or profession of ________, the problem is __________, and involves the subtopics or areas of ________, ________, and ________.”
II. Potential Solutions:
In this section, for each subtopic (see Example Sentence above) write a short paragraph that gives solutions for each subtopic. You should try to provide an explanation for each solution using your own point of view, not sources.
III. Description of the problem(s).
Take as many words as you need for this. Consider the following questions/points before you answer the question:
► What’s the best way, in terms of examples, the audience can know the problem(s)?
► What are the best-case examples that come to mind?
► Remember, you know what you are talking about, but the readers need to see it.
► Are the examples vivid, clear; can the readers relate to or identify with them?
► Remember, Description involves the five (5) senses; are you using them?
► Are the examples of the problem related to the reality-level of the audience?
► Don’t forget about the joumalistic questions of Who, What, When, Where, Why?
IV. Importance/Significance of Inquiry
► What is the state or condition of the problem (how does it exist, or how is it known) at the present time considering the fact that
the problem has not been solved, and why is it important to solve this problem in view of attempts that have been made in
the past, but have failed? (See Handout: consider how Redundant- Determinate leads to Pre-Determinate,
Determinate, and Post-Determinate knowledge and meaning in the historic cycle of a problem).
V. Relevance Statement:
► Type the following statement in this section and answer it: “The research involved with this proposal is socially and culturally
important because.”
*Here, be as precise as possible, giving clear examples of the relationship to social, cultural, and even interdisciplinary considerations.
VI. Scope of Inquiry:
► In attempting to solve the problem(s), what exactly will you cover in terms of specific information? What limitations are you imposing on the project so it will have practical, useable, and workable solutions? Explain both questions.
VII: Methodology:
►Are you using traditional (library) or non-traditional (interviews, surveys, DVD, etc) sources? Both? Explain and justify your choices in relation to your approach for
defining and solving the problem. You do NOT have to provide a listing of sources—i.e. a Works Cited listing.
English 305T/Proposal Grade Sheet
Student’s Name_________________________Class Time___________________
Section I: Definition
Yes or No: Is the definition worded so that its meaning is clear?
Yes or No: Does the Definition contain POV?
Yes or No: Definition names subtopics?
Section II: Potential Solutions
Yes or No: At least one solution for each subtopic?
Yes or No: Solutions utilize POV, not sources?
Yes or No: Original POV solutions to Problems?
Section III: Description of the Problem
Yes or No: Quantity of examples (development) good?
Yes or No: Quality of examples (development) good?
Yes or No: Are the examples practical, using real-world applications of the Definition?
Yes or No: Do the examples clarify and show (by example) the Definition?
Section IV: Importance/Significance of Inquiry
Yes or No: Does this section clearly explain why the problem is important to solve to the
profession?
Section V: Relevance Statement
Yes or No: Does this section explain why the research is socially and culturally important to non-professionals?
Section VI: Scope of Inquiry
Yes or No: Does this section clearly explain what information will be covered in the research and why it’s important to
consider these areas of focus or subtopics within the problem?
Section VII: Methodology
Yes or No: Is there a clear explanation of why the writer is using traditional, non-
traditional, or both types of sources?
Comments and Grade:__________