Syllabus

Rachel Carson Academy

Advanced Environmental Science

Technical Writing

Course Syllabus for Technical Writing 2011-12

Course Description

Technical Writing is a web class for Rachel Carson Program students who are enrolled in the Advanced Environmental Science and CAM classes.  The Technical Writing class is designed to help students develop a variety of workplace writing skills and to foster precision in writing so that students can communicate clearly as students, citizens, and employees. Writing assignments are practical and focused.

Grading

Grades are determined based on total points accumulated during the semester.  Each assignment is worth 40 points; there will be ten assignments. 

Grading Scale

A90-100%

B80-89%

C70-79%

D60-69%

F59% and below

Keys to Success

•Check the calendar regularly to get assignments.  Plan on one assignment (or task) per week.

•Begin assignments a few days before they’re due!

•Ask for help and clarification when you need it.  You can e-mail me your questions too at: haberman@4j.lane.edu

•Check out linked examples for assignments.  Some examples, such as the instruction manual examples will be available in the classroom.

•Proofread your work carefully before submitting.

•Do your own work

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Assignments and Due Dates

All assignments are due on Mondays in your folders by 4 p.m. unless otherwise indicated.  See the web-page for links to these assignments. 

AssignmentDue Date

1.Letter of IntroductionM Oct. 10

2.Resume First DraftM Oct. 17

3.Personal Statement First DraftM Oct. 24

4.Instruction Manual (see classroom examples for help)M Oct. 31

5.Resume Final Draft (with feedback)M Nov. 7

6.Personal Statement Final Draft M Nov. 21

7.Observations in Nature Journaling (Do 1st entry this week)M Nov. 28

8.Observations in Nature Journaling (2nd entry + write-up of both) M Dec. 5

9.College EssayM Dec. 12

10.Interview Questions and Sign-upT Jan. 9

11.Interview Write-UpM Jan. 23

Late Work Policy: Assignments are due as indicated and posted on the calendar.  Students turning in more than two assignments late will not be eligible for a letter grade; they can still earn credit but the best grade they can earn will be a Pass for the class (if they complete all work satisfactorily).

Important note: If you have an F on Dec. 16th (a Progress Report grading period), I will drop you from the class without penalty or credit.

Remember: If you hope to earn a CAM through the Rachel Carson Program, you must complete this class successfully.  It also counts as Language Arts/English credit on your transcript.