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Course Overview ENGL 3365 Spring 2014. Copyright 2013 by Art Fricke basics The Instructor Dr. Art Fricke BS in Chemical Engineering & Biochemistry MS.

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Presentation on theme: "Course Overview ENGL 3365 Spring 2014. Copyright 2013 by Art Fricke basics The Instructor Dr. Art Fricke BS in Chemical Engineering & Biochemistry MS."— Presentation transcript:

1 Course Overview ENGL 3365 Spring 2014

2 Copyright 2013 by Art Fricke basics The Instructor Dr. Art Fricke BS in Chemical Engineering & Biochemistry MS & PhD in Anthropology of Science experience doing:  LOTS of things, 10+ professional jobs in 20+ years experience working with:  Engineers, Lawyers, and Government Policymakers  Media Designers and Business Developers  Scientists, Salespeople, and Business owners  Human Resources and Administrative Specialists  Shopfloor Factory Workers & Managers  Corporate, Government, and University Researchers

3 Copyright 2013 by Art Fricke the questions How will I teach? I’m not a PhD in technical communication  My qualifications come from lots of professional work experiences I think that “communication” is more than writing reports  It’s about how to present yourself as a useful and valuable professional “Being a professional” means helping other folks to manage their own work – for example:  I teach four sections of two different courses (~80 students total)  How can you help me keep this organized ?  How can I help you to succeed in your own course work ?  If you can figure things like this out, then you’ll do VERY well in the world This will be a practically-oriented and professionally organized course experience where both big and seemingly small “nit-picky” things WILL have a purpose. If something is confusing to you, then just ASK about it!

4 Copyright 2013 by Art Fricke basics The Course Throughout the semester, you can choose to: 1. Focus on some specific kinds of reports or professional skills relevant to your future career 2. Practice successfully getting through everything else with a minimum of effort & time

5 Copyright 2013 by Art Fricke ANY professional job breaks down like THIS: Showing up on time prepared to work and ready to do your specific job each day 50% Meeting deadlines & following explicit directions consistently without constant supervision 20% Doing tasks competently by making use of clear advice & examples 20% Doing really smart and creative things that help everyone to save time & effort 10% 100%

6 Copyright 2013 by Art Fricke the syllabus follows Professional Realities If you practice the habits that will make you very successful in any professional job, then you will do well in this course  work ahead on important projects  get important things to colleagues EARLY  always read and follow directions thoroughly and carefully  always ask when you don’t understand something  get help courteously and professionally from folks who offer it  choose the people you work with very CAREFULLY  show up to meetings, follow through with commitments, fix problems immediately, anticipate problems before they appear, generally be very DEPENDABLE

7 Copyright 2013 by Art Fricke on the other hand... If you practice the habits that will make you merely an average professional, then you will likely earn an average grade in this course  finish projects by the absolute deadline  mostly read and follow directions  sometimes guess if you don’t clearly understand something  work with whomever you’re stuck with or like to hang with  show up to most meetings, mostly do what you need to, wait for others to tell you how to fix problems

8 Copyright 2013 by Art Fricke so, for this syllabus... It’s pretty easy to be average (that’s why it’s called AVERAGE)  Generally works out to a B-  If you mostly follow directions, meet the attendance policy, meet deadlines, and are reasonably competent, then you’ll likely earn an average grade. Being below average means you mess some things up  This results in C / D / F grades.  Not meeting the attendance policy, not meeting deadlines, periodically ignoring clear directions, not getting help with something important you simply can’t do on your own, etc – these things will all hurt your grade. Being above average isn’t really about working longer/harder  It is not easy to get an “A” using this syllabus by just working longer.  It IS EASY to make an “A” with very reasonable time and effort by simply practicing some really effective professional habits (like working ahead, getting focused help and advice, etc).

9 Copyright 2013 by Art Fricke keys to the course THESE THINGS make you above average Show up on time ready to CONTRIBUTE something Work (do not overwork) every week  Take the six hours a week total time commitment VERY seriously  TALK to me if the course consistently takes more time than this! Read and follow assignment directions VERY carefully USE grading comments to improve on future assignments Edit and revise assignments BEFORE handing them in ASK questions and USE examples and outside help Work ahead on big assignments to use EARLY GRADING!

10 Copyright 2013 by Art Fricke the questions How much work for this class? 3 hour course, expect six hours a week total (remember that 18hr courseload = fulltime 36hr/wk job) Fast-paced, expect assignments EVERY week Cumulative, expect to manage weeks-long projects Collaborative, expect to manage group efforts Interactive, plan to PARTICIPATE in class meetings

11 Copyright 2013 by Art Fricke the questions What to expect from ME? Clear directions and expectations  assignment descriptions posted, assignment examples provided, grading criteria explained, etc Helpful course organization  course stuff all posted online, class presentations posted, a detailed day-by-day schedule, etc Lots of feedback  lots of assignment comments, early submission opportunities, opportunities for editing help from me Availability outside of class  Office time (6hrs/week), email, and phone contact

12 Copyright 2013 by Art Fricke the questions What will I expect from YOU? On-time (or early) and complete assignments Assignments that FOLLOW EXPLICIT DIRECTIONS Self-managed (I won’t chase you) attendance Effective email and phone correspondence  I will need timely communication for missed classes, etc  I will need clear, concise, complete email messages Useful (like SPEAK UP) class assistance COMMUNICATION about issues and problems BEFORE they become a crisis that can’t be fixed

13 Copyright 2013 by Art Fricke SO, be REALISTIC and honest... This course IS NOT A GOOD CHOICE FOR YOU if:  You are taking 18+ hours this semester  You need a blowoff “B”, are expecting an “A” for doing the minimum, or cannot end up with a “C” or “D”  You are working a lot and also taking a full load of classes  You need an instructor who will let some course policies, deadlines, etc slide

14 Copyright 2013 by Art Fricke things to do NOW: EXAMINE the websites for this section Does this section have what you really want ? CONSIDER alternatives Is there another 3365 section that would be better for you ? Is there another english course that would be better for you ? QUESTION your personal goals for this course Does an instructor with a practical (not theoretical) approach and very structured management style match your goals ? IF you’re sold, then begin working on the class  Read “Chapter 1” (linked right to course website)  Print and sign the syllabus “agreement form”  Start working on the “Committee Progress Email Report” project


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