COURSE OBJECTIVES AND PERSONAL OBJECTIVESRegan OrmanEnglish 3021: Professional Writing

COURSE OBJECTIVES

Objective: Communicate Effectively as Professionals

Key Results: Pay attention to each module in classBecome efficient in email etiquette Present a concise and thorough resumeProperly address the recipientUse appropriate vocabulary and correct grammar

COURSE OBJECTIVE 1

Objective: Write a Research Paper in APA Format

Key Results: Include a title page, abstract, main body, and references

Follow the (author, date) method of in-text citation

Use a “p” to indicate page numberUse a “n.d” to indicate no date was givenUse active voice, encouraged by APA styles

COURSE OBJECTIVE 2

Objective: Increase Use of Visual Aids in Power Points

Key Results: Find graphics that relate to topic being presented

Include pictures, videos, and chartsMaintain cohesion and use graphics that compliment the theme

Use more than just bulletsExperiment with transitions and animations

COURSE OBJECTIVE 3

Objective: Improve Email SkillsKey Results:

Choose an appropriate greeting and closing sentence

Use correct grammar and punctuationEnter a subject line that is concise and clear

Include contact information and any desired call to action

Avoid using slang and/or SMS shortcuts

COURSE OBJECTIVE 4

Objective: Create Two Types of Resumes

Key Results: Learn when to use traditional resumesLearn when to use new media resumesExplain the difference between the two types

Remember to make the resume uniqueStrive to sell yourself in a document, and leave a lasting impression on the reader

COURSE OBJECTIVE 5

Objective: Create a MemoKey Results:

Learn when memos are preferred/necessary Include a heading block, body, and conclusion

Utilize a memo to inform or persuade the audience

Use headings to group related information in the message

Write short paragraphs

COURSE OBJECTIVE 6

Objective: Understand Technical Writing Needs

Key Results: Understand that business correspondence requires consistency

Understand that modern 1st impressions often occur through the virtual world

Allows a person to appear educated and informed Informs writer of appropriate document utilization

Allows writer to develop a “business voice”, highly regarded in the corporate world

COURSE OBJECTIVE 7

Objective: Collaborate Well with OthersKey Results:

Participate in group discussions through forumsListen/read carefully when receiving instructionUse constructive criticism when critiquingRespond with a friendly tone when making suggestions

Address others with appropriate titles

COURSE OBJECTIVE 8

Objective: Increase Internet FamiliarityKey Results:

Avoid Wikipedia as a sourceFind credible websites for research and referencing

Download and use Firefox as primary browserLook for authors and “last updated” dates on websites

Utilize ULM University library database online

COURSE OBJECTIVE 9

Objective: Present College-Level Work in Submissions

Key Results: Proofread all work before submittingCheck twice for mechanical errorsUtilize the “Write Place” facilitiesMake sure formatting is correct and clearUse fonts and colors that are reader-friendly

COURSE OBJECTIVE 10

PERSONAL OBJECTIVES

Objective: Give Quality FeedbackKey Results:

Read peer submissions carefullyNote the points that catch your attentionResearch alternative viewpointsPose a thought provoking question in response

State agreements and/or disagreements

PERSONAL OBJECTIVE 1

Objective: Decrease Sentence Structure Errors

Key Results: Study subject-verb agreement rulesAvoid comma splicesHave all work carefully editedUtilize the “Write Place” facilitiesStudy all comma rules

PERSONAL OBJECTIVE 2

Objective: Carefully Check WorkKey Results:

Read slowly/ do not skimWrite notes in marginsHave a peer proofread the submissionCheck work against given rubricAddress any unmet expectations

PERSONAL OBJECTIVE 3

Objective: Actively Read TextbookKey Results:

Read chapter before material is coveredCompare Power Point lectures with textCreate personal tests based on information in each section

Write notes and highlight while readingFurther research major subject material

PERSONAL OBJECTIVE 4

Objective: Utilize All Available Resources

Key Results: Become familiar with complete moodle site

Watch supplemental videosRead all Power Point presentationsReference additional websites for information

Post questions or comments in class forum

PERSONAL OBJECTIVE 5

Objective: Post Assignments Before Due Date

Key Results: Become familiar with assignment calendarWork ahead as much as possibleSet aside time to specifically cover materialComplete assignments in time to receive feedback a few days prior to turning them in

Read instructions and ask questions before beginning

PERSONAL OBJECTIVE 6

Objective: Learn How to Correctly Cite APA

Key Results: Utilize the Purdue OWL online referenceWatch video tutorialsAsk a friend familiar with APA to tutorGet feedback on reference pages from the “Write Place”

Understand rules for in-text and whole document citations

PERSONAL OBJECTIVE 7

Objective: Broaden Scope of References

Key Results: Only use sources ending in .edu, .gov, or .orgFind information from more than one type of media source

Reference more than just websites when using the internet; i.e. journals and videos

Look for sources in the ULM LibraryFind an applicable magazine article or newspaper article to cite

PERSONAL OBJECTIVE 8

Objective: Explore Tools for Use in Power Point and Word

Key Results: Become comfortable with SmartArt graphicsAppropriately use transitions and animations

Link outside media to presentationsExplore available preset themesDownload the free trial of the most recent Microsoft Office software

PERSONAL OBJECTIVE 9

Objective: Carefully Save and Store Work

Key Results: Save work multiple times in the processPrint a hard copy of the completed assignment

Email a copy to yourselfSave work in two different folders on the computer

Save completed file to an external memory device

PERSONAL OBJECTIVE 10