Professor Robert Goldberg

Syllabus for EGL 1340-Weekender (LW01; syn. 30929)
Writing about Technical Topics
(Spring 2011)

The course requirements, relevant assignments and readings are outlined in the material that follows on this page.

Required Books
Technical Communication in the Twenty-First Century, 2nd ed., Dobrin, Keller, Weisser. Pearson-Prentice Hall.
(ISBN-10: 0-13-503174-5)

A Writer's Reference, with Exercises. 6th edition, Hacker. St. Martin's Press.
(ISBN-10: 0-312-59334-1)

These texts are available at the College Bookstore. You may buy books in person or have them shipped to your home. Contact the bookstore by phone, email, or in person. You might also find the books at Amazon.com or Half.com, but you need to make certain they are the correct versions.

Materials 
Journal/Notebook; 9”x12” manila folder (for submitting papers); USB flash drive (for saving files)

Course Outcomes
By the end of this course you should be able to:

•   Analyze and accommodate, through your writing style, audience composition and needs, including lay, technician, manager, and novice, intermediate, and expert readers.

•   Use a variety of composition modes effectively, including description, definition, comparison/contrast, and process.

•   Present technical information, explanations, and recommendations clearly and effectively, using formal grammar, usage, and mechanics.

•   Prepare reports, proposals, abstracts, memoranda, and associated written matter appropriate to technology-related subject matter.

•   Address legal, ethical, and cultural considerations regarding technical communication.

•   Learn and practice the skills necessary to search for career employment and meet the challenges of job interviews in technical fields.

Course Requirements
All out of class work must be word processed, follow appropriate conventions for line spacing (either single- or double-spaced), and should have 1" to 1 ½" margins. Use good quality paper (NO erasable bond!) and a printer that produces clear, black text (e.g., laser, inkjet). All work must be submitted on the due date. In the format of a weekender course, we have no “late” dates. A missed deadline WILL result in a grade of “0” for that assignment. 

All work must be carefully proofread, free from visible corrections, and free of typographical and mechanical errors. Each assignment will require a distinctive format; I will expect you to follow specific instructions for each assignment. 

► I will evaluate assignments, written and oral, based on worth and clarity of the topic, organization, and presentation. I expect correct, standard American English on all work.

Attendance Policies
Attendance during a weekender course is crucial, as much of your work will be done in class. If you must miss, you must explain, in writing. Also, it is your responsibility to make sure you complete any missed assignments. I will take attendance three times each weekend: Friday, Saturday morning, and Saturday afternoon. If you are more than 15 minutes late for class, you will be marked ½ absent. More than one full absence could result in your failing the course.

•  I WILL NOT accept any late assignments.

If you must withdraw from the class, check with the Admissions and Records Office to make sure you comply with proper procedure; otherwise, you might receive a grade of ‘F’ for the course.

Q Grades
Students are expected to attend and participate in class activities.  Students who either never attended the class or who ceased attendance during the first 20 percent of the course will be assigned a “Q” grade by the instructor.  The Q grade is a final grade and will not be replaced with a different grade at a later time. Although the Q grade will not impact students’ GPA, the issuance of a Q grade will likely decrease students’ financial aid awards.

Faculty are required to report the date of last attendance for each student receiving Q or F grade(s) in order for the college to report this date to a variety of federal agencies as mandated. The date of last attendance is considered the date of the student’s termination from the course, regardless of the date of grade submission. Early termination from a course may result in reduction in student loans and financial aid (e.g., Pell, VA benefits) and may require the student to reimburse funds to the funding agency.

Grammar Component 
The course will attempt to sharpen your understanding of grammar and syntax; as a class, we will undertake a systematic review of standard American English practice, through quizzes and other assignments. Be advised, however, that this is not a developmental course; students with low proficiency will be responsible for additional tutorial work at the Writing Center, in Bladen Hall, Room 107.

Civility
To promote a community of scholarship and civility, everyone at Prince George’s Community College is expected to be respectful, tolerant and courteous towards others at all times, adhere to college policies and procedures, and respect college property. Creating a culture of civility both inside and outside the classroom is everyone’s responsibility.

Civility is a college-wide commitment and in order to identify PGCC students, we are requiring that ALL students have their IDs visible while AT ANY COLLEGE SITE, WHETHER THEY ARE ON THE LARGO CAMPUS OR ANY EXTENSION SITE.

Lanyards and ID holders can be obtained at the following locations:

Largo Campus - College Life Services and the Admissions & Records Office

Laurel College Center - Main office, Room 205 

Joint Base Andrews - Main office

University Town Center - Front desk

Students must keep their IDs current by requesting the appropriate sticker each semester from the Admissions & Records Office or extension centers.

Code of Conduct
The Prince George's Community College Code of Conduct defines the rights and responsibilities of students and establishes a system of procedures for dealing with students charged with violations of the code and other rules and regulations of the college. A student enrolling in the college assumes an obligation to conduct himself/herself in a manner compatible with the college's function as an educational institution. Refer to the 2010-2011 Student Handbook, beginning on page 38, for a complete explanation of the Code of Conduct, including the procedure for dealing with disruptive student behavior.

Academic Integrity
The college is an institution of higher learning that holds academic integrity as its highest principle. In the pursuit of knowledge, the college community expects that all students, faculty, and staff will share responsibility for adhering to the values of honesty and unquestionable integrity. To support a community committed to academic achievement and scholarship, the Code of Academic Integrity advances the principle of honest representation in the work that is produced by students seeking to engage fully in the learning process. The complete text of the Code of Academic Integrity is in the 2010-2011 Student Handbook (beginning on page 40) and posted on the college's website.

Academic dishonesty, including plagiarism or cheating, has severe consequences, from an automatic "0" on the assignment, to an "F*" for the course (the F* remains on the student’s transcript, and indicates a violation of the Code of Academic Integrity).

* If you need more information on plagiarism, view the PowerPoint presentation located on my home page. Make sure that you understand what plagiarism is, and how to guard against it. Plagiarism will not be tolerated!

Disability Support Services
http://www.pgcc.edu/current/academicResources/studentDevelopmentServices/disabilitySupportServices.aspx
Students requesting academic accommodations are required to contact the Disability Support Services Office (M-1042) or call (301) 322-0838 (voice) or (301) 322-0122 (TTY) to establish eligibility for services and accommodations. Students with documented disabilities should discuss the matter privately with their instructors at the beginning of the semester and provide a copy of their Student/Faculty Accommodation Form.

Academic Programs
Collegian Centers

http://academic.pgcc.edu/collegiancenters

The College’s six Collegian Centers provide a “place to belong” outside of the classroom. They bring students in particular disciplines together for co-curricular activities and opportunities:

•   Administration of Justice – for students interested in criminal justice, corrections, forensic science, and paralegal/pre-law: Email:  AJCollegianCenter@pgcc.edu                                             301-322-0753

•   Bernard Center – for students interested in business management and accounting:
  Email:  BernardCenter@pgcc.edu                                                                                 301-322-0554

•   Health Sciences – for students admitted to any of the Health Sciences programs:
  Email:  HealthSciencesCollegianCenter@pgcc.edu                                                       301-341-3017

•   Humanities – for students interested in art, communication, English, language studies, music, philosophy, and theatre: Website:  http://academic.pgcc.edu/hcc                                                        301-322-0585
  Email:  HumanitiesCollegianCenter@pgcc.edu                                                              301-322-0949           

•   PSE – for students interested in psychology, sociology, and education:
  Website: http://academic.pgcc.edu/psecc; Email:  PSECollegianCenter@pgcc.edu     301-322-0544

•   STEM – for students interested in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics:
  Website:  http://academic.pgcc.edu/scc; Email:  STEMCollegianCenter@pgcc.edu      301-322-0595, 301-386-7574

Hillman Entrepreneurs Program                                                                                            301-322-0700

Marlboro Hall, Room 2051

http://academic.pgcc.edu/hillman/

Students in any major, who have a passionate desire to start, run, or own a business, may apply for admission to the

Hillman Entrepreneurs Program. Admission is competitive. The program builds entrepreneurial skills, pays up to 64% of tuition, provides a $500 stipend, and, qualified students transfer to the University of Maryland College Park as Hillman Entrepreneurs where they have up to 64% of their tuition paid and receive a $1,000 stipend.

Honors Academy/Program                                                                                         301-322-0433

Marlboro Hall, Room 1087

http://www.pgcc.edu/prospective/areasofstudy/specialprograms/honorsprogram.aspx

The Honors Academy admits academically outstanding honors students who are interested in a rigorous program of

academic excellence, intellectual development, leadership and community service. Prince George's Community College Honors Program promotes students’ intellectual growth and enrichment.

International Education Center                                                                                 301-322-0177

Lanham Hall, Room 221

http://academic.pgcc.edu/internationalcenter

The International Education Center provides academic support and assistance to students who need help with courses or with understanding the American higher education system. The Center brings international and American students

together for learning enrichment activities, including a variety of discussion forums that foster awareness and understanding of cultural issues.

Mentoring Program

Marlboro Hall, Room 2038                                                                                        301-386-7587

Through the Mentoring Program, first-time, full-time students are paired with PGCC faculty, staff, and administrators who serve as mentors. Mentors share their knowledge and expertise to help students enhance their education, advance in their careers, and build supportive networks.  The goal of the Mentoring Program is to improve the retention, engagement, and graduation rates of students in a learning-centered environment.

College Resources and Services

Tutoring and Writing Centers
http://www.pgcc.edu/current/academicResources/tutoringWriting.aspx
Bladen Hall, Room 107
Call 301-322-0748 to make an appointment.

      The Writing Center offers one-on-one tutoring (not proofreading) for all students who are working on any writing assignment in any course.

Library
http://www.pgcc.edu/current/academicResources/library.aspx
Accokeek Hall
General information:     301-322-0105
Circulation services:     301-322-0475
Reference services:      301-322-0476

The Learning Resources Division provides a range of library and media services. Refer to the web site for hours and more information about the services.

Campus Bookstore
http://www-old.pgcc.edu/pgweb/pgdocs/bookstore.html
301-322-0912
Largo Student Center, Room 116

Important Payment and Refund Dates
Classes must be paid for or college-approved payment arrangements (i.e., payment plan or financial aid) in place by the following dates: 

Students enrolling on or after January 26 will not be dropped for failure to pay but will be accountable for all costs. To avoid paying for a course, students must drop the course by its refund deadline. See the refund schedule.

Refund Schedule

Important Registration Dates

Other Important Dates

Log in to myPGCC from my.pgcc.edu or from www.pgcc.edu for updates and announcements.