Course detail

Introduction to Technical Writing

FSI-0TWAcad. year: 2021/2022

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.

Language of instruction

English

Number of ECTS credits

4

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Guarantor

Mgr. Martina Vránová, Ph.D.

Department

Institute of Foreign Languages (ÚJ)

Learning outcomes of the course unit

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 or GEN3 examination.

Co-requisites

Not applicable.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

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.

Course curriculum

Not applicable.

Work placements

Not applicable.

Aims

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.

Specification of controlled education, way of implementation and compensation for absences

Attendance at seminars is compulsory and is systematically checked by the teacher. Two absences are allowed.

Recommended optional programme components

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

Wallwork, Adrian. English for Academic Research: Writing Exercises. New York: Springer, 2013. (EN)

Recommended reading

Not applicable.

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme B-OBN-P Bachelor's 1 year of study, summer semester, elective
  • Programme N-OBN-P Master's 1 year of study, summer semester, elective

Type of course unit

 

Language exercise

26 hod., compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

Mgr. Martina Vránová, Ph.D.

Syllabus

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.