Required:
One USB ("key") drive

Recommended:
College-level dictionary
Handbook/style guide 

Course Description
English 365 is a technical writing workshop with most of the time devoted to in-class, hands-on work on computers, using an array of word-processing, desktop publishing, and ancillary software. I will give some class time over to a presentation and discussion of the fundamentals of technical writing, the online manual, and required course projects; however, the concentration will be on workshop approaches. In class I will more often than not serve as a facilitator or consultant than as a conventional lecturer.

The goal of this course is to prepare students for future technical writing situations with an emphasis on designing and producing practical documents of a professional quality, two of which you will write collaboratively.

UCS Account
You should already have a UCS account, but if for any reason you do not, you must get one immediately by making a request through the Help Desk in Stephens Hall.  Guidelines for setting up your account are available online at http://helpdesk.louisiana.edu.

Course Policies and Requirements

Attendance
Excessive absences are any absences above 10% of the total number of class meetings. Except for ULL-sanctioned activities, I make no distinction between "excused" and "unexcused" absences. Since this class is scheduled to meet 42 times this semester, I consider any abscences over four excessive.

University policy requires that instructors keep an accurate attendance record for each class. Accordingly, I will take the roll at the start of each class meeting. If you arrive late (don't make a habit of it), you are responsible for seeing to it that I do not mark you absent.

Note: Because of the workshop format of English 365, it is very important that you come to class on time and on a regular basis. The informal nature of the course does not mean that attendance is optional. Be warned that excessive absences can and will adversely affect your final course grade. 

E-mail
We will be communicating with one another regularly by e-mail and the Moodle Forum. Because Moodle does not like to use any other addresses than ULL ones, I expect you to forward your university mail to your home address, if you have one. If you regularly use ULL e-mail, forwarding is not necessary. But if you need to forward your mail, go to http://helpdesk.louisiana.edu for directions on how to do so. I expect you to check your e-mail on a regular basis.

Please observe good e-mail manners by watching your tone. Remember that whoever receives your e-mail message has only the words, no tone of voice or body language to judge irony, satire, or wit. Avoid emoticons of any kind. Also avoid using all caps as that is tantamount to shouting. Additionally, if you feel that using an exclamation point is an absolute necessity, limit yourself to one only. You should also be careful to observe standard American English spellings and punctuation. When you e-mail me (or anyone else for that matter), make the Subject line relevant so that I know I'm not getting mail from some unknown foreign entity. Also identify yourself by name and by course and section number.

Assignments
At scheduled dates throughout the semester you will submit written work for evaluation and grading.

General rules for all work submitted are as follows: 

• All required work must be completed.
• Plagiarism will result in an automatic grade of F. It may also result in further disciplinary action.
• All written submissions must meet nominal standards with regard to the mechanics of writing. Slipshod writing will result in a much lower grade than its content may otherwise warrant.
• All submitted work must be word-processed in both "manuscript" (ms.) and "camera ready" (c-r) form (unless otherwise indicated) and must be stapled together with a cover sheet (title page). See Appendix I of the online manual and this linked Adobe PDF file, which you can download and print out.

Final Examination
Your final examination is a take-home exam, and it is already available online. You can begin it at any point in the semester, and I encourage you to start it early. You may submit it to me at any time up to the last class meeting, which is its final due date.

Grading
Assuming that your work has been submitted on time and that you have met class attendance requirements, your grade in this course will be based on a total point value of 1000. Dividing your final point total by 1000 will generate your final grade, which is based on a 10-point scale (90-100% =A; 80-89%=B and so on). The breakdown of the total point value is as follows: 
 

Important Advice
You should look at what I require for each project and begin thinking about what you might do just as soon as you can. Take notes on each one so that you will be ready to get my approval for your project in a timely fashion. Feel free to talk to me about your ideas at any time, no matter how far in advance of the relevant due date.

Remember that English 365 is a multi-tasking course that will require you to have more than one work in progress throughout the entire term, including your final examination, which you should make a work in progress from day one.

Emergency Evacuation Procedures
A map of this floor is posted near the elevator marking the evacuation route and the Designated Rescue Area.  The DRA is an area where emergency service personnel will go first to look for individuals who need assistance in exiting the building.  Students who may need assistance should identify themselves to the teaching faculty.