CTA 203 - Technical Communication

3 credit hours - Three hours lecture weekly; one term.

Examine various forms and methods of communication utilized in engineering, scientific, technical, business, and government organizations. Learn the various forms of correspondence, reports, manuals, and proposals. Analyze the specific design and tone of examined documents. Demonstrate various strategies for planning, organizing, designing, and archiving various documents. Learn and apply technical editing and professional communication skills.

Prerequisite(s): CTA 100 or CTP 103 or CTP 115 or CTS 107 ; and a C or better in ENG 101 /ENG 101A or approval of Computer Information Systems program chair.

Course Outcomes:

Demonstrate the technical writing process, including planning, inventing, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing various documents
Examine a variety of technical documents and identify the various styles and formats
Apply document design techniques and incorporate visuals effectively to enhance the communication of ideas and concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences
Explain the importance of communication processes and skills, critical thinking, and ethical and legal issues in an increasingly digital workplace
Write for a variety of situations and contexts using Standard English and stylistic options (tone, word choice, sentence patterns, clarity, accessibility, and unity) appropriate for the audience and purpose
Demonstrate knowledge of paragraph structure, transition, and organization within technical documents
Recognize and use correctly basic punctuation and grammar
Give and act on productive feedback to works in progress through engagement in the collaborative and social aspects of writing