MA C125 Technical Communications

CATALOG COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course stresses clarity and accuracy in written communication appropriate for technical fields, both in print and electronic forms. Students will gain the skills necessary to research, write, and edit effective content. They will learn to divide content into sections and organize those sections into a navigational structure. Students will also learn how to convert narrative data into visual elements and how to present such information accurately. Topics include formal and informal reports, letters, instructions, and the design elements of the technical writer’s job.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

1. Describe significant aspects of the technical communication environment, such as ethical and legal considerations, collaboration, and communication tools.
2. Analyze audience and purpose.
3. Evaluate, interpret, summarize, and abstract information from research and apply a documentation system, such as MLA.
4. Write and revise technical compositions for readability, clarity, conciseness, exactness, and freedom from major and minor grammatical errors.
5. Differentiate between features and benefits and write effective content to enhance the marketability and persuasiveness of communications.
6. Create information graphics and/or tabular data to communicate technical information.
7. Divide a large body of information into meaningful units and organize those units into a hierarchy of relationships.
8. Use principles of visual design to create usable documents.
9. Collaborate with others in the development of original content.

DETAILED TOPICAL OUTLINE

1. The Technical Communication Environment (A, I)
   1. Introduction to Technical Communication
   2. Ethical and Legal Considerations
   3. Collaborative Writing
   4. Electronic Communication Tools
2. Planning the Document (B, C)
   1. Analysis of Audience
   2. Purpose and Strategy
   3. Research
3. Drafting the Document (D, E)
   1. Persuasive Writing
   2. Definitions and Descriptions
   3. Front and Back Matter
4. Integrating Design Elements and Graphics (F)
   1. Design Elements
   2. Graphics
   3. Visual Elements
5. Revising the Document for Clarity, Coherence, and Effectiveness (D)
   1. Scanability
   2. Structural and Style Elements
   3. Revising for Readable Style
   4. Clarity
   5. Conciseness
   6. Exactness
   7. Fluency
   8. Tone
   9. Proofreading
6. Designing the Document (G, H)
   1. Information Architecture
   2. Layout and Design
   3. Page Chunking
   4. Labeling Information
   5. Page Layout Principles
   6. Style Sheets
7. Writing Proposals and Reports (A-I)
   1. Proposals
   2. Memos, Letters and Informal Reports
   3. Formal Reports

METHODS OF PRESENTATION

Course instructional methods may include but are not limited to

1. Textbook and electronic readings
2. Lectures
3. Discussions

ASSIGNMENTS AND METHODS OF EVALUATION

Assessment of student performance may include but is not limited to

1. Weekly Assignments: Weekly writing assignments will reinforce concepts and skills from lecture material. (A-I)
2. Discussion: Students will participate in discussions to critique and explore issues of technical communication. (A-I)
3. Projects: Students will work independently and collaboratively to develop content for a technical project. (A-I)

OUT OF CLASS ASSIGNMENTS

1. Homework and Reading Assignments: Students will complete textbook reading assignments and practice skills in homework.
2. Communications: Students will write a variety of communication forms, including letters, memos, proposals, definitions, descriptions, and explanations, all of professional quality.
3. Research: Students will conduct research into their project assignment area, evaluate and interpret information, accurately present this information through quotation, paraphrase, and/or summarizing, and properly cite sources used.
4. Visual Elements: In order to improve clarity, students will demonstrate effective use of visual elements such as charts, graphs, and pictures.
5. Final report: Students will complete a professional quality technical report of at least 15 pages, including appropriate front and back matter, organized content, effective visuals, and proper citation of sources used.

READINGS

Reading assignments are required and may include but are not limited to a textbook such as

1. Markel, M. (2004). Technical Communication. 7th ed. New York, NY: Bedford St. Martin’s.
2. Burnett, R. (2005). Technical Communication. 6th ed. Cambridge, MA: Thompson Heinle

5.24.2006

  Courses Index