Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2021 - CMPT 376W D100

Technical Writing and Group Dynamics (3)

Class Number: 6622

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Mon, Wed, Fri, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    CMPT 105W and (CMPT 275 or CMPT 276).

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 teaches professional writing in computing science, including format conventions and technical reports. Through active participation, students will be able to explain, defend, promote, and analyze the strengths and limitations of a research topic, as well as develop oral and written communication skills. Research methods will be covered, including the analysis of peer-reviewed data while taking into account ethical considerations. The examination of group dynamics, including team leadership, dispute resolution and collaborative writing will be covered. This course will introduce students to a range of writing processes and styles. It will emphasize writing to understand disorganized ideas more clearly, writing to persuade others, and writing to draw conclusions. The course will also bring to light questions on the reliability and validity of research data, as well as how the recognition of fallacies, and opposing viewpoints will strengthen your argument. Writing assignments will be both formal and informal in nature, which includes: research essays (an outline and a final draft), evidence worksheets, group projects, as well as calibrated reviews of work done by your peers. This is a W course.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Topics

  • 1. Five stages of communication.
  • 2. Develop a credible argument.
  • 3. Warrants, opposing viewpoints & fallacies.
  • 4. Advanced researching.
  • 5. Critical thinking & ethics of research.
  • 6. Group dynamics & resolution.

Grading

NOTES:

Midterm, Final exam, Written Assignments, Participation, Quizzes, and Presentations. A more detailed marking scheme will be provided in the first lecture.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

  • The craft of research (4th ed.)., Booth, W. C., Colomb, G. G., & Williams, J. M. (2008), Chicago: University of Chicago Press., 9780226239736

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 SPRING 2021

Teaching at SFU in spring 2021 will be conducted primarily through remote methods. There will be in-person course components in a few exceptional cases where this is fundamental to the educational goals of the course. Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment acknowledges 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. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112).