Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - PUB 210W D100

Professional Writing Workshop (3)

Class Number: 5672

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Mon, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    VANCOUVER

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

University-level skills and practice in writing clear, concise, logical, and direct text suited to particular purposes. Students will learn to assess the rhetorical situation (audience, purpose, occasion) and identify the appropriate style, tone and format of writing for the situation, in writing reports, instructions, proposals, and presentations in both print and online environments. Students who have credit for PUB 210 may not take PUB 210W for further credit. Writing.

COURSE DETAILS:

IMPORTANT NOTE - THIS COURSE IS SCHEDULED ON MONDAYS, 2:30PM - 5:20PM

IT IS NOT SCHEDULED ON WEDNESDAYS.

THE CORRECT MONDAY SCHEDULE IS IN GOSFU.

University-level skills and practice in writing clear, concise, logical, and direct text suited to particular purposes. Students will learn to assess the rhetorical situation (audience, purpose, occasion) and identify the appropriate style, tone and format of writing for the situation, in writing reports, instructions, proposals, and presentations in both print and online environments. Through analysis, discussion and practice students will learn how to craft professional documents

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

The course includes lectures, readings, guest speakers, discussions, presentations and written assignments, including practical exercises in the various aspects of professional writing. Students will engage with sample texts at various levels and revise copy for different functions in the industry. Readings and discussions will also give students the opportunity to explore concepts and express their ideas. Experienced speakers, such as authors, editors, and agents, will be invited to talk about their personal experiences in the publishing industry and to answer student questions.

It will appeal to students who want practical practice writing professional documents as well as thoughtful engagement in the role of professional writing in publishing and how that can translate to other adjacent, professional industries.

Grading

  • Business Letter 10%
  • Report 10%
  • Proposal 10%
  • Instructions 10%
  • Presentation 20%
  • Revision 20%
  • Class Participation 20%

NOTES:

This outline is subject to change.

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

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term 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.