Fall 2025 Course Syllabus
Course: ENGL-2311 (Section: 71, CRN: 93497)
Technical and Business Writing 		LSCPA Logo Image
Instructor Information
Instructor Chelsey Galloway
Email daigleca1@lamarpa.edu
Phone (409) 984-6321
Office Student Center - Room: 409
Office Hours Monday/Wednesday: 9:30 am - 11:00 am & 12:00 pm - 2:30 pm 
Tuesday/Thursday: By Appointment Only
Friday: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm; Afternoon By Appointment
Additional Contact Information Email is the BEST method to reach me, and I accept emails any time, nights and weekends included.
Course Information
Description Intensive study of and practice in professional settings. Focus on the types of documents necessary to make decisions and take action on the job, such as proposals, reports, instructions, policies and procedures, email messages, letters, and descriptions of products and services. Practice individual and collaborative processes involved in the creation of ethical and efficient documents
Required Textbooks Textbook Purchasing Statement: A student attending Lamar State College Port Arthur is not under any obligation to purchase a textbook from the college-affiliated bookstore. The same textbook may also be available from an independent retailer, including an online retailer.

There is No textbook for this course; all materials will be provided through Blackboard. 
Additional Materials/Resources
  • Consistent access to a computer (not just a cellphone) with the internet.
  • Sufficient familiarity with Blackboard-- everything we do will be through this platform!
  • General understanding of Microsoft Office (through your MyLSCPA), especially Word and Outlook.
  • TSIA2 Completion in English, Language Arts, and Reading.
Corequisites/Prerequisites None
Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes- Upon successful completion of this course, students will:

  1. Recognize, analyze, and accommodate diverse audiences.
  2. Produce documents appropriate to audience, purpose, and genre.
  3. Analyze the ethical responsibilities involved in technical communication.
  4. Locate, evaluate, and incorporate pertinent information.
  5. Develop verbal, visual, and multimedia materials as necessary, in individual and/or collaborative projects, as appropriate.
  6. Edit for appropriate style, including attention to word choice, sentence structure, punctuation, and spelling.
  7. Design and test documents for easy reading and navigation.
Core Objectives * Communication skills: Students will demonstrate effective written, oral and/or visual communication.
* Critical Thinking Skills: Students will engage in creative and/or innovative thinking, and/or inquiry, analysis, evaluation, synthesis of information, organizing concepts and constructing solutions.
* Teamwork: Students will demonstrate the ability to work effectively with others to support a shared purpose or goal and consider different points of view.
* Personal Responsibility: Students will demonstrate the ability to connect choices, actions and consequences to ethical decision-making.
Lecture Topics Outline
  • Audience Analysis
  • Document Design
  • Writing Instructions
  • Writing Resumes and Cover Letters
  • Writing Emails and Letters
  • Proposals and Reports
  • Policies and Procedures
  • Collaborative Writing
  • Verbal, Visual, and Multimedia Communication
  • Editing and Revising
Major Assignments Schedule

You will be given Weekly Update/Agenda Announcements from me at the start of each week which will detail the due dates for that week's assignments. Due dates are to be determined at a later time, but you will be given plenty of notice for any due dates. Also, the assignment schedule is subject to change, with notice.

Here is an overview of the assignments we will complete this semester: 

Week 1: *Welcome to the Course* & Introduction to Technical Writing

  • Review all of the content in the *Welcome to the Course* folder and complete all tasks/assignments.
  • Discussion: "What is Technical Writing?" Share examples from various industries. 
  • Task: Identify and analyze a technical document from your field. 
  • Assignment: Write a brief report summarizing the key elements of the document. 

Week 2: Audience Analysis

  • Discussion: "Understanding Your Audience" - Discuss audience diversity and needs. 
  • Task: Create an audience profile for a chosen document. 
  • Assignment: Rewrite a general document for a specific audience. 

Week 3: Document Design

  • Discussion: "Design Principles in Technical Writing." 
  • Task: Evaluate the design of two technical documents. 
  • Assignment: Redesign a document to improve readability and navigation. 

Week 4: Writing Instructions

  • Discussion: "The Importance of Clear Instructions." 
  • Task: Analyze poorly written instructions. 
  • Assignment: Create a set of instructions for a simple task. 

Week 5: Writing Resumes and Cover Letters

  • Discussion: "Effective Job Application Materials." 
  • Task: Peer review resumes and cover letters. 
  • Assignment: Draft a resume and cover letter tailored to a specific job posting. 

Week 6: Writing Emails and Letters

  • Discussion: "Professional Email and Letter Etiquette." 
  • Task: Revise poorly written professional emails. 
  • Assignment: Write a professional email and a formal letter for workplace scenarios. 

Week 7: Proposals

  • Discussion: "Components of a Successful Proposal." 
  • Task: Review sample proposals. 
  • Assignment: Draft a proposal for a project in your field of study. 

Week 8: Midterm Project Proposal

  • Task: Submit a proposal for the major research-based writing project. 
  • Discussion: Feedback and peer review of project proposals. 

Week 9: Reports

  • Discussion: "Types of Reports in Professional Settings." 
  • Task: Compare and contrast different report formats. 
  • Assignment: Write a short report on a topic related to your field. 

Week 10: Policies and Procedures

  • Discussion: "Developing Effective Policies and Procedures." 
  • Task: Identify weaknesses in existing policies/procedures. 
  • Assignment: Create a policy or procedure document. 

Week 11: Descriptions of Products and Services

  • Discussion: "Writing Clear Product and Service Descriptions." 
  • Task: Analyze product/service descriptions. 
  • Assignment: Write a description for a product or service from your field. 

Week 12: Collaborative Writing

  • Discussion: "Challenges and Strategies in Collaborative Writing." 
  • Task: Participate in a group project to create a technical document. 
  • Assignment: Submit the collaboratively written document. 

Week 13: Verbal, Visual, and Multimedia Communication

  • Discussion: "Incorporating Visuals and Multimedia in Technical Documents." 
  • Task: Evaluate the use of visuals in technical communication. 
  • Assignment: Integrate visuals or multimedia elements into a technical document. 

Week 14: Editing and Revising

  • Discussion: "The Role of Editing in Technical Writing." 
  • Task: Edit and provide feedback on peer documents. 
  • Assignment: Revise a previously submitted document based on feedback. 

Week 15: Document Usability Testing

  • Discussion: "Why Usability Testing Matters." 
  • Task: Conduct a usability test on a peer’s document. 
  • Assignment: Write a usability test report. 

Week 16: Final Project Submission and Reflection

  • Task: Submit the final version of the major research-based writing project. 
  • Discussion: Reflect on the learning process and share key takeaways. 
  • Assignment: Write a reflective essay on your growth as a technical writer.
Final Exam Date December 10, 2025 - 12:00 AM   Through  December 10, 2025 - 11:59 PM
Grading Scale  90 - 100=A 80 - 89=B  70 - 79=C   60 - 69=D  Below 59 = F
Determination of
Final Grade

+ Attendance/Participation--20%

+ Weekly Assignments/Tasks--50%

+ Essay Writing/Research Project--20%

+ Final Exam Essay--10%

= Final Grade-- 100%
Course Policies
Instructor Policies
  • All assignments for this class will be available through Blackboard, and all grades will be displayed in the Bb Gradebook. 
  • Assignments will vary in form: reading exercises, writing exercises, discussion board forums, quizzes, and academic essays.
  • You will be asked to demonstrate your reading and writing skills in various ways in this class, but I will do my best to provide specific instructions and examples for assignments, as needed. 
  • Revise/Resubmit policy: for some assignments, you will be allowed to Revise (aka edit/fix) the first attempt and Resubmit it as a second attempt in order to earn a higher grade, and some assignments will require that you Revise and Resubmit the assignment before you can move on to the next assignment. 
  • Grades for submitted assignments will be submitted in a timely manner; please understand that English is not a "simple" subject to grade, and it may take more time for grades to be returned to you due to the nature of our content. 
  • Due Dates will be set in Blackboard as needed on assignments, and an automatic 0 grade will be issued for any work that is submitted after the due date. 


The use of AI is up to each instructor, and each instructor will have different guidelines for the use of AI in their classes. We will be using some AI just as most students are already using it in classes, but you will be instructed on when and how AI is acceptable in this class.

  1. Use of AI as a Source: Students are allowed to use AI-generated responses as a source for their assignments or discussions. However, it is important to acknowledge the AI source when citing it in your work. This includes providing the necessary information such as the name of the AI (ChatGPT) and stating that the information was obtained from an AI language model. In addition to citing the AI source, it is essential to include the parameters or instructions provided to the AI device to provide context for the generated response.
  2. Academic Integrity: While AI technology can provide valuable insights and assistance, it is essential to maintain academic integrity when using AI-generated content. Plagiarism, including directly copying AI-generated responses without proper citation, is strictly prohibited. Students should use AI-generated content as a supplement to their own analysis, critical thinking, and research.
  3. Critical Evaluation: When using AI-generated responses, students should critically evaluate the information provided and consider it as one potential perspective among others. AI models like ChatGPT are trained on a vast amount of data, but they may not always produce accurate or up-to-date information. Students are encouraged to cross-reference information obtained from AI sources with reliable and credible academic resources.
  4. Authentic Student Work: Assignments, papers, and assessments should primarily reflect the original thoughts, analysis, and research of the individual student. While AI can provide guidance and ideas, students should ensure that the final work demonstrates their own understanding and effort. Overreliance on AI-generated content may compromise the authenticity and educational value of the assignment.
  5. Responsible Use of AI: Students should use AI technology responsibly and ethically. This includes refraining from using AI to engage in harmful or unethical activities, such as generating false information, spreading misinformation, or engaging in malicious behaviors. The use of AI should align with the principles of academic integrity, honesty, and respect for others.
Attendance Policy Since this is an online class, your attendance grade will be determined by your active participation in assignments and access dates for the course Blackboard. 
Additional Information I hope that my students know that I am on their team always and that I will work hard to ensure their success in my classes. Communication is key, and what better way to work on communication skills than by taking an English class? I hope that the skills you learn in my class will help you in your future classes and career paths. 
Institutional Policies
MyLSCPA Be sure to check your campus email and Course Homepage using MyLSCPA campus web portal. You can also access your grades, transcripts, academic advisors, degree progress, and other services through MyLSCPA.
Academic Honesty Academic honesty is expected from all students, and dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated. Please consult the LSCPA policies (Academic Dishonesty section in the Student Handbook) for consequences of academic dishonesty.
ADA Considerations The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Disability Services Coordinator, Room 117, in the Student Sucess Center. The phone number is (409) 984-6241.
COVID 19 Information The Lamar State College Port Arthur (LSCPA) Student Code of Conduct COVID 19 Policy requires students who have been diagnosed with COVID 19 to report their condition directly to their local health department. Students should also contact their course faculty to report their quarantine status. In addition, this policy requires all students to wear face coverings when directly exposed to COVID 19 in compliance with the criteria included in the policy. For more information please refer to the COVID 19 link on the LSCPA website.
Facility Policies No food or tobacco products are allowed in the classroom. Only students enrolled in the course are allowed in the classroom, except by special instructor permission. Use of electronic devices is prohibited.
HB 2504 This syllabus is part of LSCPA's efforts to comply with Texas House Bill 2504.
Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect As per Texas law and LSCPA policy, all LSCPA employees, including faculty, are required to report allegations or disclosures of child abuse or neglect to the designated authorities, which may include a local or state law enforcement agency or the Texas Department of Family Protective Services. For more information about mandatory reporting requirements, see LSCPA's Policy and Procedure Manual.
Title IX and Sexual Misconduct LSCPA is committed to establishing and maintaining an environment that is free from all forms of sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, sexual violence, and other forms of sexual misconduct. All LSCPA employees, including faculty, have the responsibility to report disclosures of sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment, sexual assault (including rape and acquaintance rape), domestic violence, dating violence, relationship violence, or stalking, to LSCPA's Title IX Coordinator, whose role is to coordinate the college's response to sexual misconduct. For more information about Title IX protections, faculty reporting responsibilities, options for confidential reporting, and the resources available for support visit LSCPA's Title IX website.
Clery Act Crime Reporting For more information about the Clery Act and crime reporting, see the Annual Security & Fire Safety Report and the Campus Security website.
Grievance / Complaint / Concern If you have a grievance, complaint, or concern about this course that has not been resolved through discussion with the Instructor, please consult the Department Chair.
Department Information
General Education and Developmental Studies
Chair:Dr. Steven Zani
Email:zanisj@lamarpa.edu
Phone:(409) 984-6431