Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2021 - CMPT 376W D200

Technical Writing and Group Dynamics (3)

Class Number: 3136

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Mon, Wed, Fri, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Aug 17, 2021
    Tue, 7:00–10:00 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 focuses on technical writing primarily within the field of software engineering documentation. The course also covers academic writing in terms of scientific research. Students are expected to use LaTeX throughout the course. This is a W course.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Topics

  • Informal writing to generate material
  • Drafting and revising
  • Types of technical documents (genres): Explanations, recommendations, emails, and others
  • Clarity of sentence structure
  • Style and voice
  • Rhetorical situation: Audience, message, author, and context

Grading

NOTES:

To be discussed the first week of classes

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).

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 2021

Teaching at SFU in summer 2021 will be conducted primarily through remote methods, but we will continue to have in-person experiential activities for a selection of courses.  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).