Writing & Speaking Resources for CS 361

Writing assignments

1. Writing assignments will be sequenced (building upon previous assignments). This will allow you to try to continuously improve your documents.
2. Peer-reviews of your writings make both the writer and the reviewer better writers.
3. Writer's role in this class: professional software developer
4. Peer's role in this class: professional software developer whose job (grade) depends on writer doing a first-rate job.
5. Audience in this class: In theory: unless otherwise specified, other professional software developers and their managers. But also: Dr. Burnett and cs361 students.
6. Evaluation criteria in this class: Besides correct usage of software engineering concepts and appropriate depth of understanding, the following writing criteria will be applied: adherence to "writing tips" presented in class, organization, clarity, original thinking, correct use of sources, grammar and mechanics (not taught here, but you are responsible for them), professional tone.
7. Writing resources: If you need help with your writing, you are encouraged to get suggestions and criticisms from your team members, even for individual projects, and to get help from the Writing Resource Center.
   • http://wic.oregonstate.edu/
   • http://wic.oregonstate.edu/wic_stdnt_writ_help.html
   • A few hints on writing things to avoid.

Speaking/Presentations

• Presentations will be done in teams. Within your team, you may divide up the work however you like, but each of you must do some of the speaking. Your presentation grade will be based on (1) demonstrated knowledge of the assigned topic, (2) adherence to the specifications given on what you are supposed to present about and (3) the professionalism demonstrated by the quality of your presentation (however, avoid flashy audio/visual effects, as these are neither a good use of your time nor a mark of professionalism).
• Dr. Quinn's effective presentation advice.