ENG 680 focuses on theories and practice in the development and production of proposals, focusing on the researching writing, and management of proposals by technical communicators. Students will have the opportunity to research and write many types of informal and formal proposals.
Required online chat, Tuesdays 7:00-8:30 PM CST
Based upon reading, writing, and class activities, you should be able to
- Demonstrate an understanding of proposals as a business and technical communication genre that are designed to solve problems and manage change.
- Effectively analyze the rhetorical elements of purpose, audience, and context for writing proposals.
- Identify a problem in your life, school, work, or community that requires external resources to implement.
- Propose a well-researched solution to the problem you identify, using the generic conventions of the proposal to create an effective argument.
- Locate and evaluate grant funding opportunities for non-profit organizations.
- Use electronic media to produce successful proposals.
- Enhance computer-mediated collaboration skills.
Writing Proposals 2nd edition (Longman) by Richard Johnson-Sheehan
Available via Amazon.com, BarnesAndNoble.com, and the Barnes & Noble Campus Bookstore
- Actively participate in the required weekly chat sessions in Adobe Connect. You do not need to create an account or download software to access the chats.
- Complete scheduled readings assignments before they are discussed in the chat sessions.
- Complete assigned research tasks for discussion forums and chats.
- Participate in weekly asynchronous discussion threads in the D2L course management system.
- Research funding opportunities for a non-profit organization in your area.
- Prepare assigned proposals.
- MSU Mankato One-Time Non-Base Investments Proposal
- Needs Assessment
- Funding Sources Report
- Qualifications Statement
Spring 2012 Schedule (Subject to Change With Notice from Instructor)
January 15: Introduction to the course. Meet your instructor and your classmates.
January 22: Chapter 1 Why Do We Write Proposals?
January 29: Chapter 2 Analyzing Problems and Opportunities
February 5: Chapter 3 Strategic Planning for Proposals and Grants
February 12: Chapter 4 Describing the Current Situation
February 19: Chapter 5 Developing a Project Plan
February 26: Chapter 6 Describing Qualifications
March 5: Chapter 7 Introductions, Costs, and Benefits
March 12: Spring Break. No chat.
March 19: Chapter 8 Developing Budgets
March 26: Chapter 9 Writing with Style
April 2: Chapter 10 Designing Proposals
April 9: Chapter 11 Using Graphics
April 16: Chapter 12 The Final Touches
April 23: TBA
April 30: TBA
May 7: Final Project Due.