EAC390 - Technical Writing

Prerequisite(s)
COM101 or equivalent

Topic Outline
Students will develop and demonstrate their competence in written expression, reading, and research skills by exploring such topics as the application of technical language, planning strategies for technical documents, technical correspondence, manuals, technical presentations and reports, illustrating technical material, and research strategies and citation styles for technical documents.

Mode of Instruction
To ensure that students are engaged as much as possible in the learning process, instructors can use such teaching methods as class and small group discussions,written assignments and research, individual and group presentations, readings, lectures, workshops, in-class exercises, and/or web-based instruction. 

Prescribed Texts
Ewald, Thorsten.  Writing in the Technical Fields. Current edition. Oxford University Press

Reference Material
Maimon, Elaine, et al., A Writer's Resource: A Handbook for Writing and Research 3rd Can. Ed.. McGraw-Hill Ryerson
Any Canadian Reference or Handbook
Students should possess an appropriate college-level dictionary.

Students are referred to the following web site for the Seneca College Library MLA Style Guide and Guide to Integrating Quotations (MLA Style):
https://library.senecapolytechnic.ca/

Student Progression and Promotion Policy

http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/student-progression-and-promotion-policy.html

Grading Policyhttp://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/grading-policy.html

A+	90%  to  100%
A	80%  to  89%
B+	75%  to  79%
B	70%  to  74%
C+	65%  to  69%
C	60%  to  64%
D+	55%  to  59%
D	50%  to  54%
F	0%    to  49% (Not a Pass)
OR
EXC	Excellent
SAT	Satisfactory
UNSAT	Unsatisfactory

For further information, see a copy of the Academic Policy, available online (http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academics-and-student-services.html) or at Seneca's Registrar's Offices. (https://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/registrar.html).

Modes of Evaluation

To be successful in this course, you must complete all course work as specified and achieve an overall grade of 50% or higher. For further information on evaluation and academic standing, see a copy of the Academic Policy available at: http://www.senecac.on.ca/academic-policy/

The term work will constitute 75% of the final grade. In all cases, the instructor’s class schedule will indicate the nature of the weekly activities as well as the assignments, their due dates, and their value. All assignments must be correctly documented using an appropriate documentation style as identified by the instructor – and follow the criteria established by the assignment, unless otherwise notified.

All term work assignments must be completed prior to the time of the examination. Unless students have been granted an extension in advance, late assignments will be penalized accordingly. There is no provision for rewriting late assignments, regardless of the grade awarded. Students must contact faculty in advance of the due date to discuss extensions.

Make-up opportunities for assignments must also be made in advance of the scheduled due date. If an assignment is missed due to class absence, any official documentation that might be grounds for arranging a make-up opportunity must be submitted to the faculty member on or before the next scheduled class. Make-up opportunities do not apply to all graded assignments.


Grading Scheme:
 

Written Assignments	20%
Mid-Term Test	15%
Major Analytical Report	30%
Presentation	10%
Long Technical Procedure Writing	25%

Student Success:
Please come prepared to participate in class. Make sure you bring your course text to each class, participate in class discussions, hand in any assigned work on time and attend each and every class. Following these suggestions will increase your chances of success.

Missed Tests, Presentations and Late Assignments
Due dates for all evaluations and assessments are posted. Evaluations can include projects, podcasts, videos, assignments, quizzes and/or tests and exams. Students are expected to meet the specified dates and deadlines. Resources to help you succeed as an online learner can be found at Seneca Libraries: https://library.senecapolytechnic.ca/friendly.php?s=learning_online_at_seneca

In the case of an extenuating circumstance that results in your being unable to meet the stated deadline, you are encouraged to contact your professor. Your professor may (or may not) grant an extension to a posted due date. Such extension requests must be discussed prior to the due date, or very closely following. Late submission or completion of any assessments may be subject to a penalty grade deduction. As well, it is a best practice, for all students, to keep a copy (PDF) of all final submitted assignments.
 
You are welcome to discuss feedback on your completed and submitted assessments with your professor during a synchronous class, or during posted "virtual" office hours, or by a mutually agreed appointment between you and your professor.
 
Feedback to students regarding graded assessments can be provided in many ways including being posted to Blackboard, added to gradebook comments, taken up synchronously, and/or discussed with students. After feedback is posted and/or discussion of the assessment has taken place, any opportunity to complete or submit that version of the assessment for grades, will be deemed to have “passed.”
 
Effective Business Communication and English Competency

The ability to communicate effectively is essential for success in business. Therefore, students must:

• Demonstrate English competency in this subject in both oral and written work;
• Strive to be clear and concise;
• Ensure all written work is consistent with the rules of English grammar, especially in sentence structure, spelling, and punctuation; and
• Always spell check, edit, and proofread submitted work.

Seneca College Library Resources
 
Be sure to begin all your research, assignment support and career preparation at the Seneca College libraries website http://library.senecapolytechnic.ca where you will find information about our services and collections including, print and e-books, databases that will lead you to thousands of articles in magazines, newspapers, journals, encyclopedias, carefully selected websites, how-to tutorials, streamed videos and much more.

Hospitality & Tourism Services Subject Guide 

Go to https://library.senecapolytechnic.ca/travel/home for an online customized guide for hospitality and tourism students that meets specific program needs – you will find library resources, websites, industry associations and organizations for hospitality and tourism students and more.
 
PLEASE KEEP THIS DOCUMENT FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.  IT WILL BE REQUIRED IF YOU APPLY TO ANOTHER EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION AND SEEK ADVANCED STANDING.