Technical Writing & Senior Project

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July 30, 2007

Course Outline

NORTHWEST RANKIN HIGH SCHOOL
TECHNICAL WRITING COURSE OUTLINE
I. Course Description
The Technical and Workplace Writing course is the writing component of the Senior Project at Northwest Rankin High School and challenges the student to examine the variety of kinds of written communication currently occurring in a variety of workplaces and careers. In this course, students examine actual examples of written materials produced to communicate within the workplace as well as outside the workplace for the customer and general public. Through reviewing examples and through instruction, students will gain a sense of general principles of communication, learn how audience and purpose shape the form and content of the written piece, and discern how organization, wording, accuracy and specificity of details, grammar, usage, and mechanics contribute to effective communication. Students will apply what they have learned by creating a variety of kinds of written communication. Since conveying information is at the heart of much of workplace and technical writing, students will practice gathering information through research as well as communicate information through various kinds of writing.
As a key component of the senior project at Northwest Rankin, the Technical Writing course also emphasizes time management, responsibility, and problem solving skills.

II. Course Competencies
1. Determine the kinds and purposes of writing used in different careers and workplaces.
2. Identify principles of communication, including factors that help or hinder clear communication.
3. Analyze what is effective and what is not in different kinds of writing, such as business letters, reports, memos, brochures, etc.
4. Communicate thoughts, ideas, information, and messages in writing.
5. Gather and use information as part of research conducted in completing a piece of writing.
6. Produce effective business letters, reports, memos, a résumés, and either a brochure or newsletter.
7. Understand the dynamics of producing written communication when working with or for others.

III. Course Procedures
All Technical Writing students will be required to complete the senior project component, which is taught in conjunction with English IV. All papers should be completed in black or blue ink or pencil (as directed by the teacher) and only on loose-leaf paper. Each paper should be headed using the MLA format. The heading should begin on the top line of the paper flush with the left margin.

IV. Major Projects and Assignments
Bell Ringers – Each class period will start with a bell ringer which will count as class work.
 Daily Class Work and Homework – Grades may be taken each day on material that is covered in class.
 Tests, writing assignments, and quizzes – Tests will be divided up by units and will include a variety of questions and question format. Various technical writing assignments, including letters, resumes, and proposals will be assigned. Quizzes will be given as well. Nine weeks and semester exams will be given and will count 20% as indicated in the RCSD Student Handbook.
 Projects and Presentations – Each student will be assigned a variety of projects throughout the year. Some will be completed individually, while others will be done within a group. Each student will be assigned at least one oral presentation once per semester. The presentation itself will be graded according to the rubric used for Senior Project. The final Senior Project presentation is a defense of the student’s research and product before a committee consisting of an expert, a member of the community, a faculty member, an administrator, and the mentor.
 Required Reading: All students are required to read Sean Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens
 Portfolios: Students will compile portfolios as evidence of their work in Senior Project. Both Proof of Product Portfolios and Final Portfolios are major course documents.

V. Assessment Plan
Grades will be determined using a point system. Homework, some class work, and minor quizzes will carry a smaller point value than major tests, oral presentations, writing assignments, projects, and portfolios. Final research papers will count 400 points. Students’ averages are determined dividing points earned by total possible points for the term. The total points earned by the end of the term counts 80%, and the exam counts 20%.
*In addition, the following will help you determine how that work will be graded:

Grade Scale Description of Work
A 95-100 Consistently demonstrates an exceptional level of quality and effort. Having all work in on time and completed exceeds expectations. Mastery in evaluating, synthesizing, and applying the principles of TW
B 85-94 Consistently demonstrates proficient knowledge with a good effort and quality of work. All assignments are complete and on time. Demonstrates the ability to evaluate, analyze, synthesize, and apply the principles of TW.
C 75-84 Demonstrates proficient knowledge and the ability to apply and analyze Technical Writing principles. Work shows average effort.A few assignments may be missed or late.
D 70-74 Work shows minimal effort and some assignments are late. Demonstrates a basic understanding of recalling or comprehending principles of TW.
F Below 70 Understanding is below basic in relation to the principles of Technical Writing. Work is of poor quality and does not meet standards or expectations.

VI. Extra Help
Teachers are available each morning before school and after school each day to help you with any problems you may be having in this course. In addition, occasionally there will be a time set aside during Activity Period that you may come in for missed assignments and help. Free tutors are also available from organizations such as National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, and Beta Club. Teachers will have a copy of this information should you be interested.

Posted by mickiek at July 30, 2007 02:51 PM

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