vcc.ca
SCIE 1110: Professional Communication
Effective date
September 2020
Department
UT Computing Science&Software
School
Arts and Sciences
Description
This course introduces engineering and computing science students to the principles of effective communication with special emphasis on the writing process, informative and persuasive writing, research papers, oral presentations, and resumes/cover letters. The course also explores current social and ethical issues in engineering and computer science.
Credits
3.0
Year of study
1st Year Post-secondary
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Apply knowledge of research strategies, the writing process, form and format, rhetorical principles and strategies, and referencing conventions to prepare formal research papers, reports, process descriptions and proposals.
- Establish the purpose and target audience of a written or spoken discourse.
- Apply the various strategies and general formats used to produce appropriate business correspondence such as letters, memos and emails.
- Produce a cover letter and a resume.
- Apply the skills of document design (e.g. effective use of layout, headings, graphics, etc.).
- Prepare and deliver effective oral and poster presentations.
- Apply critical thinking to social and ethical issues in engineering and computing science.
- Utilize time management and study skills.
- Demonstrate professionalism, teamwork skills and academic integrity.
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
None
Hours
Lecture, Online, Seminar, Tutorial: 60
Total Hours: 60
Total Hours: 60
Instructional Strategies
Lectures, assignments and group activities
Grading System
Letter Grade (A-F)
Passing grade
D
Evaluation Plan
|
Type |
Percentage |
Assessment activity |
|
Assignments |
25 |
Written reports, library research, group work, resume/cover letter |
|
Quizzes/Tests |
15 |
|
|
Assignments |
20 |
Research paper |
|
Assignments |
25 |
Persuasive research paper |
|
Participation |
15 |
|
Course topics
- Critical and creative thinking
- Rhetorical principles and strategies
- Writing processes
- Academic integrity
- Referencing conventions
- Form and format
- Research strategies
- Study skills and time management
- Teamwork and professionalism
- Oral presentations
- Poster presentations
- Graphics
- Resumes and cover letters
Notes:
- Course contents and descriptions, offerings and schedules are subject to change without notice.
- Students are required to follow all College policies including ones that govern their educational experience at VCC. Policies are available on the VCC website at:
https://www.vcc.ca/about/governance--policies/policies/. - To find out if there are existing transfer agreements for this course, visit the BC Transfer Guide at https://www.bctransferguide.ca.