ENG 333 Communication for Science and Research

Jamie Larsen, Instructor

My Teaching Philosophy

I view this Engish course as one that is probably much different from any other writing course you have taken so far in your academic career. The task-oriented approach that I have used in designing this course is also the same approach I want you to take in completing the writing assignments. On-the-job, you will need to write very directly, clearly, and often persuasively. Bottom-line information needs to be presented first, and your reader needs to know the purpose of a document, and what action is required. The moment your readers do not understand this is the moment communication is broken as readers will put down, or click off, your document and go on to the myriad of other tasks they need to complete.

Feel free to ask questions, but before you do be sure to have read the online materials I provide for each assignment. In a classroom setting, I tend to run my classes as department meetings are run. We have things to do, and as soon as we complete them, we are done. This usually motivates students as they participate in a lot of small group activities. I never like to put 23 students collectively asleep by lecturing, and I do view humor as an asset to keeping people's attention when presenting anything. Be ready to work hard, have some fun, and hone those skills that will make you shine once you are in the "real world!"