Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2021 - CMPT 376W D100

Technical Writing and Group Dynamics (3)

Class Number: 4610

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Mon, 8:30–10:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

    Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Wed, 8:30–9:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    CMPT 105W and (CMPT 275 or CMPT 276), with a minimum grade of C-.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Covers professional writing in computing science, including format conventions and technical reports. Attention is paid to group dynamics, including team leadership, dispute resolution, cognitive bias, professional ethics and collaborative writing. Research methods are also discussed. The use of LaTeX and various version control tools are emphasized. Students with credit for CMPT 376 may not take this course for further credit. Writing.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course focuses on technical writing primarily within the field of software engineering documentation. The course also covers academic writing in terms of scientific research. Students are expected to use LaTeX throughout the course. This is a W course.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Topics

  • Informal writing to generate material
  • Drafting and revising
  • Types of technical documents (genres): Explanations, recommendations, emails, and others
  • Clarity of sentence structure
  • Style and voice
  • Rhetorical situation: Audience, message, author, and context

Grading

NOTES:

To be discussed the first week of classes

Students must attain an overall passing grade on the weighted average of exams in the course in order to obtain a clear pass (C- or better).

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

TEACHING AT SFU IN FALL 2021

Teaching at SFU in fall 2021 will involve primarily in-person instruction, with approximately 70 to 80 per cent of classes in person/on campus, with safety plans in place.  Whether your course will be in-person or through remote methods will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes.  You will also know at enrollment whether remote course components will be “live” (synchronous) or at your own pace (asynchronous).

Enrolling in a course acknowledges that you are able to attend in whatever format is required.  You should not enroll in a course that is in-person if you are not able to return to campus, and should be aware that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as early as possible in order to prepare for the fall 2021 term.