Sarah Hochstetler

~WRIT 50E (Winter 07): Syllabus~

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E-mail address: teachlit_00@yahoo.com | Office: South Hall 5431-K

Office hours: by appointment | Mailbox: South Hall 1519

Course Description

This course is the last of a three-quarter sequence of writing courses designed especially for students in the College of Engineering . In this segment of the sequence, students will explore innovation and the principles of design. The course provides continued instruction and practice in reading scientific and technical discourse; writing formal, research-based documents; conducting both primary and secondary research through the library and internet; learning technical writing genres and formats; delivering effective oral presentations; and practicing a range of computer software applications.

The overall goal of Writing 50E is to help students apply writing in a variety of genres practiced by engineers, including a formal design proposal, letters, memos, a work plan, status report and resume. In addition, students will have the opportunity to deliver effective oral presentations, learn technical writing conventions including communication through new media, and utilize a variety of internet and PC applications, working extensively with MS Word, DreamWeaver, and PowerPoint.

Required Texts and Materials

Writing 50E Reader , Hochstetler (available at “Grafikart” in Isla Vista )

Technical Communication , Custom Edition for UCSB (at campus bookstore)

A Writer's Reference , Diana Hacker, 5 th edition (optional but recommended)

ERes (Password: __________________) http://eres.library.ucsb.edu/eres/default.aspx

UCSB email account (active and accessible)

College Dictionary & Mini-stapler (optional but recommended)

Guidelines for Paper Submission:

•  Use twelve-point type font, in Times New Roman.

•  Number pages as appropriate and single space all work.

•  Use the default margins in Microsoft Word: (top and bottom = 1"; left and right = 1.25")

•  Do not alter the font size, line spacing or margin widths to change the length of the paper.

•  Always staple papers prior to submission.

•  Include rough drafts and peer reviews with each final portfolio.

•  Always proofread and edit before handing in work.

•  Students must be present in class to turn in assignments.

•  Writing is not revisable.

•  All work must be submitted on time - late papers will not be accepted.

Assignments and Grades

Detailed descriptions of assignments are in the reader. Final grades will be determined by the following:

•  Assignment 1.0—Cover Letter/Resume 10%

•  Assignment 2.0—Product Evaluation/Oral Report 10%

•  Assignment 3.0—Design Proposal

•  3.1 : Workplan 10% (Team Grade)

•  3.2 : Rough Draft 10% (Team Grade)

•  3.3 : Final with Website 30% (Team Grade)

•  3.4 : Oral Presentation 10% (Team Grade)

•  Assignment 4.0— Memo: Ethical Case Assessment 10%

•  Class work, Participation… 10%

TOTAL 100%

Important Information

E-Mail: Please check email daily for class bulletins such as assignment or lecture information. When sending assignments via email, please identify yourself with a signature and type or copy and paste your work directly into the email—do not send it as an attachment. Format problems may occur with attachments making them difficult or impossible to access.

Attendance: This course is conducted in a workshop setting with small group work equaling a major portion of the final grade—over 60%. Therefore, regular attendance is essential. Students are expected to come to class on time and prepared, even in the absence of the instructor. In addition, students are expected to coordinate team meetings outside of class time to complete assignments. This course requires self-motivation and responsibility beyond that of a regular undergraduate class. Thus, if a student is unable to attend, he or she is responsible for all readings, assignments and/or work done in class and/or with the team. Please be aware that at the end of the quarter, peers will assess each individual team member's effectiveness and participation for the Design Proposal.

Office Hours: Office hours are by appointment. I request that if a student plans to see me during this time, he or she contact me before hand. I am happy to discuss questions regarding the course during office hours, by appointment or via e-mail.

Plagiarism: Do not plagiarize. Plagiarism may result in immediate failure on the assignment as well as disciplinary action by the University. Refer to TC (Ch. 2, pp. 26-27, 31-32) or to any number of the academic websites devoted to the topic for correct citation techniques.

Students with Disabilities: If you are a student with a disability and would like to discuss special accommodations, please contact me during office hours or via e-mail as soon as possible after the first class meeting.

A Final Note

If you need additional assistance with writing, please contact CLAS at 893-3269 or www.clas.ucsb.edu . CLAS helps students increase mastery of course material through tutoring and academic skills development.

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