Introduction to Technical Writing (FSI-0TW)

Academic year 2020/2021
Supervisor: Mgr. Martina Vránová, Ph.D.  
Supervising institute: ÚJ all courses guaranted by this institute
Teaching language: English
Aims of the course unit:
The focus is on the practice of primarily descriptive rhetorical functions used in technical writing and linguistic features connected with their use. At the end of the course students will be able to write a report.
Learning outcomes and competences:
The course develops knowledge that students acquired in A5 and A6 courses on B2 level of CEFR. This knowledge is then concentrated into the main goal, which is the writing skill. At the end of the course students will be able to write a short scientific or technical report. To reach this goal, students will get acquainted with a written communication model, descriptive rhetorical functions and will also develop relevant grammar and vocabulary.
Prerequisites:
7AZ examination.

Links to other subjects:
compulsory prerequisite: English - Exam B1 [7AZ]
Course contents:
Introduction to Technical Writing provides students with language suitable for writing in English in technical contexts, both professional and elementary academic ones. For mechanical engineering graduates, such writing skill is key as it increases their employability and sets foundations for writing long academic texts in English. The course includes an e-learning module.
Teaching methods and criteria:
Seminars and e-learning module.
Assesment methods and criteria linked to learning outcomes:
The credit and examination comprise regular attendance, e-learning exercises and a one- or two-page-long technical report on a given topic.
Controlled participation in lessons:
Attendance at seminars is compulsory and is systematically checked by the teacher. Two absences are allowed.
Type of course unit:
    Language exercise  13 × 2 hrs. compulsory                  
Course curriculum:
    Language exercise 1. Writing Skills Analysis.
2. Communication, Rhetoric, Genres.
3. Purposes, Topics and Main Ideas.
4. Definitions.
5. Explanations, Examples and Classifications.
6. Describing Graphs, Tables and Charts.
7. Describing Maps, Diagrams and Schemes.
8. Describing Functions and Processes.
9. Cause and Effect .
10. Comparison and Contrast.
11. Cohesion.
12. Evaluation.
13. Report.
Literature - fundamental:
5. Wallwork, Adrian. English for Academic Research: Writing Exercises. New York: Springer, 2013.
The study programmes with the given course:
Programme Study form Branch Spec. Final classification   Course-unit credits     Obligation     Level     Year     Semester  
N-OBN-P visiting student --- no specialisation -- Cr,Ex 4 Elective 2 1 W
B-OBN-P visiting student --- no specialisation -- Cr,Ex 4 Elective 1 1 W