ENGL 106
Written Communication
3.0 Credits
Description
This course provides an introduction to writing clear, positive messages and to understanding basic writing strategies. It is designed to help you to be more proficient at the kind of writing you need to do - at home, at school, and in the workplace. This course will show you some typical techniques for effective writing and will give you practice in writing various sorts of e-mail messages, memos, letters, college essays, and workplace reports.
Delivery Method
Delivery is self-paced, allowing you the flexibility to proceed through the course according to your own schedule. You have a choice of delivery through print or online. TRU-OL has no admission requirements and you can register for this course at any time throughout the year.
Prerequisites
BC English 11 or equivalent.
Exclusions
Students who already have credit for a post-secondary English or Business Communications course will usually be exempted from having to take ENGL 106. Please contact business_ol@tru.ca for further information. Also, please note that this course is not applicable to the general education requirements of any TRU-OL degree.
Objectives
- By the time you have completed your work on this course, you should be more confident of your ability to write effectively. Specifically, you should be able to do the following:
- Gather ideas; define and narrow the topic; evaluate, select, and order material to write an organized paragraph, essay, report, and business or personal letter or e-mail message.
- Adjust content and style of writing to suit purpose, audience, and situation.
- Develop letter-writing strategies.
- Produce business writing (including reports and memos, e-mails, and letters) with minimum preparation time.
- Write a persuasive essay incorporating the basics of an approved style guide format.
- Write a report that includes analysis and offers recommendations
- Write, revise, and edit work to improve content organization, word choice, phrasing, sentence and paragraph structure, spelling, and punctuation.
- Recognize and correct clichés, jargon, slang, tone, and wordiness in sentences.
- Use computer spelling-checkers and grammar-checkers appropriately and effectively.
Course Outline
- Unit 1: The Keys to Good Written Communication
- Unit 2: The Writing Process
- Unit 3: Strategies for Direct Messages
- Unit 4: Strategies for Indirect Messages
- Unit 5: Strategies for Report Writing
- Unit 6: Writing Effective Essays
Maximum Completion
30 weeks. The normal completion time is approximately 15 weeks, assuming roughly 12 hours per week for study and assignment preparation.
Required Text and Materials
- Hacker, Diana. A Canadian Writer's Reference. 4th. Edition with 2009 MLA Update . Boston: Bedford/St. Martin's, 2008.
Type: Textbook. ISBN: 9780312593193
- Hacker, Diana. Exercises to Accompany A Canadian Writer's Reference. 4th. Edition. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin's, 2008.
Type: Textbook. ISBN: 9780312472863
- Hacker, Diana. Answer Key: Exercises to Accompany A Canadian Writer's Reference. 4th. Edition. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin's, 2008.
Type: Textbook. ISBN: 9780312475758
All these texts are bundled together under ISBN: 9780312623371.
Additional Requirements
Computer with Internet is required for the web-based version of this course.
Tutor Information
A course tutor is available to assist students to complete their course. For students enrolled in the print version of the course, contact with their tutor is usually by phone and mail. The course package normally includes a welcome letter stating the tutor's name, address, phone number, and office hours. Online contact with a tutor is an integral part of the Web course delivery.
Assessment
You will be awarded a letter grade based on your final mark and exam performance. To achieve a passing grade, you must pass the final examination and submit all assignments. Your final mark will be calculated as follows:
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