Sarah Hochstetler

~WRIT 2E (Winter 06): 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 second 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 focus on developing analytical skills, synthesizing multiple sources, sustaining coherent arguments and revising for clarity of style. The course provides instruction and practice in reading scientific and technical discourse; writing formal, research-based documents; conducting both primary and secondary research; learning technical writing genres and formats; delivering effective oral presentations; and practicing a range of computer software applications.

The overall goal of Writing 2E is to help students become more capable and confident readers and writers of both technical as well as non-technical documents. Assignments include an Informational Interview in which students gather and report on information learned from interviewing a practicing engineer; an essay on the social impact of a technology; a Technical Report that focuses on the development of a particular technology; shorter writing assignments throughout the quarter—including a Website Review—to aid in writing the Technical Report; and an oral presentation. In addition, this class is an opportunity to explore the relationships between reading, writing, and critical thinking and to use collaboration and revision as ways to improve writing.

Required Texts and Materials

Writing 2E Reader, Hochstetler (available at Grafikart in Isla Vista )

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

2 Pocket folder (used to turn in portfolio assignments)

Internet & E-mail account (active and accessible)

College Dictionary & Mini-stapler (optional but recommended)

Guidelines for Paper Submission:

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

•  All assignments should be double-spaced, pages numbered.

•  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.

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

Assignments and Grades

Detailed descriptions of assignments are in the reader. Please note, late work is not accepted under any circumstance. Final grades will be determined by the following:

•  Informational Interview Project 15%

•  Website Review 5%

•  Essay 25%

•  Technical Report 35%

•  Oral Presentation 5%

•  Participation 15%

TOTAL 100%

Important Information

E-Mail: Please check your 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 is a workshop setting rather than a lecture; therefore, your attendance is mandatory. You are expected to come to class on time and prepared for the day. Coming to class late is disruptive and will affect your participation grade. Your overall grade may be lowered if you are marked absent for two or more class sessions. Even if you are unable to attend, you are responsible for all readings, assignments and/or work done in class.

Office Hours: My office hours are by appointment. I request that if you plan to see me during this time, you 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 Hacker's text 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: Please feel free to contact me during the quarter if you have questions about assignments, readings or other course related issues.

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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