TCOM120
Technical Writing and Editing
As a technical communicator, your ultimate goal is to produce the most effective and usable documentation for your audience. To achieve your goal, you’ll need to understand how to structure and organize user-centric technical documentation using standard components and how to write well, using plain and concise language. No one writes a perfect first draft, so you’ll also learn how to edit technical documentation, and how to use a style guide to facilitate consistency.
Through reading, discussions and homework, you will create a how-to manual, practising techniques for creating concise and functional documentation that will work well in print or online. Throughout the course, you will complete assignments, contribute to class forum discussions and edit a classmate’s project while yours is being edited.
Overview
Location: Online
Format: Self-paced within deadlines set by instructor
Duration: 5 weeks
Tuition: $525
Can be applied to:
Technical Communication Certificate
Editing Certificate
Plain Language Certificate
Upcoming Offerings
Register for a course at any time, with the option to apply to a program later.
- Tue, Jan 21 (self-paced all week)
- Tue, Jan 28 (self-paced all week)
- Tue, Feb 4 (self-paced all week)
- Tue, Feb 11 (self-paced all week)
- Tue, Feb 18 (self-paced all week)
- Tue, Mar 18 (self-paced all week)
- Tue, Mar 25 (self-paced all week)
- Tue, Apr 1 (self-paced all week)
- Tue, Apr 8 (self-paced all week)
- Tue, Apr 15 (self-paced all week)
- Tue, Jun 3 (self-paced all week)
- Tue, Jun 10 (self-paced all week)
- Tue, Jun 17 (self-paced all week)
- Tue, Jun 24 (self-paced all week)
- Tue, Jul 1 (self-paced all week)
- Tue, Sep 23 (self-paced all week)
- Tue, Sep 30 (self-paced all week)
- Tue, Oct 7 (self-paced all week)
- Tue, Oct 14 (self-paced all week)
- Tue, Oct 21 (self-paced all week)
IMPORTANT—schedule clarification
This course begins on the first date listed and ends six days after the last date listed. Between those times, you work at your own pace within the timelines set by the instructor.
What you will learn
After completing this course, you’ll be able to do the following:
- Describe what technical writers do and what skills they need
- Define types of technical documentation
- Identify document parts and elements and how to use them to structure your document for clarity and flow
- Describe and practice using the tools of the trade, such as style guides and templates
- Write clear and concise online and print documents
- Describe the different types of edits and style guides, practice editing and create your own personal editing style guide
How you will learn and be evaluated
- Prepare to spend 6–10 hours per week on coursework
- Expect reading and other assignments on a weekly basis
- Plan to access the course at least once every few days to keep up with your work and group assignments
You will be evaluated on:
- Assignments
- Participation in discussions
Learning Materials
No textbook is required. We will provide all course materials online.
Recommended reading:
The Chicago Manual of Style, 17th Edition. University of Chicago Press, 2017. ISBN 978-0226287058
Note: Courses use the author-date style from the Chicago/Turabian (17th ed.) citation guide.
Once you begin the course you’ll be sent SFU library access information for this text. Alternatively, you may wish to access a 30-day free trial of the online version of Chicago Manual of Style.
Technical Requirements
For online courses, you will need a computer with audio and microphone that is connected to the internet. Canvas is the online system that will be used for the course. For more information and online support, visit Online Learning.
This course requires:
- Microsoft Word or other word processing software that can create PDF files
- High-speed internet access
- Adobe Acrobat Reader
To get the most from this course, you should be comfortable with the following MS Word and/or Google Docs functions:
- Using Paragraph styles
- Working with headers and footers
- Tracking changes and accepting or rejecting changes
- Inserting a table of contents, media
- Cross-referencing within a document
- Sharing documents
English Language Requirements
To succeed in this course, you will need an advanced level of written and spoken English. If you are unsure whether your English language skills are sufficient, we recommend you complete the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with the following minimums:
- Overall band score minimum 6.5
- No band below 6.0
- Writing band score minimum 8.0
Please note we can’t refund your registration fees after the course start date if you find your English language skills are not adequate.
If you have questions or concerns about your English language proficiency, we encourage you to contact your local IELTS Test Centre.