SYLLABUS FOR ENGLISH 463

Course Description

Catalog Data

ENGL 463. 0-3-3. Preq. English 303. The presentation of technical information to technical and non-technical audiences; emphasis on organization, support, and clarity of presentation; effective use of visual materials. (Eligible for graduate credit)

Objective

English 463 is designed to provide both information about and practical experience with communication principles, theory, and strategies as they apply to scientific and technical presentations. The course will highlight the preparation, logistics, and implementation of presentations, the interview process, and critical thinking/reading. Students will participate in short presentations, interview/self-presentations, audience analysis, formal presentations, and evaluation exercises.

Prerequisites

1. Basic writing skills; knowledge of sentence structure, grammar, and organization. (English 303).
2. Basic knowledge of a scientific or technical field.

English 463 is a demanding course. Be sure to arrange you schedule so you can spend adequate time for class preparation, researching, and writing.

Computer Usage

Students will prepare graphics for their formal speech using a computer presentation program, such as Powerpoint or Corel Presentations. Our class will also be working on a World Wide Web project.

 

Attendance Requirements

• Class attendance is regarded as an obligation as well as a privilege, and all students are expected to attend regularly and punctually all classes in which they are enrolled.
• Attendance is 10% of your grade.
• I shall keep a permanent attendance record for this class. This record is subject to inspection by appropriate college or university officials.
• Regular attendance will help you understand your assignments and complete them on schedule. I encourage you to attend unless you absolutely cannot avoid being absent.
• Make an extra effort to be in class on the days your are scheduled to make a presentation. The nature of the course does not leave time for you to present makeup work later in the quarter.

Bring a 9" x 12" manilla folder to class for me to file your work in.

KEEP A PAPER COPY OF YOUR PRESENTATION NOTES IN YOUR OWN FILES. It's the cheapest insurance you can buy.

COMPLETE ANY MAKE-UP WORK BEFORE FINALS WEEK.

Conferences

Conferences are encouraged during the quarter. They will be used to discuss specific writing strengths and/or weaknesses.

Graduate Requirements:

In addition to meeting the above requirements, graduate students enrolled in the course must prepare an additional presentation on a clearly defined topic related to communication and presentations. It will be worth an additional 20% of your grade.