Select one of the options below:
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.
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).
CO 150 or HONR 193.
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.
Jesse Grace is an experienced educator in Media Communication, with 10 years of experience in video production, marketing, and news-related roles. Jesse is an Emmy-nominated video producer, holding a Master's degree in Public Communication and Technology from CSU's Journalism and Media Communication department. She has been teaching at CSU since 2016.
Jesse has production experience in a multitude of video genres, having produced educational content for the National Park Service, directed and produced PBS documentaries, and created marketing and PR videos for CSU departments. Most recently, her documentary "CO-Existing with Wildfire" aired on Rocky Mountain PBS in 2023 and is available for viewing on the RMPBS website.
Growing up in South Africa, Jesse infuses her diverse background into her teaching style while emphasizing skills needed to secure jobs and find work worldwide. She is committed to fostering engaging, high-quality online courses, providing students with a comprehensive gateway into the captivating world of visual communication and video editing.
Outside of CSU, she is an outdoor enthusiast and certified Yoga and meditation teacher. Always up for an adventure, Jesse is passionate about experiencing different cultures while traveling the world. She loves mountain biking, backpacking, scuba diving, cultivating her own vegetables, and occasionally attempting to surf.
9704910612 | 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 advised student media for over 30 years and his students earned hundreds of state and national honors for their work. He was named 1993 High School Journalism Teacher of the Year by the Dow Jones Newspaper Fund and was state journalism adviser of the year in both Iowa and Colorado. He has led instructional sessions and workshops in over 20 states and three foreign countries and written extensively about all aspects of advising. He continues to critique student media and judge contests across the country.
