ENGL 3405 - Professional and Technical Writing

Description

This course will introduce students to basic ethical and rhetorical concepts that govern a multitude of professional and technical situations. Highlighting the importance of the writing process, this course will concentrate on the fundamentals within professional writing communities in order to train students in effective and persuasive communication. Students will gain intensive practice in composing powerful audience-driven documents such as letters, memos, and job application materials, as well as instructions and formal reports. Covering a wide range of business principles- from gathering data through primary and secondary research to the planning and organizing of workplace genre sets- this provides practical advice regarding the professional standards that students will encounter in their future careers. Moreover, students will learn to craft effective presentations supported with appropriate documentary and visual aids as they collaborate on technical research and reporting projects with peers.

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, students will be able to:

• Students will develop the rhetorical acumen and composing skills needed to prepare a variety of documents required in common business and technical writing contexts.
• Students will learn teamwork and collaborative authorship skills.
• Students will develop real-world problem-solving techniques.
• Students will understand and practice the scrupulous attention to detail necessary in a business and technical writing environment.
• Students will become aware of techniques for adapting their writing to the demands of a highly audience-driven, context-sensitive field.
• Students will develop techniques for making effective business presentations to individuals and groups.
• Students will understand and appreciate internationally and culturally diverse styles of business communication.