This page contains some of my best work from UBC’s Technical Writing course. In order, they are:
- An assignment in which I produced three separate definitions of the term “Critical Theory”
- A proposal to the UBC Blood For Life Club for a formal report investigating ways to increase turnout at blood drives
- A fictionalized formal complaint letter to a shoe company, as well as a response letter to the complaint
- A peer review of a fellow student’s formal report proposal
1. Definitions Assignment: This was one of the very first assignments we were tasked with in the course. I chose to describe the term “critical theory” as I was already very familiar with it from my Political Science classes. In the editing phase, I changed the image to one that showed how critical theory related to other theories to help clarify its position in the discourse. I also included more background on Realism and Liberalism in order to make their contrast with critical theory more distinct.
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This week’s writing assignment was to write three definitions of the same term, an exercise designed to help students learn to differentiate between different audiences, situations, and levels of detail in technical writing. We were asked to choose a relatively complex term from our own disciplines, and then to define it in three different ways. First was a parenthetical definition, which is a brief clarification of a term within a sentence using parenthesis. Second was a sentence definition, which is still brief while incorporating more information. It usually involves introducing the term, the class which the term belongs to, and the distinguishing features of the term which make it different from others in its class. Finally we were asked to write an expanded definition, which is appropriate in a situation in which more detailed information about a term is required. This definition required us to use several methods in order to fully explain the term. For example, in my expanded definition below I have described the term critical theory by referencing its history, usage, and methodology.
Parenthetical Definition:
Marx was one of the early contributors to the discipline of critical theory (a political theory that critiques other theories).
Sentence Definition:
Critical theory is a school of political thought that aims to critically analyze other existing theoretical frameworks such as Realism and Liberalism.
Expanded Definition:
This diagram shows how Critical Theory compares to other dominant theories such as Realism. Note that Critical theory is listed as “transformative” – this is due to its quest to deconstruct current systems and create new ones.
Critical theory is a branch of political theory that emerged from the writings of German philosophers of the nineteenth century, particularly the work of Karl Marx (“Critical Theory”). The name
“critical theory” is derived from the distinctive emphasis it places upon a critical approach towards political philosophy. Critical theory is distinguishable from other schools of political thought in that it does not necessarily provide a prescriptive approach to solving political problems (i.e. does not offer concrete solutions), but rather aims to provide a critical analysis of other political theories such as Realism and Liberalism (Rasmussen). While Realism and Liberalism are more classical theories focusing on power relations and free market economics, critical theory attempts to deconstruct how these elements work to the detriment of world populations. This analysis is often centred around ideas of liberation and emancipation for all humans from the constraints that are placed upon them by the current political systems that have been created out of Realism and Liberalism (Horkheimer 246). For example, Marx famously used critical theory to analyze the structure and consequences of capitalism, and to demonstrate the constraints that the system placed upon ordinary workers (Marx, Engels, and Hobsbawm).
Bibliography
“Critical Theory.” Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, 8 March 2005. Web. 25 January 2016.
Horkheimer, Max, and Theodor W. Adorno. Dialectic of Enlightenment. New York: Herder and Herder, 1972. Print.
Marx, Karl, Friedrich Engels, and E. J. Hobsbawm. The Communist Manifesto: A Modern Edition. London: Verso, 1998. Print.
Rasmussen, David. “Critical Theory.” The Journal of Speculative Philosophy 26.2 (2012): 291–298.
2. Formal Report Proposal: I was very pleased with how this report proposal came together – the peer review that I received noted only that I might consider extending the dates and times of blood drives to make them more accessible. With that in mind, I revised the scope and methods of my report to address this concern.
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To: UBC Blood for Life Club
From: Natalie Marchand
Date: February 3, 2016
Subject: Proposal for Increasing Student Turnout at UBC Campus Blood Drives
Introduction
The Canadian Blood Bank is facing a supply shortage that is threatening patients’ lives all over the country. The Bank desperately requires the recruitment of new donors in order to replenish its stores. The UBC community has attempted to respond by holding blood drives on campus and encouraging students to participate. On January 21st 2016, the UBC Blood for Life Club hosted a blood drive for which there had been a large number of RSVPs on the Facebook event page. However, due to a last minute change in location and poor communication of this change, turnout was far lower than expected. If future campus blood drives continue to experience these problems, the amount of donations collected will likely be similarly disappointing.
Statement of Problem
The failure of campus blood drives to attract new donors has several negative consequences. First, a low number of donations at an event may discourage similar events from being held in future. Second, without attracting new donors to the Bank, supplies will continue to dwindle in years to come as the number of donors inevitably decreases.
Proposed Solution
One solution to the problems facing campus blood drives would be to find a permanent location for such events, ideally somewhere in the newly opened Student Nest building. This building is high-traffic and attracts students from all faculties and year levels, which would likely lead to a larger turnout if blood drives were to be held here. The Nest would also be a good location at which to advertise blood drives, which again would lead to a larger number of participants.
Scope
To develop an action plan for increasing the turnout at campus blood drives, I plan to answer the following questions:
Scope
In developing an action plan for increasing the turnout at campus blood drives, I endeavoured to answer the following questions:
1. How many students have heard about or participated in campus blood drives previously?
2. How have students heard about campus blood drives in the past?
3. What factors dissuade students from donating blood on campus?
4. Does the Nest have space for an event such as this? If so, what is the capacity?
5. What methods of advertising were utilized for the last event? What methods of advertising could be used in future?
6. What would the costs of an increased advertising presence be?
Methods
I first conducted a survey of UBC students to determine what factors played into their decision to participate (or not) in campus blood drives. Secondly, I contacted the Alma Mater Society to find out what space, if any, would be available for blood drives in future, and the potential costs of renting this space. Finally, I sought to determine what advertising methods had been used in the past and what methods could be used in future to boost student awareness of campus blood drives.
Qualifications
I have been a blood donor since the age of 17 and am committed to the cause of the Blood for Life Club. Furthermore, I served as Head of Charitable Events for TransCanada’s Student Activities committee, and have two years’ experience planning events such as blood drives. I believe this will help me to understand both the opportunities and constraints that the Blood for Life Club faces in planning its events.
Conclusion
The Blood for Life campus blood drive has enormous potential to recruit new donors for the Canadian Blood Bank. By helping the Club develop this event further, I believe I can help ensure the success of its future efforts and attract new donors to the system. With your permission, I will begin this task immediately.
3. Complaint Letter: I thought these two letters were effective and professional. I made an effort to use the “You” Attitude, particularly on the adjustment letter.
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Natalie Marchand
321 Main Street
Vancouver, BC V5Z 4B3
March 2, 2016
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Customer Service Department
Stepping Stone Shoes
123 Standard Street
Vancouver, BC V8V 8V8
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Subject: Defective Product
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To Whom It May Concern,
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As a long time patron of Stepping Stone, I have always found your products to be well made and reliable. However, my most recent purchase at your store has left me very disappointed.
On February 26 I purchased your Never Wet Shoe Spray at a cost of $23 to treat a pair of suede boots. The shop attendant on duty that afternoon assured me that the product was safe to use on suede, and that it would be prevent the shoes from sustaining water damage.
Instead, I was upset to find that the spray not only did not prevent water damage, but actually caused the suede to become rough and calcified. The boots, which I had also purchased from Stepping Stone several months ago for $200, are now ruined past the point of repair.
As per Stepping Stone’s one year guarantee on its products, I would like to request a full return for the Never West Shoe Spray, as well as a replacement pair of the boots in a size 7. I have enclosed the original receipts for both of these transactions for verification.
I look forward to resolving this matter quickly and amicably.
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Sincerely,
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Natalie Marchand
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Enclosure (2): Receipts
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Chris P. Bacon
Stepping Stone Shoes
123 Standard Street
Vancouver, BC V8V 8V8
March 3, 2016
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Natalie Marchand
321 Main Street
Vancouver, BC V5Z 4B3
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Dear Ms. Marchand,
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RE: Defective Product
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I would like to apologize on behalf of the company for your recent experience at Stepping Stone Shoes. We have removed the Never Wet Shoe Spray from our shelves and are committed to righting the situation for you.
I very much appreciate your enclosure of the original receipts for these purchases. Unfortunately, under the terms of our warranty, it is necessary that you bring both the boots and the spray back into the store in order to receive your refund and exchange. This policy is in place to prevent fraud as well as for auditing purposes, and we must ask that all customers abide by it regardless of the situation at hand. Additionally, we no longer have your original boots in stock, and thus cannot exactly replace the damaged pair; however, we have several very similar styles for you to choose from instead.
To make up for this inconvenience, I would like to offer you 40% off of your next purchase at Stepping Stone. Furthermore, in lieu of replacing your original boots, we will exchange them with a similar pair valued up to $200 with no additional charge.
Thank you very much for your patronage of Stepping Stone.
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Sincerely,
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Chris P. Bacon
Manager, Customer Relations
4. Peer Review: I received positive feedback for this review and felt that it was a useful tool for Benjamin to use to edit his proposal.
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TO: Benjamin Chow
FROM: Natalie Marchand N.M.
DATE: February 5, 2016
SUBJECT: Review of Your Assignment 2:1: Formal Report Proposal
I have reviewed the first draft of your ENGL 301 Formal Report Proposal. Overall I found your argument for increased bike storage on campus to be well written and compelling on multiple levels. Well done! A more detailed analysis of your work follows below.
Introduction and Statement of Problem
These two paragraphs did an excellent job of introducing the issue to the reader. However, I do think that there was some spillover between the two sections. Some of the more specific problems that you mentioned in the introduction (i.e. students leading a less active lifestyle) are probably better suited to the “Statement of Problem” section. I might also suggest structuring your “Statement of Problem” in a slightly different way, perhaps by numbering or listing the consequences of the lack of storage options in a more linear style. For example, you might say that less storage means a) increased theft, b) a more sedentary student body, and c) students choosing less environmentally responsible modes of transportation. This is by no means necessary, but may make it easier for the reader to zero in on your purpose.
Proposed Solution
I really appreciated your use of statistics in this section – it helped to highlight the scope of the problem you are dealing with. My only suggestion would be to elaborate a little more about the web app you have in mind – is it to register your bike with campus security? Register for a locker? Otherwise, your proposed solution to the problem was appropriate and manageable for a project of this size.
Scope and Methods
Both of these sections were well written, concise, and appropriate for your proposed project. In terms of methods, I would perhaps include something about working with the University to determine what the budget is for this kind of thing, as well as check whether they have already collected some of the data you are looking for.
Qualifications
Having learned of your history at UBC as both a student and a biker I have no doubt of your commitment to solving this problem. Your technical qualifications leave no doubt that you are especially well suited for app development.
All in all, this proposal was very strong. In terms of style and grammar, some word choice could be revised, but this issue was very minor. Well done Benjamin!