ENGL& 235 - Technical Writing

Credits: 5
Variable Credit Course: No

Lecture Hours: 55
Lab Hours: 0
Worksite/Clinical Hours: 0
Other Hours (LIA/Internships): 0

Course Description: Introduction to and practice in planning, researching, and writing clear and concise technical reports of at least 1,250 words, progress reports, proposals, letters of applications and transmittal, and resumes.

Prerequisite: ENGL& 101 with a C or higher.
Distribution Requirements:

Communication

General Education Requirements:

Fulfills Think General Education Requirement

Meets FQE Requirement: No
Integrative Experience Requirement: No

Student Learning Outcomes

Skagit Valley College believes that the complexities of modern technology and the demands of clear communication in business requires that students seeking employment in business and industry be able to plan and write various kinds of reports at levels of complexity ranging form the short memo to the major technical report.

Course Contents

Effective style. Avoiding needless technical language. Simple, direct, concise, and precise writing.
Effective organization.
Special elements of reports. Cover letter, letter of transmittal. Table of contents, abstract, recommendation, introduction, conclusion, and summary.
Special problems in design and presentation of reports writing considerations. Use of tables and figures. Defining, describing, and explaining a process.
Special problems in design and presentation of reports audience needs. Addressing/conforming to audiences expectations and conventions in particular fields. Represent objectively the perspectives, concerns, and arguments of others.
Use of Critical Thinking skills. To analyze a given field to discover topic of report. To determine needs of audience and field. To solve problems in research, writing, and overall execution of project as problems occur.

Instructional Units: 5