Technical Writing

Course Objectives:

1. To improve grammar and sentence structure and build vocabulary.
2. To understand how to write different types of writings.
3. To understand how to compose different types of business documents.
4. To understand business ethics and develop soft skills.

Course Outcomes (CO):

• CO1: Ability to improve grammar and sentence structure and build vocabulary.
• CO2: Ability to write different types of writings with clarity.
• CO3: Ability to write different types of business documents.
• CO4: Ability to apply business ethics and enhance personality.

Unit I

Grammar and Vocabulary--- Types of sentences (simple, complex and compound) and use of connectives in sentences, Subject-verb agreement, Comprehension, Synonyms and Antonyms, Homophones and Homonyms, Word Formation: Prefixes and Suffixes, Indianism, Misappropriation and Redundant Words, Question Tags and Short Responses.

Unit II

Writing Styles -- Expository, Explanatory, Descriptive, Argumentative and Narrative.

Precis writing, Visual Aids in Technical Writing, Plagiarism and Language Sensitivity in Technical Writing, Dialogue Writing, Proposals: Purpose and Types.

Unit III

Letters at the Workplace—letter writing: Request, Sales, Enquiry, Order and Complaint. Job Application---Resume and Cover letter, Difference between Resume and CV, Preparation for Interview. Meeting Documentation--- Notice, Memorandum, Circular, Agenda, Office Order and Minutes of meeting, Writing Instructions.

Unit IV

Ethics and Personality Development-----The Role of Ethics in Business Communication—Ethical Principles, Time Management, Self-Analysis through SWOT and JOHARI Window, Emotional Intelligence and Leadership Skills, Team Building, Career Planning, Self Esteem.

Textbook:

1. Meenakshi Raman and Sangeeta Sharma, Technical Communication: Principles and Practice, Oxford University Press, New Delhi (2015).

References:

1. Sanjay Kumar and Pushp Lata, Communication Skills, Oxford University Press, New Delhi (2015).
2. Herta A Murphy, Herbert W Hildebrandt, Jane P Thomas, Effective Business Communication, Tata McGrawHill, Hill Publishing Company Limited, Seventh Edition.