Professional and Technical Writing Objectives

COURSE OBJECTIVES
AND
PERSONAL OBJECTIVES
Regan Orman
English 3021: Professional Writing

COURSE OBJECTIVE 1
: Communicate Effectively as
Professionals
:
Pay attention to each module in class
Become efficient in email etiquette
Present a concise and thorough resume
Properly address the recipient
Use appropriate vocabulary and correct grammar

COURSE OBJECTIVE 2

Format

: Write a Research Paper in APA
:

Include a title page, abstract, main body, and
references
Follow the (author, date) method of in-text
citation
Use a “p” to indicate page number
Use a “n.d” to indicate no date was given
Use active voice, encouraged by APA styles

COURSE OBJECTIVE 3
: Increase Use of Visual Aids in
Power Points
:
Find graphics that relate to topic being presented
Include pictures, videos, and charts
Maintain cohesion and use graphics that
compliment the theme
Use more than just bullets
Experiment with transitions and animations

COURSE OBJECTIVE 4
: Improve Email Skills
:
Choose an appropriate greeting and closing
sentence
Use correct grammar and punctuation
Enter a subject line that is concise and clear
Include contact information and any desired call
to action
Avoid using slang and/or SMS shortcuts

COURSE OBJECTIVE 5
: Create Two Types of Resumes
:
Learn when to use traditional resumes
Learn when to use new media resumes
Explain the difference between the two types
Remember to make the resume unique
Strive to sell yourself in a document, and leave a
lasting impression on the reader

COURSE OBJECTIVE 6
: Create a Memo
:
Learn when memos are preferred/necessary
Include a heading block, body, and conclusion
Utilize a memo to inform or persuade the
audience
Use headings to group related information in the
message
Write short paragraphs

COURSE OBJECTIVE 7

Needs

: Understand Technical Writing
:

Understand that business correspondence
requires consistency
Understand that modern 1 st impressions often
occur through the virtual world
Allows a person to appear educated and informed
Informs writer of appropriate document utilization
Allows writer to develop a “business voice”, highly
regarded in the corporate world

COURSE OBJECTIVE 8
: Collaborate Well with Others
:
Participate in group discussions through forums
Listen/read carefully when receiving instruction
Use constructive criticism when critiquing
Respond with a friendly tone when making
suggestions
Address others with appropriate titles

COURSE OBJECTIVE 9
: Increase Internet Familiarity
:
Avoid Wikipedia as a source
Find credible websites for research and
referencing
Download and use Firefox as primary browser
Look for authors and “last updated” dates on
websites
Utilize ULM University library database online

COURSE OBJECTIVE 10
: Present College-Level Work in
Submissions
:
Proofread all work before submitting
Check twice for mechanical errors
Utilize the “Write Place” facilities
Make sure formatting is correct and clear
Use fonts and colors that are reader-friendly

PERSONAL OBJECTIVE 1
: Give Quality Feedback
:
Read peer submissions carefully
Note the points that catch your attention
Research alternative viewpoints
Pose a thought provoking question in response
State agreements and/or disagreements

: Decrease Sentence Structure

Errors
:
Study subject-verb agreement rules
Avoid comma splices
Have all work carefully edited
Utilize the “Write Place” facilities
Study all comma rules

: Carefully Check Work
:
Read slowly/ do not skim
Write notes in margins
Have a peer proofread the submission
Check work against given rubric
Address any unmet expectations

: Actively Read Textbook
:
Read chapter before material is covered
Compare Power Point lectures with text
Create personal tests based on information in
each section
Write notes and highlight while reading
Further research major subject material

: Utilize All Available Resources
:
Become familiar with complete moodle site
Watch supplemental videos
Read all Power Point presentations
Reference additional websites for information
Post questions or comments in class forum


Date

: Post Assignments Before Due
:

Become familiar with assignment calendar
Work ahead as much as possible
Set aside time to specifically cover material
Complete assignments in time to receive
feedback a few days prior to turning them in
Read instructions and ask questions before
beginning

: Learn How to Correctly Cite APA
:
Utilize the Purdue OWL online reference
Watch video tutorials
Ask a friend familiar with APA to tutor
Get feedback on reference pages from the “Write
Place”
Understand rules for in-text and whole document
citations

: Broaden Scope of References
:
Only use sources ending in .edu, .gov, or .org
Find information from more than one type of
media source
Reference more than just websites when using
the internet; i.e. journals and videos
Look for sources in the ULM Library
Find an applicable magazine article or newspaper
article to cite

: Explore Tools for Use in Power
Point and Word
:
Become comfortable with SmartArt graphics
Appropriately use transitions and animations
Link outside media to presentations
Explore available preset themes
Download the free trial of the most recent
Microsoft Office software

: Carefully Save and Store Work
:
Save work multiple times in the process
Print a hard copy of the completed assignment
Email a copy to yourself
Save work in two different folders on the
computer
Save completed file to an external memory device

Professional and Technical Writing Objectives

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Professional and Technical Writing Objectives