English Technical Writing and Communication

Course Description

The goal of this course is to enhance students’ fundamental English writing and communication skills in technical and scientific disciplines. Students will learn how to write definitions, use visuals, and transform data into narratives that are accessible, engaging and informative for the intended audience. These skills will empower students to facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration and advance their professional careers in the rapidly changing technical industries.

In this course, students will have the opportunity to develop their technical writing and communication skills through a range of hands-on activities, including collaborative writing, revision exercises and peer review. They will learn to write technical documents such as reports, instruction manuals and marketing correspondence. Additionally, the course will focus on honing self-editing skills and fostering a comprehensive understanding of writing ethics. By the end of the course, students will have acquired a comprehensive set of technical writing and communication skills which will prepare them for future academic and professional success.

Course Objectives

Course Intended Learning Outcome (CILO)

The course adheres to the NTU educational goal for students to develop:

CC 1: independent judgment and ability to innovate
CC 2: professional knowledge and skills
CC 3: communicative and team skills

By the end of this course, students should be able to

CILO 1: understand the nature and standard of academic writing. (CC 1 & 2)
CILO 2: learn the fundamental knowledge and skills necessary for English writing. (CC 1 & 2)
CILO 3: gain a vocabulary of elements with which to analyze and write well-structured texts (paragraphs, essays, manuals, or reports). (CC 1& 2)
CILO 4: communicate and collaborate with peers to improve and polish their work. (CC 1, 2 & 3)

Weekly Schedule

Week	Course Content	Assignment
Week 1	Course Overview
Week 2	Translating Complex Ideas into Accessible Content for a Diverse Audience Clarity and Conciseness
Week 3	Data Storytelling Visual Communication	HW1: Data Storytelling Project – outline
Week 4	Data Storytelling Visual Communication	HW1: Data Storytelling Project – outline
Week 5	Science Communication for Public Engagement	HW2: Data Storytelling Project – draft
Week 6	Writing Instruction Manuals	HW3: Data Storytelling Project – revision
Week 7	Describing Processes and Procedures	HW4: Crafting Manuals for Your Inventions – outline
Week 8	Self-Editing Strategies and Tools	HW5: Crafting Manuals for Your Inventions – draft
Week 9	Writing Consultation	HW6: Crafting Manuals for Your Inventions – revision
Week 10	Content Marketing and Writing The Art of Persuasion	HW7: Marketing Your Inventions- draft
Week 11	Writing Recommendation Reports	HW8: Marketing Your Inventions- revision
Week 12	Writing Recommendation Reports	HW8: Marketing Your Inventions- revision
Week 13	Ethical Issues in Technical Writing
Week 14	Writing Progress Reports
Week 15	Self-Editing Strategies and Tools	Writing Portfolio
Week 16	Final Exam

Others

Class attendance is mandatory. Absences are excused only for good reasons. NO MORE THAN THREE excused absences are permitted.
All of the assignments are carefully planned according to the schedule of the course. NO LATE ASSIGNMENTS will be accepted.
There are in-class and group-work tasks every week. The completion of these tasks will contribute to the overall participation score.

1、Required Reading

Materials and handouts are prepared by the instructor every week.

2、Extended Readings

Baker, M. (2013). Every Page is Page One.
Gales, C. & Splunk Documentation Team. (2020). The Product is Docs: Writing technical documentation in a product development group
Heard, S. B. (2016). The Scientist’s Guide to Writing: How to Write More Easily and Effectively throughout Your Scientific Career
Pringle, A. S. & O’Keefe, S. S. (2009). Technical Writing 101: A Real-World Guide to Planning and Writing Technical Content.
Tebeaux, E. & Dragga S. (2010). The Essentials of Technical Communication.

Grading Policy

Types of Assessment	Weighting	Descriptions of Assessment
HW Assignments	30%	Students will be required to complete a series of assignments throughout the course, including Data Storytelling Project, Crafting Manuals for Your Inventions and Marketing Your Inventions.
In-Class Tasks	20%	Students will be engaged in a range of writing tasks, both individually and in groups. These tasks include brainstorming ideas, outlining, peer review, and self-editing, providing opportunities for students to practice the skills covered in the course.
Final Exam	20%	A final exam will be administered at the end of the semester to assess students’ mastery of the course material. It will consist of multiple-choice and short answer questions.
Writing Portfolio	10%	Students will submit a writing portfolio, a collection of their technical writing works that highlight their skill development and understanding of complex technical communication.
Attendance and Participation	20%	Students are required to attend all classes. NO MORE THAN THREE weeks of absences are permitted. Students must contribute their ideas to the class during discussion and feedback sessions.