Technical Writing

The course presents the logical development of various types of documents currently used in business.  The course emphasizes the basic writing tasks common to most business applications.

PREREQUISITE: Six hours of composition.

Recommended: COM4441

UPON COMPLETION OF THE COURSE, THE STUDENT WILL BE COMPETENT IN:

• Evaluating different types of readers and determining how their needs relate to written communication.
• Developing effective pre-writing skills, including identifying the purpose of the document, brainstorming for information, and designing a workable outline.
• Using headings, subheadings, white space, and bulleted and enumerated lists to make a document easier to read.
• Constructing tables and figures to be included in business documents.
• Developing graphics to be included in manuals and electronic presentations.
• Editing documents for content, organization, consistency, grammar and syntax.
• Writing job application materials, including the reverse chronological, functional, targeted, and electronic resumes, and the letter of application.
• Writing specific types of business letters, including letters of application, inquiry, complaint, credit, sales, and good will.
• Writing procedures for business purposes, in hard copy and electronically.
• Writing an informal report in memorandum format.
• Compiling a portfolio of documents which indicate the qualities of professional writing.
• Editing and submitting assignments based on the instructional criteria and attention to detail.
• Writing procedures for analyzing a process.
• Analyzing the ethical responsibilities involved in technical communication.
• Editing for appropriate style, including attention to word choice, sentence structure, punctuation, and spelling.
• Locating, evaluating, and incorporating pertinent information.
• Recognizing, analyzing, and accommodating diverse audiences.