course overview engl 3365 spring 2014. copyright 2013 by art fricke basics the instructor dr. art...

Course Overview

ENGL 3365

Spring 2014

Copyright 2013 by Art Fricke

basicsThe Instructor

Dr. Art FrickeBS in Chemical Engineering & Biochemistry

MS & PhD in Anthropology of Science

experience doing: LOTS of things, 10+ professional jobs in 20+ years

experience working with: Engineers, Lawyers, and Government Policymakers Media Designers and Business Developers Scientists, Salespeople, and Business owners Human Resources and Administrative Specialists Shopfloor Factory Workers & Managers Corporate, Government, and University Researchers


the questionsHow will I teach?

I’m not a PhD in technical communication My qualifications come from lots of professional work experiences

I think that “communication” is more than writing reports It’s about how to present yourself as a useful and valuable professional

“Being a professional” means helping other folks to manage their own work – for example:

I teach four sections of two different courses (~80 students total) How can you help me keep this organized ? How can I help you to succeed in your own course work ? If you can figure things like this out, then you’ll do VERY well in the world

This will be a practically-oriented and professionally organized course experience where both big and seemingly small “nit-picky” things WILL have a purpose.

If something is confusing to you, then just ASK about it!


basicsThe Course

Throughout the semester, you can choose to:

1. Focus on some specific kinds of reports or professional skills relevant to your future career

2. Practice successfully getting through everything else with a minimum of effort & time


ANY professional jobbreaks down like THIS:

Showing up on time prepared to work and ready to do your specific job each day

50%

Meeting deadlines & following explicit directions consistently without constant supervision

20%

Doing tasks competently by making use of clear advice & examples

20%

Doing really smart and creative things that help everyone to save time & effort

10%

100%


the syllabus followsProfessional Realities

If you practice the habits that will make you very successful in any professional job, then you will do well in this course

work ahead on important projects get important things to colleagues EARLY always read and follow directions thoroughly and carefully always ask when you don’t understand something get help courteously and professionally from folks who offer it choose the people you work with very CAREFULLY show up to meetings, follow through with commitments, fix

problems immediately, anticipate problems before they appear, generally be very DEPENDABLE


on the other hand . . .

If you practice the habits that will make you merely an average professional, then you will likely earn an average grade in this course

finish projects by the absolute deadline mostly read and follow directions sometimes guess if you don’t clearly understand

something work with whomever you’re stuck with or like to hang with show up to most meetings, mostly do what you need to,

wait for others to tell you how to fix problems


so, for this syllabus . . .

It’s pretty easy to be average (that’s why it’s called AVERAGE) Generally works out to a B- If you mostly follow directions, meet the attendance policy, meet deadlines,

and are reasonably competent, then you’ll likely earn an average grade.

Being below average means you mess some things up This results in C / D / F grades. Not meeting the attendance policy, not meeting deadlines, periodically

ignoring clear directions, not getting help with something important you simply can’t do on your own, etc – these things will all hurt your grade.

Being above average isn’t really about working longer/harder It is not easy to get an “A” using this syllabus by just working longer. It IS EASY to make an “A” with very reasonable time and effort by simply

practicing some really effective professional habits (like working ahead, getting focused help and advice, etc).


keys to the courseTHESE THINGS make you above average

Show up on time ready to CONTRIBUTE something

Work (do not overwork) every week Take the six hours a week total time commitment VERY seriously TALK to me if the course consistently takes more time than this!

Read and follow assignment directions VERY carefully

USE grading comments to improve on future assignments

Edit and revise assignments BEFORE handing them in

ASK questions and USE examples and outside help

Work ahead on big assignments to use EARLY GRADING!


the questionsHow much work for this class?

3 hour course, expect six hours a week total (remember that 18hr courseload = fulltime 36hr/wk job)

Fast-paced, expect assignments EVERY week

Cumulative, expect to manage weeks-long projects

Collaborative, expect to manage group efforts

Interactive, plan to PARTICIPATE in class meetings


the questionsWhat to expect from ME?

Clear directions and expectations assignment descriptions posted, assignment examples

provided, grading criteria explained, etc

Helpful course organization course stuff all posted online, class presentations posted,

a detailed day-by-day schedule, etc

Lots of feedback lots of assignment comments, early submission

opportunities, opportunities for editing help from me

Availability outside of class Office time (6hrs/week), email, and phone contact


the questionsWhat will I expect from YOU?

On-time (or early) and complete assignments

Assignments that FOLLOW EXPLICIT DIRECTIONS

Self-managed (I won’t chase you) attendance

Effective email and phone correspondence I will need timely communication for missed classes, etc I will need clear, concise, complete email messages

Useful (like SPEAK UP) class assistance

COMMUNICATION about issues and problems BEFORE they become a crisis that can’t be fixed


SO, be REALISTIC and honest . . .

This course IS NOT A GOOD CHOICE FOR YOU if:

You are taking 18+ hours this semester You need a blowoff “B”, are expecting an “A” for doing

the minimum, or cannot end up with a “C” or “D” You are working a lot and also taking a full load of

classes You need an instructor who will let some course

policies, deadlines, etc slide


things to do NOW:

EXAMINE the websites for this sectionDoes this section have what you really want ?

CONSIDER alternativesIs there another 3365 section that would be better for you ?

Is there another english course that would be better for you ?

QUESTION your personal goals for this courseDoes an instructor with a practical (not theoretical) approach and

very structured management style match your goals ?

IF you’re sold, then begin working on the class Read “Chapter 1” (linked right to course website)

Print and sign the syllabus “agreement form” Start working on the “Committee Progress Email Report” project

course overview engl 3365 spring 2014. copyright 2013 by art fricke basics the instructor dr. art...

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