Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2022 - CMPT 376W D100

Technical Writing and Group Dynamics (3)

Class Number: 5247

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 7 – Dec 6, 2022: Mon, Wed, Fri, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
    Surrey

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 11, 2022
    Sun, 3:30–6:30 p.m.
    Surrey

  • 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:

Covers professional writing in computing science, including format conventions and technical reports. The basis for ethical decision-making and the methodology for reaching ethical decisions concerning computing matters will be studied. Writing as a means to understand and reason about complex issues will be emphasized. This is a W course.

Topics

  • Overview of ethical theories
  • Intellectual property
  • Freedom of speech online
  • Privacy
  • The digital divide
  • Professional responsibility and professional codes of ethics
  • Computers and crime
  • Computers and the business world
  • Computers and the government
  • Writing formal papers: research skills, forming a thesis, acknowledging sources
  • Revision strategies: sentence order, passive/active voice, connection, clarity, conciseness
  • Practical documentation strategies (e.g., API documentation, bug reports)

Grading

NOTES:

Written Assignments (short and long), Participation and Group work (debates and other). A more detailed marking scheme will be provided in the first week of classes.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Ethics for the Information Age , Michael J. Quinn, Pearson, 2020, 9780135217726

REQUIRED READING:

Style: Lessons in Clarity and Grace, 12th Edition
Joseph M. Williams, Joseph Bizup
Pearson
2017
ISBN: 9780134080413

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website 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