ENGL 288: Introduction to Professional and Technical Writing Course Guide

This is a somewhat abridged version of my syllabus that outlines the weekly requirements. Consider this a kind of checklist of assignments/expectations you should be completing/meeting each week to ensure that you stay caught up.

Weekly Requirements:

Readings/Videos/Podcasts
- Each week is broken up into 2 - 3 topics with readings, videos, and/or podcasts for each topic
- I recommend starting with the readings and completing all of the material for each topic individually (start with readings for one topic, then move to reading response(s) for that topic, and finally individual homework assignment(s) for that topic, then start over with the next topic, etc., etc.)
Reading Responses
- There will usually be a reading response for each topic every week
- Don't worry about answering every question in the prompt; you only need to answer the questions you feel most confident with
- The entire response should be a long-ish paragraph in length and can be informal (I'll email you if you are not meeting expectations)
- Use quotes, page numbers, and/or references to prove that you completed the reading(s)
- YOU MUST RESPOND TO SOMEONE ELSE'S ANSWERS, TOO!
Video "Lectures" and Updates
- I'll post a brief video discussing each topic every week - these videos will make more sense after the readings and reading responses
- The PowerPoints I use in each video are available on Canvas under the "Extra Resources" in the weekly modules
- I'll also post extra videos discussing things like the syllabus, homework, weekly schedules, and Sequences (bigger projects)
Individual Homework Assignments
- Homework to be completed individually after readings/video "lectures"
- Best to be completed by midnight of the end of the week (Sunday of each week)
Group homework assignments
- Meet with assigned group (on Canvas) once a week
- Can meet face-to-face, digitally, hybrid, etc.
- Make sure to put names of present group members, mode of meeting (face-to-face, digital, etc.), date, and time of meeting at the top of each submitted group assignment
- Best to be completed after everything else is done
- Best to be completed by midnight of the end of the week (Sunday of each week)

Sequences (Bigger Projects):

Sequence 1 - The Interview (due week 2)
- For the first sequence, you will interview someone in a field that connects with your major (or your dream job). This could be a friend, a family member, a colleague, a professor, a mentor, an older student in your field, etc. The interview can take place face-to-face, over the phone, through Zoom (or a similar program), or through email. Along with the recording or transcript of the interview, you will also write a brief analysis of what you learned about the genres of writing associated with your field.
Sequence 2 - The Research (due week 3)
- Following the interview, you are to gather some examples of the genres you discussed with your interviewee. Once you have a collection of examples, you are to write a cover letter/proposal that outlines and analyzes the conventions/audiences/processes/authors associated with one of the genres you researched and propose your idea for the final project.
Sequence 3 - The Product (due week 4/5)
- For the final sequence, you are to create the genre you proposed in sequence 2. You may utilize any modes of communication the genre requires. Along with the genre, you are to write an analysis of the conventions you followed, the process of creating the genre, and, ultimately, what you learned.

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