Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2022 - CMPT 376W D100

Technical Writing and Group Dynamics (3)

Class Number: 3436

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 10 – Aug 8, 2022: Mon, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    May 10 – Aug 8, 2022: Thu, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Aug 18, 2022
    Thu, 3:30–6:30 p.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 teaches professional writing in computing science, including format conventions and technical reports. A range of technical writing processes and styles will be introduced, which includes the use of industry specific genres, and rhetorical patterns. Through active in-class 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 also be covered, including the analysis of peer-reviewed data while taking into account ethical considerations. 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: a research essay, in-class assignments, group projects, as well as calibrated reviews of work done by your peers. This is a W course.

Topics

  • Five stages of communication.
  • Develop a credible argument.
  • Warrants, opposing viewpoints & fallacies.
  • Genres & rhetorical patterns
  • Advanced researching.
  • Critical thinking & ethics of research.
  • Group dynamics & resolution.
  • ACM Code of Ethics

Grading

NOTES:

Written Assignments (including a research essay, in-class assignments and two group projects), Participation, Quizzes, and Presentations. A more detailed marking scheme will be provided in the first lecture
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).

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

The Craft of Research (4th ed.).

  • Booth, W. C., Colomb, G. G., & Williams, J. M. 
  • Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
  • 2008

ISBN: 9780226239873

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 SUMMER 2022

Teaching at SFU in summer 2022 will involve primarily in-person instruction.  Some courses may be offered through alternative methods (remote, online, blended), and if so, this will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes. 

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, online, or blended courses 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 summer 2022 term.