National University

of Computer & Emerging Sciences

Karachi

Course Outlines of BS (CS) Degree Program

Course Instructor
Batch/Section(s)
Course Title
Prerequisite(s)

Ms. Nazia Imam

A, C, & E.
Technical and Business Writing
English Language , English Composition.

Semester
Year
Credit Hours

Spring
2015
03

Reference Book(s)
Technical Communication and its applications by Jerome N. Borowick
Technical Writing by John M. Lannon
Writing for Computer Science by Justin Zobel
Course Objectives:
The purpose of this course is to enable students to understand the definition and the style of technical
communication. The students will learn how to produce effective technical documents, like, reports,
user manuals, specification, etc in business and industry. They will learn the universally accepted and
international standards of technical communication. Using principles of analyzing and planning to meet
the readers informational needs, students produce proposals, instructions and the various types of
informative and persuasive reports used in organizations. In this way, they will develop skills necessary
for effective performance in professional life.

Marks Distribution:
Particulars
1.Quiz
2.Assignments
3.Class Participation
4.Project & Presentation
5. Mid Terms
6.Final Exams

Total

Week
1

%Marks
4
4
2
10
15
50
100

Topics Covered
Orientation class

2
3

4
5

Introduction to Technical Writing: History, Definitions, Types, Purposes, &

Functions
The difference between Technical and literary Writing-The Technical Style
The Technical Style: Explanation & Exercises, Practice activities
Discussing Technical Advantages
The Technical Writing Process
Purpose analysis & Audience Analysis
Exercises & Practice
Discussing technical faults
Technical Documentary
Instructional Writing: Introduction to User Guides
Making software user guides
How to write instructions in user guides
Activity: Making a User guide
Revision

6
MID-I
7
8

10

11

Introduction to Research
Steps in conducting a scientific Research
Introduction to Technical Reports, types, & Components
Project Announcement (Technical Report on any topic of your choice) + Lab
Activity
Elements of a report: Title page & Letter of transmittal
Abstracts, executive summary, table of contents
Writing the Introduction section of a report, exercise
Body of the report, exercise
Conclusion of the report, exercise
Discussion and critique of a sample technical report+APA citation style
Feasibility Studies and reports
Progress Report
Technical Proposal

MID-II
Introduction to Business writing and correspondence
Difference between formal and informal English
Letter Writing
Memo Writing
Writing minutes of meetings
Introduction to CV, Resume, & Bio data
CV writing workshop
Technical Presentation
Revision

12
13

14
15

16