BTC440 - Business and Technical Writing

Subject Title
Business and Technical Writing

Subject Description
Business and Technical Writing is a course that focuses on business and technical correspondence and reports, including proposals, relevant to the software development field. Students will learn to write abstracts, formal and informal reports, as well as technical briefs after studying industry examples. Delivered in mixed mode format using a variety of media and methods, this course encourages learning by application and accomplishment. Prerequisite: BTC140

Credit Status
1 credit (3 units)
Required for BSD - Bachelor of Technology (Software Development)

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

1. identify the appropriate uses of email and print communication (cognitive, analysis);

2. evaluate related business and/or technical writing for its effectiveness (Cognitive, Evaluation);

3. apply fundamental techniques of business and/or technical writing using local standards for forms of address, closings, dates, etc. (Cognitive, Application);

4. create email messages and memos for specific purposes and audiences (cognitive, synthesis, psychomotor);

5. create business and technical reports utilizing appropriate research techniques (Cognitive, Synthesis, Psychomotor);

6. create tables of contents, indices, bibliographies, and end notes or footnotes, where applicable, for reports and proposals (Cognitive, Synthesis, Psychomotor);

7. write an abstract for a report or memorandum (Cognitive, Synthesis, Psychomotor);

8. write executive summaries for longer reports and proposals (Cognitive, Synthesis, Psychomotor);

9. summarize published research materials (Cognitive, Synthesis);

10. develop a project proposal for a Canadian business or financial institute (Cognitive, Synthesis, Psychomotor);

11. apply computer skills to create effective tables and visuals for a technical report (Cognitive, Application);

12. demonstrate computer skills through the completion of a technical paper, writing, sending and receiving e-mail and the incorporation of visual aids into print material (Cognitive, Application, Psychomotor);

13. choose to collaborate with a team in preparing reports and documents in connection with a software development proposal and team presentation (Affective, Receiving);

14. choose to lead a team in preparing reports and documents in connection with a software development proposal (Affective, Receiving).

Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).

Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.

Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.

By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.