COM3461
Technical Writing
The course presents the logical development of various types of documents currently used in business. The course emphasizes the basic writing tasks common to most business applications.
PREREQUISITE: Six hours of composition.
Recommended: COM4441
UPON COMPLETION OF THE COURSE, THE STUDENT WILL BE COMPETENT IN:
- Evaluating different types of readers and determining how their needs relate to written communication.
- Developing effective pre-writing skills, including identifying the purpose of the document, brainstorming for information, and designing a workable outline.
- Using headings, subheadings, white space, and bulleted and enumerated lists to make a document easier to read.
- Constructing tables and figures to be included in business documents.
- Developing graphics to be included in manuals and electronic presentations.
- Editing documents for content, organization, consistency, grammar and syntax.
- Writing job application materials, including the reverse chronological, functional, targeted, and electronic resumes, and the letter of application.
- Writing specific types of business letters, including letters of application, inquiry, complaint, credit, sales, and good will.
- Writing procedures for business purposes, in hard copy and electronically.
- Writing an informal report in memorandum format.
- Compiling a portfolio of documents which indicate the qualities of professional writing.
- Editing and submitting assignments based on the instructional criteria and attention to detail.
- Writing procedures for analyzing a process.
- Analyzing the ethical responsibilities involved in technical communication.
- Editing for appropriate style, including attention to word choice, sentence structure, punctuation, and spelling.
- Locating, evaluating, and incorporating pertinent information.
- Recognizing, analyzing, and accommodating diverse audiences.