Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2023 - REM 202W D100

Technical Communication for Environmental Professionals and Planners (3)

Class Number: 5348

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 6 – Oct 6, 2023: Tue, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Oct 11 – Dec 5, 2023: Tue, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 9, 2023
    Sat, 3:30–6:30 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Dec 9, 2023
    Sat, 3:30–6:30 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Dec 9, 2023
    Sat, 3:30–6:30 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    One of REM 100, GEOG 100, GEOG 111, or EVSC 100.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Teaches students to communicate technical information clearly and concisely. Reviews the fundamentals of writing and progress to the creation and presentation of professional documents. Students improve their skills through writing-intensive assignments related to the fields of resource management and planning. Students should familiarize themselves with a reference-management software; the course references the free, online program, Zotero. Writing.

COURSE DETAILS:

REM 202 W will teach students how to communicate technical information clearly and concisely. Students will improve their skills through writing-intensive assignments related to the field of resource management. REM 202 will review the fundamentals of writing and progress to the creation and presentation of professional documents including emails, meeting minutes, briefing notes, technical reports, and journal manuscripts.

REM 202 W will use reference-management software. Course examples will use the free, online software, “Zotero” (https://www.zotero.org/). Students only need “Zotero stand-alone”. Students do not need “Zotero Connector” nor do students need to register for any online accounts.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to 

  1. demonstrate an understanding of the foundational components of technical communication including grammar (i.e., word-use, syntax, punctuation), sentence structure, paragraph structure, and storyline,
  2. write a concise technical sentence,
  3. link concise sentences into a concise paragraph,
  4. link concise paragraphs to communicate a clear storyline,
  5. connect thoughts and ideas in ways that are relevant and accessible to the reader,
  6. critically evaluate the technical writing and communications of colleagues.

Grading

  • Assignments 55%
  • Quizzes 10%
  • Midterm Exam 15%
  • Final Exam 20%

Materials

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

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the semester are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.