WRT 2088: Technical Writing

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R 9/4

Introduction to course, course policies, etc.
Introduction to rhetoric
For next time:
- Read Dobrin et al. Chapter 1: Technical and Professional Communication in the Workplace
- Find an example of what you consider to be poor instructions.

1	T 9/11	What is technical writing? For next time: Read Dobrin et al. Chapter 2: Rhetoric and Technical Communication
	R 9/13	In-class activity: find online examples of ethos, pathos, logos, and kairos For next time: Read the Occupational Outlook Hanbook chapter on “Technical Writers,” “Writers and Authors,” and “Editors.”

2	T 9/18	Finish discussing rhetorical appeals. Discuss the Occupational Outlook Handbook chapter on “Technical Writers,” “Writers and Authors,” and “Editors.”
	R 9/20	Discuss rhetoric gone wrong.

3	T 9/25	National Voter Registration Day. Are you registered to vote? Begin the rhetorical analysis assignment. Discuss examples of rhetorical analysis.
	R 9/27	Discuss visual design. Begin the visual design exercise.

4	T 10/2	Continue the visual design exercise.
	R 10/4	Upload drafts of the rhetorical analysis project by 10 a.m. Online peer review activity—no face-to-face class.
	Sa 10/6	Complete the peer review by 11:55 p.m.
	Su 10/7	Rhetorical analysis assignment due to Moodle by 11:55 p.m.

5	T 10/9	Begin the visual design assignment. Discuss visual design. For next time: read Dobrin et al., chapter 7.
	R 10/11	Discuss project strategies. Discuss visual design tools.

6	T 10/16	Discuss design for readability.
	R 10/18	Discuss document hierarchy. Peer review.
	F 10/19	Visual design assignment due to Moodle by 11:55 p.m.

7

T 10/23

Discuss examples of instructions writing:

Mackie sound mixer manual (PDF)
Formula sound mixer manual (PDF)

R 10/25

Class cancelled due to illness.

8	T 10/30	Introduction to the user documentation assignment. Discuss strategies for instructions. For next time, read: Dobrin et al. Chapter 17. “User and Task Analysis” by Carol M. Barnum.
	R 11/1	Discuss strategies for instructions.

9	T 11/6	Election day. You're going to vote today, right? For next time, read: “What Is Usability and What Is Usability Testing?” by Carol M. Barnum. “Thinking-Out-Loud Procedure” by Carol M. Barnum.
	R 11/8	Discuss instructions design and production.

10	T 11/13	Instructions project due to Moodle by 11:55 p.m.
	R 11/15	Discuss Microsoft Word tools.

11	T 11/20	Introduction to the Career Documents Project. For next time, read Dobrin et al. chapter 13.
	R 11/22	Thanksgiving—no class.

12	T 11/27	Discuss resumé strategies.
	R 11/29	Discuss cover letter strategies. Wrapping up.

13	T 12/4	Revision workshop. (Attendance optional).
	F 12/6	Revision workshop. (Attendance optional).

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F 12/14

All projects and revisions due by 11:55 p.m: