Computer technology provides powerful tools for processing textual and graphic content for professional and technical communication. In daily professional life, written documents are used to inform, persuade, and report to others about key activities; both inside an organization and externally. However, beyond basic spelling and grammar checkers, the computer does not necessarily make the student a better writer. The purpose of this course is to improve the writing ability of students in their professional communication with others.
This course provides experience and feedback on writing effective and concise memos, emails, letters, reports, technical papers, and other written communications essential in any professional field. It also includes extensive information on using the Internet as a writing and research tool. After receiving instruction on writing style and document formatting, online students complete a series of writing projects that are critiqued and returned by the instructor.
Textbooks and Materials:
Practical Strategies for Technical Communication, 4th Ed. (2022) Markel, M. & Selber, S.
- JTC 300 utilizes Day One Access (formerly Inclusive Access) – a program at the CSU bookstore which allows students to have instant access to Achieve/eBook; access is required for this class.
- Access the online materials by clicking on the ‘Achieve’ link on the Modules page of Canvas. After that date, your student account will be charged for the full semester access. These materials include online quizzes and access to the eBook. Please watch for emails from the “CSU Bookstore” about ‘opting out’ as well as charges to your student account. These emails will be sent to your “@rams.colostate.edu”
- For more details about Day One and how it works, visit this page: https://www.bookstore.colostate.edu/inclusive
- NOTE: You are not required to purchase a hard copy of the textbook for this course. If you prefer to also have a hard copy, you can order one through the CSU Bookstore.
This course meets the All-University Core Curriculum (AUCC) requirements for Advanced Writing (Category 2) and is approved under gtPathways in the content area of Advanced Writing (GT-CO3).
Prerequisite
CO 150 or HONR 193.
Textbooks and Materials
Please check the CSU Bookstore for textbook information. Textbook listings are available at the CSU Bookstore about 3 weeks prior to the start of the term.
Please check the CSU Bookstore for textbook information. Textbook listings are available at the CSU Bookstore about 3 weeks prior to the start of the term.
Instructors
Jaye Powers
jaye.powers@colostate.edu
Jaye Powers has instructed online courses for the Department of Journalism and Media Communication at Colorado State University since 2003. Jaye earned an M.S. in Technical Communication from Colorado State University in 2004. She has B.S./B.A. degrees in Electrical Engineering, Psychology, and Fine Art from the University of Colorado at Boulder. Jaye has worked as an electrical engineer and a technical writer for many technology companies, including Bechtel, Texas Instruments, Hewlett-Packard, and Lockheed Martin.
Kim Spencer
9704910612
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Kimberly.Spencer@colostate.edu
Kim Spencer is an instructor with CSU’s Department of Journalism and Technical Communication. She received both her B.A. (journalism) and M.A.(English) degrees from the University of Northern Colorado. Kim’s professional experiences include stints as daily newspaper reporter, features writer, section editor, city editor, and company magazine editor. She specializes in reporting and editing, layout and design.
Jack Kennedy
jack.kennedy@colostate.edu
Jack Kennedy has been teaching journalistic writing since 1976 and JTC 300 since 2011. His basic philosophy is that "writing is thinking made visible," and he likes to help students get their writing to match their thoughts. He has always thought of himself as primarily a writing teacher, whether working with AP Language students, journalism students, or soon-to-be engineers, nurses and firefighters.
