Principles of objective presentation of factual material in written, oral, and electronic communication, with emphasis on the research process. Content, format, and mechanics, as well as a clear, concise style are important components of individual and collaborative assignments.

Prerequisites & Corequisites: Prerequisite: ENGL 1000 or placement into College-level writing.

Credits: 3 hours

Lecture Hours - Laboratory Hours: (3 to 0)

• The ability to take organized notes from a lecture and outline salient points in a college text.
• A basic knowledge of the essential elements of English grammar, mechanics, and sentence structure- determined by a screening exam and writing sample at the outset of the semester; students who score belowthe mean for Western students will be referred to the Writing Center for tutoring.
• Familiarity with computerized word processing software.
• Some familiarity with the research process, including the electronic library systems and standardized research formats.

At the end of the semester, students should be able to:

1. Exhibit active listening skills when attending lectures, working in groups, and critiquing students’ oral presentations. (G/g)
2. Demonstrate careful editing and proofreading skills in their assigned papers, using assigned format and standard spelling, grammar, mechanics, and sentence structure. (G/g)
3. Write several short technical papers in correct format: business letters, memos, journal analyses, technical instructions, formal topic outline of a research paper, and a career report. (G/g, I/h)
4. Research, organize, and write a short research paper in APA format on a current topic in their respective scientific fields of study, using current professional sources, including on-line data and appropriate visual aids.
   (G/g, J/j, F/i)
5. Present a 5-7 minute oral report based on their research paper, which utilizes an appropriate, audience friendly visual aid. (G/g)
6. Complete one or more collaborative writing assignments. (D/e, F/i, G/g)
7. Be exposed to, discuss, and incorporate into their communications key issues in global education: Electronic communication, industry ethics, gender and cultural sensitivity, collaborative teams, and basic audience analysis. (G/g, H/h)
8. Recognize the need for and engage in lifelong and service learning through participation in professional organizations, library information literacy sessions and research writing, attendance at conferences and university lectures, and career development activities. (I/h , J/j, H/j, F/i)

Letters in parenthesis refer to ABET Criterion 3: Uppercase, EAC/Lowercase, TAC.

The students should be able to:

 

Learning Outcome 1

1. Receive feedback on their written assignments. [1]
2. Give peer evaluations of students’ oral presentations. [3]

Learning Outcome 2

1. Follow assigned criteria for each assignment, noting the deductions for mechanical, grammatical, and spelling errors. [1, 2, 5]

Learning Outcome 3

1. Follow format guidelines for each assignment given in the students’ Guide and by the individual instructors. [1, 5]

Learning Outcome 4

1. Carefully follow the standardized grading rubric in the students’ Guide. [2]
2. Paraphrase and document sources accurately to avoid plagiarism; students who do not submit a research paper or are found guilty of plagiarism will not pass IME 1020. [2]

Learning Outcome 5

1. Follow the grading criteria outlined in the student Guide. [3]
2. Consider and when appropriate include peer feedback into their assignments. [3]

Learning Outcome 6

1. Discuss and practice effective interpersonal communication with group members. [1, 4]
2. Submit a group process paper (instructions) for a group grade. [1]

Learning Outcome 7

1. Take periodic quizzes on the lecture and text material. [4]
2. Receive feedback on graded assignments on the areas outlined in Course Objective 7. [1, 2, 3, 5]

Learning Outcome 8

1. Participate in activities related to Lifelong Learning including library information literacy sessions, career exploration and development, and professional conferences and report those activities in writing and/or orally. [1, 4, 8]
2. Discuss and when appropriate engage in Service Learning activities by attending professional organization meetings and participating in their service related activities and report those activities in writing and/or orally. [1, 7, 8]

The bracketed numbers following the Learning Outcomes refer to the Course Objectives

Gurak, L. J., & Lannon, J. M. (2007). A concise guide to technical communication (3rd ed.). New York: Pearson.

Aaron. (2008). The Little, Brown essential handbook (6th ed.). Pearson-Longman.

A study guide to IME 1020: Technical Communication. (2008). Stipes Publishing.

Mr. Thomas Swartz
Master Faculty Specialist
Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
Office: CEAS F-224
Phone: 276-3376
Office Hours: M/W 12:00-1:30 (or by appointment)
E-mail: Thomas.Swartz@wmich.edu