Common Course Outline

Course discipline/number/title ENGL 1109: Introduction to Professional and Technical Communication

Catalog Description

Credits 3
Hours/Week 3
Prerequisites (Course discipline/number) None
Other requirements College level reading and writing
MnTC Goals (if any) Goal 1/Written and Oral Communication, Goal 9/Ethical and Civic Responsibility

Course Description

This course focuses on the types of writing found in business, professional and technical settings. Students learn to plan, write, revise, and present a range of technical documents following the format and style guidelines of various professions. Students learn and use both textual and visual elements for both traditional (hard copy) as well as online (electronic) delivery. The course likewise emphasizes collaboration, professional problem solving, and ethical behavior.

Date Last Revised (Month, year)

February, 2026

Outline of Major Content Areas

  1. Interrelationship between writer, subject, audience, and purpose
  2. Business document types such as
  3. Emails
  4. Memos and letters and emails
  5. Informal and formal reports
  6. Instructions
  7. Proposals
  8. Résumés and cover letters
  9. Revising and editing technical and professional documents
  10. Images, graphics, and other elements of visual design
  11. Websites and documents designed for the internet
  12. Collaborative writing and problem solving
  13. Conflict resolution strategies and collaboration
  14. Ethical responsibilities to organizations, clients, and the general public

Learning Outcomes (General)

The student will be able to:

  1. Plan, write, and revise with subject, audience, and purpose in mind.
  2. Write a variety of documents for use in technical and professional settings with an understanding of social context and issues.
  3. Design documents with focus on visual elements.
  4. Combine technical communication elements with relevant ethical concerns of business or other organizations.
  5. Work constructively with a diverse group of learners.

Learning Outcomes (MnTC)

Goal 1/Written and Oral Communication

The student will be able to:

  1. Understand/demonstrate the writing and speaking processes through invention, organization, drafting, revision, editing and presentation.
  2. Select appropriate communication choices for specific audiences.
  3. Use authority, point-of-view, and individual voice and style in their writing and speaking.
  4. Employ syntax and usage appropriate to academic disciplines and the professional world.
Goal 9/Ethical and Civic Responsibility

The student will be able to:

  1. Examine, articulate, and apply their own ethical views.
  2. Analyze and reflect on the ethical dimensions of legal, social, and scientific issues.
  3. Recognize the diversity of political motivations and interests of others.

Methods for Evaluation of Student Learning

Methods may include but are not limited to:

RCTC Core Outcome(s)

This course contributes to meeting the following RCTC Core Outcome(s):

Communication
Students will communicate appropriately for their respective audiences.
Critical Thinking
Students will think systematically and explore information thoroughly before accepting or formulating a position or conclusion.

Special Information (if any)

None