computer and society

COMMUNICATION IN ENGLISH
Objectives
By the time you have completed your work on this course, you should be more confident of your ability to write effectively. Specifically, you should be able to do the following:
Gather ideas; define and narrow the topic; evaluate, select, and order material to write an organized paragraph, essay, report, and business or personal letter or email message.
Adjust the content and style of your writing to your purpose, audience, and situation.
Develop letter-writing strategies.
Produce business writing (including reports and memos, e-mails, and letters) with minimum preparation time.
Write a persuasive essay incorporating the basics of an approved style and format (such as APA or MLA).
Write a report that includes analysis and offers recommendations.
Write, revise, and edit work to improve content organization, word choice, phrasing, sentence and paragraph structure, spelling, and punctuation.
Recognize and correct clichés, jargon, slang, poor tone, and wordiness in sentences.
Use computer spelling checkers and grammar checkers appropriately and effectively.
Course Outline
The course consists of six units. The following is a unit-by-unit outline of the course content.
Unit 1: The Keys to Good Written Communication
The Seven Keys to Good Written Communication
Choosing the Right Words
Spelling and Mechanics
Building Your Professional Image

Unit 2: The Writing Process
The Writing Process
Assessing Your Writing Situation
Techniques for Exploring Ideas
E-Mail Etiquette
A Review of Basic Grammar
Building Your Professional Image
Unit 3: Strategies for Direct Messages
Direct Messages
Routine Claims and Adjustments
Effective and Grammatical Sentences
Paragraphing and Transitions
Building Your Professional Image
Unit 4: Strategies for Indirect Messages
Strategies for Negative News
Strategies for Persuasive Messages
Punctuating with Confidence
Building Your Professional Image
Unit 5: Strategies for