<aside> ✋ I expect students to be proactive in their learning for this class—this means coming to class prepared, reading the material, being willing to ask questions, and contacting me as soon as there are any concerns or obstacles with either the course content or academic performance. You are responsible for keeping track of due dates and course requirements. I am always willing to help you move forward in the course, but the first step always starts with you.
All course information, resources, and materials can be found on the course website.
Also note that this syllabus is subject to change if deemed necessary.
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Instructor: Michelle Cowan
Email: [email protected]
Office hours: M/W 1:20pm-2:50pm and by appointment (Go to our Zoom classroom for office hours.)
Course website: https://bit.ly/2311f20
Class time 009: M/W 10:00-11:20am
Class time 014: M/W 12:00-1:20pm
Class Meeting Room: https://zoom.us/j/95552863156
Zoom Meeting ID: 955 5286 3156
Zoom Meeting Password: 122917
Technical writing is a bit of a misnomer for what we will do in this class. Instead, think of this class as a place to explore how to solve communication problems using a wide variety of techniques and approaches. Writing is certainly involved, but so are strategies related to design, images, media, and other communication skills. This class will introduce you to important business terms, communication strategies, and project management practices. You will work to solve problems using the tools we explore in class, and you will work as members of teams to help each other succeed throughout the course. I treat the class as a group of adult professionals, simulating a work environment whenever possible while also providing meaningful instruction and a space for you to ask questions and improve in areas where you have the most interest.
Students completing ENGL 2311 successfully should be able to do the following:
I will respond to emails with 48 hours. Emails received Friday evening through Sunday and student holidays will be answered on the next working business day. If you do not hear back from me in 48 hours, resend your email or talk to me before or after class, in case your email was accidentally lost or redirected to my spam folder. In your emails:
<aside> ❗ Students may be absent for five class meetings without penalty. Each unexcused absence after the fifth will result in a final grade penalty of a full letter grade. Leaving class too early, arriving too late, or not using your camera to connect with other classmates may also result in an absence at the instructor’s discretion.
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It is up to my discretion whether an absence is excused or unexcused except in the observance of religious events (OP 34.19) or university business (OP 34.04). **Notify me before you miss class if at all possible. Treat our class like a work environment, where you would need to inform your boss of potential missed work as soon as possible. I have more discretion if I am able to plan for your absence.
If at any time during the semester you see that you are unable to consistently complete assignments or attend class, please contact me as soon as possible. Accommodations can be made in many circumstances, but the later you wait, the more difficult it is to issue incompletes, change deadlines, and get the appropriate approval from the dean of students office. The most important thing is to speak up and contact me as soon as possible. I will ask you to contact the dean of students if it looks like you will need special accommodations or an incomplete. (See OP 34.12 for details about grades of incomplete.)
From the university: "Religious holy day" means a holy day observed by a religion whose places of worship are exempt from property taxation under Texas Tax Code §11.20. A student who intends to observe a religious holy day should make that intention known in writing to the instructor prior to the absence. A student who is absent from classes for the observance of a religious holy day shall be allowed to take an examination or complete an assignment scheduled for that day within a reasonable time after the absence. A student who is excused under section 2 may not be penalized for the absence; however, the instructor may respond appropriately if the student fails to complete the assignment satisfactorily.