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COURSE OUTLINE ACADEMIC YEAR 2014/2015

Course Title: Workplace Writing Skills

Course Code: WRIT 200

Schedule Type
Code: LPL

Programs: Department of English

Credit Value: 3

Class Hours: 45

Pre-requisite(s): WRIT 100

or equivalent

Co-requisite(s):

Pre-requisite for:
Restrictions:

Approved By:
Dean/Associate Dean: Vera Beletzan

Signature:

Date: July 30, 2014

Humber College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning 2014/2015 This document is
available in alternate format upon request.

Course Description
WRIT 200 prepares students to meet the expectations and challenges of communicating in a
changing workplace. This course builds on and reinforces the critical reading, thinking and
writing skills learned in WRIT 100. Students will broaden their concept of audience and refine
their ability to synthesize information from various sources.
To help students reach these goals, the course covers the following skills:
Writing with different workplace formats
Audience and purpose analysis
Research
Problem solving
To be successful, students must demonstrate competence in completing a variety of workplace
documents and a major project.
Course Rationale
The analytical research and writing skills acquired in this course will allow students to succeed
in the contemporary workplace. Transferable skills such as critical reading, thinking, and writing;
audience analysis; and problem solving are indispensable for effective communication in the
workplace.
Learning Outcomes
1.

Analyze multiple audiences and define purpose to determine appropriate language, tone
and format of workplace documents.

2.

Apply critical thinking and reading skills to identify, evaluate, respond to and propose
solutions to workplace problems when composing workplace documents.

3.

Compose clear, persuasive documents that anticipate readers' needs and objections,
including but not limited to e-mail, memos, letters, newsletters, blogs, and short reports.

4.

Apply the principles of document design to a variety of workplace documents.

5.

Complete a major project that demonstrates critical analysis, revision and teamwork.

6.

Research, evaluate, synthesize, and accurately cite scholarly and popular sources to
support persuasive workplace communication.

7.

Revise and edit to produce clear, concise, and grammatically correct documents
acceptable to workplace audiences.

8.

Use a variety of communication tools to compose individually and collaboratively.

Humber College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning 2014/2015 This document is
available in alternate format upon request.

Essential Employability Skills

Essential Employability Skills are transferable skills that provide the foundation for a students
academic, vocational, and personal success.
X Communication
Numeracy

X
X

Critical Thinking &

Problem Solving
Information
Management

Interpersonal

Personal

LEARNING RESOURCES
Required Resources:
Do NOT buy any textbook(s) until your professor confirms your registration in a specific class.
Locker, K., Kaczmarek, S. K., & Braun, K. (2015). Workplace writing skills: Humber edition.
Toronto: McGraw-Hill Ryerson.
You will need a current college-level dictionary, such as The Canadian Oxford Dictionary or The
Gage Canadian Dictionary.
This course is supported by a Blackboard site. This site contains a copy of this course outline and
the professors week-by-week syllabus. The professor will inform you if other materials will be
posted to the class Blackboard site and what those materials will be. You should access this site.
Supplemental Resources
The Library
Located in the NX Building at the North Campus and B202 at the Lakeshore Campus, the library
is available from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Sunday. The library houses books,
journals, audio-visual materials, and provides access to online resources: e-books, journals and
articles. The librarians are able to help you find research and archived materials and assist you
with inter-library loans, booking study spaces, and checking out materials. Visit the library
online at http://www.library.humber.ca
The Writing Centre
The staff in the Writing Centre can suggest ways for you to improve your writing. You can visit
the Writing Centre website for hours of operation and to book an appointment with a writing
instructor: http://www.humber.ca/liberalarts/las-writing-centre
North Campus: GH-202 (Guelph-Humber building)
(416) 675-6622, ext. 6258

Lakeshore Campus: F201

(416) 675-6622, ext. 3313

Humber College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning 2014/2015 This document is
available in alternate format upon request.

Peer Tutoring
A peer tutor is a Humber student who can meet with you for one or two hours per week to help
with the course. For a small administration fee ($10), you receive eight one-hour tutoring
sessions. You can apply for a tutor by contacting your campus office or by visiting the Peer
Tutoring website: http://www.humber.ca/peertutoring
North Campus: H217
416-675-6622, ext. 4616

Lakeshore Campus: H201

(416) 675-6622, ext. 3340

Copyright:
Copyright is the exclusive legal right given to a creator to reproduce, publish, sell or distribute
his/her work. All members of the Humber community are required to comply with Canadian
copyright law which governs the reproduction, use and distribution of copyrighted materials.
This means that the copying, use and distribution of copyright-protected materials, regardless of
format, is subject to certain limits and restrictions. For example, photocopying or scanning an
entire textbook is not allowed, nor is distributing a scanned book.
See the
Humber Libraries website for additional information regarding copyright and for details on
allowable limits: http://library.humber.ca
Learning Delivery Format
Classes are a combination of lecture, group activities, in-class writing, and online activities.
Course Content
UNIT

TOPIC(S)

ASSESSMENTS

RESOURCES

Principles of
workplace
correspondence

Audience, purpose, language, tone

and document design

In-class and takehome assignments

and activities

Textbook

Research
methods

Evaluating and synthesizing

primary and secondary research
Documenting appropriately

Assignments,
Textbook
activities, and quizzes

Workplace
documents

Letters, memos, e-mail, reports and

proposals

Major project

Various topics supported by

research

In-class and takehome writing

assignments and
activities
Some or all of the
following: reports,
proposals,
correspondence, and /
or presentations

Textbook

Humber College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning 2014/2015 This document is
available in alternate format upon request.

Please note: The instructor of your course section will provide a weekly schedule for
delivering the course content.
Student Evaluations
1.

Major project:

2.

The major project consists of a series of at least four connected documents (worth
40%). At least one of these documents must be an informal or semiformal analytical
research report / proposal. The remaining 20% will be assigned to the revision of all
the project documents OR the creation of a formal report / proposal related to the
project.

Short assignments:

20%

e-mail, memos, letters, newsletters, and short reports that highlight various
workplace formats

3.

Other assignments:

presentations
quizzes
documentation assignments
meeting minutes
blogs
journals
wikis
other

60%

20%

Coordinators
North and Orangeville Campuses
Prasad Bidaye English Coordinator
(416) 675-6622 Ext. 4606, Room K201
prasad.bidaye@humber.ca
John Stilla

ESOL Coordinator

(416) 675-6622 Ext. 4394, Room K201

john.stilla@humber.ca

Lakeshore Campus
Humber College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning 2014/2015 This document is
available in alternate format upon request.

Trevor Arkell

English Coordinator

(416) 675-6622 Ext. 3326, Room A114

trevor.arkell@humber.ca

DirectorContinuing Education: North and Lakeshore Campuses

Paul Ward All Continuing Education courses offered by The School of Liberal
Arts and Sciences
(416) 675-6622 Ext. 5006, Room K201 (North)
Ext. 3483, Room A114 (Lakeshore)
paul.ward@humber.ca
COURSE-SPECIFIC POLICIES AND EXPECTATIONS
Standards
All written work should be clear, concise, and in correct English. You are responsible for keeping
copies of all your work as well as the course outline.
Missed/Late Assignments
All assignments are due at the beginning of the class on the date specified by the professor. Late
assignments will be penalized 10% per day up to four days (including weekends) after the due
date. Assignments handed in after that time will not be accepted and will automatically receive a
grade of 0%.
Accommodation for Religious Observance
If you require an accommodation for a religious/spiritual observance, please notify the professor
as soon as the time conflict is known. You are responsible for contacting the professor to arrange
the accommodation for a lecture, test, exam, clinical placement, work placement or any other
academic situation that conflicts with a day or time period for religious observances of special
significance. Ideally, you will provide your professor with three weeks notice for a required
accommodation. In all cases, the request for an accommodation must be made in writing.
Transfer Credit
Students who plan to transfer their WRIT credit to another institution or apply their WRIT credit
toward a professional designation in the future should be aware of the standards required for
transfer. For example, CGA requirements specify that Accounting students achieve a minimum
grade of 70% in WRIT 100 in order to receive transfer credit.
Expectations for Maintaining a Positive Learning Environment
Humber College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning 2014/2015 This document is
available in alternate format upon request.

Attendance is essential for academic success. You must be in class, be on time, and be prepared
for the days activities. To maintain a positive and productive learning environment, you are
expected to
turn off and put away all mobile phones and electronic devices, and remove headphones when
you are in class
maintain a courteous and respectful attitude
Policy on Electronic Devices
Any use of electronic devices not in support of classroom learning as directed by the professor
will be subject to the following consequences:
First offense: the student will be asked to put the device away.
Second offense: the student will be asked to leave the classroom.
Third offense: the student will meet with the coordinator and/or associate dean.
Academic Regulations
Humber's website on academic regulations (see "Policies and Procedures" for URL) contains
important information regarding academic Integrity, course drop dates, and appeal procedures.
The School of Liberal Arts & Sciences expects all students to maintain a high standard of
academic integrity by submitting original work and clearly documenting material that is derived
from other sources. Failure to do so will be deemed to be academic misconduct as outlined in the
Academic Regulations. For a complete description of Academic Misconduct, processes and
penalties, please refer to section 17 of the Academic Regulations.
Plagiarism is the serious offence of academic fraud that involves using someone elses words
and/or ideas in whole or in part from any printed or electronic media without documentation.
Cheating is the serious offence of academic fraud that involves obtaining answers to exam and
test questions through unauthorized means, such as hidden or electronic notes or copying from
another student.
Any student who plagiarizes or cheats will be required to meet with the Associate Dean, who
may assign a grade of 0% and notify the Registrars Office that academic misconduct has
occurred. On the second offence, the student may be withdrawn from the program, and an
official notation of academic misconduct will be placed on the students academic record.
Discrimination and Harassment
At Humber College, students, staff and faculty represent the broad spectrum of diversity and
richness that is characteristic of our society. All students and employees have the right to study,
live, and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment.

Humber College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning 2014/2015 This document is
available in alternate format upon request.

It is therefore the policy of Humber College that its working, living and learning environments
assert the personal worth and dignity of each individual. In order to achieve this objective,
Humber College will not tolerate any form of discrimination or harassment in its employment,
education, accommodation, or business dealings. Information and assistance are available from
Nancy Simms, Manager, Human Rights & Diversity at (416) 675-6622, extension 4425, or by
email at nancy.simms@humber.ca. For further information please visit
www.hrs.humber.ca/diversity.
Further details on the Humber College Charter of Student Responsibilities and Rights are
available at http://www.humber.ca/content/charter-student-responsibilities-and-rights
Degree Students:
In addition to meeting all program specific course and credit requirements, students must have a
Cumulative Program Grade Point Average (CPGPA) of 65 in order to be eligible for
graduation.
Diploma Students:
In addition to meeting all program specific course and credit requirements, students must have a
Cumulative Program Grade Point Average (CPGPA) of 60 in order to be eligible for
graduation.
Policies and Procedures
It is the students responsibility to be aware of the College Academic Regulations which can be
found on the following website: http://www.humber.ca/academic-regulations
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is essentially honesty in all academic endeavours. Academic integrity
requires that students avoid all forms of academic misconduct or dishonesty, including
plagiarism, cheating on tests or exams or any misrepresentation of academic accomplishment.
Research Activity
This course does not include any research activities that involve human participants. Students
will gather data ONLY from publicly available sources.

Humber College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning 2014/2015 This document is
available in alternate format upon request.

Academic Concern/Appeals
If a student has questions or concerns regarding a grade on an assignment or test, the student
should discuss the matter with the faculty member. The Program Coordinator and/or the
Associate Dean may be asked to assist if the faculty member and student are unable to resolve
issues. For additional information please refer to Section 18 of Colleges Academic Complaint
and Appeal Policy at the website identified above.

Prior Learning Assessment Recognition (PLAR)

Course credits may be granted in recognition of prior learning, and that Application for
consideration is made through the Office of the Registrar at
http://www.humber.ca/plar/docs/pla.pdf.
Each course outline must indicate method(s) of assessment.
Challenge
Exam

Portfolio

Skills Test

Interview

Other
(Specify)

Not Available
For PLAR

Disability Services
Humber seeks to create a welcoming environment where equity, diversity and safety of all
groups are fundamental. Humber is dedicated to providing equal access to students with
disabilities. The Disability Services staff are available by appointment to assess specific needs,
provide referrals and arrange appropriate accommodations. If you require academic
accommodations, contact http://www.humber.ca/disabilityservices
North Campus: (416) 675-6622 X5180
Lakeshore Campus: (416) 675-6622 X3265
Disclaimer
While every effort is made by the professor/faculty to cover all material listed in the outline, the
order, content, and/or evaluation may change in the event of special circumstances (e.g. time
constraints due to inclement weather, sickness, college closure, technology/equipment problems
or changes, etc.). In any such case, students will be given appropriate notification in writing,
with approval from the Dean (or designate) of the School.

Humber College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning 2014/2015 This document is
available in alternate format upon request.

10
Appendix
Essential Employability Skills (MTCU
Requirements)

Graduates of the program reliably demonstrate the ability

to:

Communication
Reading
Writing
Speaking
Listening

1. Communicate clearly, concisely and correctly in the written,

spoken and visual form that fulfills the purpose and meets the
needs of the audience
2. respond to written, spoken, or visual messages in a manner
that ensures effective communication

Presenting
Numeracy
Understanding and Applying
Mathematical Concepts and Reasoning

3. execute mathematical operations accurately

Analyzing and using Numerical Data

Conceptualizing
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
Analyzing

4. apply a systematic approach to solve problems

Synthesizing

5. use a variety of thinking skills to anticipate and solve

problems

Evaluating
Decision-Making
Creative and Innovative Thinking
Information Management
Gathering and managing information
Selecting and using appropriate tools
and technology for a task or project
Computer literacy

6. locate, select, organize and document information using

appropriate technology and information systems
7. analyze, evaluate and apply relevant information for a variety
of sources

Internet skills
Interpersonal
Teamwork
Relationship management
Conflict resolution
Leadership

8. show respect for the diverse opinions, values, belief systems

and contributions of others
9. interact with others in groups or teams in ways that contribute
to the effect working relationships and the achievement of goals

Networking
Personal
Managing self
Managing change and being flexible and
adaptable
Engaging in reflective practice

10. manage the use of time and other resources to complete

projects
11. take responsibility for ones actions, decisions, and
consequences

Demonstrating personal responsibility

Humber College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning 2014/2015 This document is
available in alternate format upon request.