Date

Class Meeting

For Next Meeting

Mon 1/7

Overview of class

Introductions (name game)

Explore course website and obtain login.

Introduce the Student Information Sheet and discuss course technologies.

Icebreaker: associations with technical writing; instructions activity

1. Purchase or order books.
2. Read chapter in Technical Communication Today (TCT) on “Using email and instant messaging” (chapter 13). If your books haven't arrived yet, do a little internet research on email/ IM in the workplace.
3. Locate and complete Student Information Sheet and send a copy to me as an attachment.
4. Try to post an introduction (about 75 words) to your blog on the course website. Guidelines are here.
5. Locate and look over the Technology Checklist and syllabus; bring any questions

Wed 1/9

Follow-up questions about class, syllabus and course technologies.

Technology troubleshooting as needed (e.g. creating PDF files)

Small group discussion: workplace writing experience; standards for workplace writing; netiquette & writing with new technologies.

Three interesting readings:

• How to e-mail a professor
  Michael Leddy
• The Death of E-mail Slate
• Boss's Angry Email Sends Shares Plunging
• What Corporate America Can't Build: A Sentence NYTimes (requires login)

Introduce Project #1, the Employment Project.

Some bad writing examples-- I'm not persuaded these are real, but #9 made me laugh.

Complete Technology Checklist to turn in at the beginning of Friday's class.

Read in TCT: chapters on "Communicating in the Workplace" and “Starting Your Career” (chapters 1 & 15)

If you don't have the book yet, browse some job seeking/ resume building resources. The Center for Career Opportunities (CCO) has a job search manual (pdf).

Technology Checklist due in printed form at the beginning of class.

Questions/ discussion about job searching and employment documents (resumes, letters, portfolios), etc.

Complete the Job Skills Checklist (circle all that apply to you) in class

Using a search engine, locate 2-3 job descriptions that intrigue you to share with the class on Monday. Internships are good possibilities; graduate programs/ fellowships are also acceptable.

1) Weekly Blog #1: setting career goals

2) Bring 2-3 job ads to share

3) Browse the job search resources in the links section of the website as time/ interest allow.

4) Read in TCT:

• “Letters and memos” (chapter 17)
• “Readers and Contexts of Use” (chapter 3)