COM 310: Technical Communication

Summer 2007

Dr. Kenneth S. Knodt

Culture and Communication Dept.

33^rd and Powelton; Office: 305

Office Hours: T 11-12:15

E-Mail: knodtks@drexel.edu

Book: Mike Markel, Technical Communication, Bedford/St. Martins.

Overview: A person with technical communication skills is valuable in any organization, whether working in internal product development or external sales. To be an effective contributor, you need to understand the technical issues; understand the audience; choose the best approach; and, finally, develop the items.

In this class you’ll learn the importance of strategy in dealing with multiple audiences; what businesses/organizations generally expect in different formats; and the use of the graphical and visual in effective technical communication.

Requirements and Policies:

PAPERS

· Though life gets busy for everyone, one still must meet deadlines. Thus, all papers must be handed in on time--with one exception: you may turn in one paper, of your choice, at any time up to the last day. Any other late paper will automatically lose 10% of the total paper grade.

· Put your name and class time on every paper.

REVISION OF PAPERS

You may revise one paper (not the Instructions which is a group assignment) for a grade up to the last day. Because a revision is graded anew, different things can affect the outcome; also, not every last detail needing improvement may be identified, hence the grade may not be higher (however, you'll never get a recorded lower grade). The original and the revised grades will be averaged to determine the new grade. When submitting a revision, you must attach the original and the revision.

ATTENDANCE

· It’s important that you attend class on a regular basis because while papers measure achievement, classes develop learning. I realize that you have many legitimately competing things to do, so you are allowed some optional flexibility: you may miss two classes without any penalty, but after that you will lose six points for each additional class you miss. Also, if you are significantly late to class, this may affect your attendance grade.

· Involvement is a basic expectation, with the class needing the interaction of each student for a better learning experience--you really do have something significant to contribute.

Grading: There are 300 points that can be earned during the term. Following is the grade distribution:

A+ 287- (96 and above equivalent %)

A 278-286 (93-95 equivalent %)

A- 269-277 (90-92 equivalent %)

B+ 260-268 (87-89)

B 248-259 (83-86)

B- 239-247 (80-82)

C+ 230-238 (77-79)

C 218-229 (73-76)

C- 210-217 (70-72)

D+ 200-209 (67-69)

Etc. Etc. Etc.

Other Points: 5 bonus points will be given for anyone who completes all of the unannounced, mostly in-class projects. 3 points will be given to those who miss only one such project. These cannot be made up or excused, because they are meant to be a measure of your direct involvement in the ongoing course.

WEEK TOPIC READ ASSIGNMENT

1	Introduction Audience	c.1 c.3, 5
2	Memos and letters	c.14, 15	Paper 1: Correspondence package due (60)
3	Instructions	c.19
4	Development techniques	c.9, 7	Instructions workshop
5	Report Design, Graphics	c.17, 18 c.12, 13	Paper 2: Instructions due (70)
6	Style and editing	c.10, 11
7	Proposal	c.16	Paper 3: Report due (70)
8	Developing a presentation
9	Individual Meetings	c.21	Proposal workshop
10	Presentations		Presentation (20) Paper 4: Proposal due (80)