EN306, Technical Writing-Fall 2018

Course Description 

EN306 Technical Writing. 3 hours. This advanced course is designed to relate to the specific needs of upper-level students in technical fields with an emphasis on work-related forms. Technical writing is a mode of information management designed either to prompt action (persuasive documents such as proposals) or to enable action (instructions and informative reports). EN306 introduces students to different forms of technical writing (and not necessarily business writing) and to critical thinking and communication skills. Students will write memos and business letters as well as lengthy, detailed, and researched documents, proposals and reports. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to analyze the purpose for, and audience for, documents produced in technical fields and will be able to manage information in order to produce clear, effective technical documents. Either EN305 or EN306 is required of all students. Prerequisites: EN120 (or EN110/111) and junior standing. Fall and Spring. 

Course Objectives

• Students will find existing sources of information on a topic using print and electronic resources.
• Students will evaluate the accuracy and validity of information presented in a wide variety of media.
• Students will cite sources in a standardized format and in accordance with CMU's Academic Honesty Policy.
• Students will write a logically developed, organized documents or presentation using standard grammar, usage, mechanics, and spelling. 
• Both orally and in writing students will articulate ideas clearly and logically for varied audiences and purposes.