The English Language Arts graduation requirement can be met by successfully completing English 11 and Technical and Professional Communications 12 (TPC). In addition, TPC is a provincially examinable subject and students completing this course are eligible for a provincial scholarship.

English 11: the foundation for TPC12

English 11 is the foundation course that precedes TPC12. The two courses complement each other, with English 11 taking a literature-based approach to the language and TPC12 a transactional approach (i.e., language used with a bias towards action).

Examples of instructional strategies and classroom activities in English 11 include:

• charting the major elements of fiction and discussing the way these elements contribute to the overall meaning
• discussing a piece of literature about a controversial issue of social importance
• role playing and debates to demonstrate analysis of a literary text
• understanding of logical fallacies such as over-generalization, red herrings, false dichotomy, ad hominem, and syllogisms
• direct instruction on common grammar, usage errors and language conventions in print as well as e-mail
• instruction in expository organization, including the use of thesis statement, transition and conclusion
• developing the organizational framework of a compare-and-contrast essay
• oral presentation skills, preparation of live or video presentations for the class
• discussing examples of multicultural literature
• making use of technology in mass communications

TPC 12: Instructional Approach

In Technical and Professional Communications 12 the instructional emphasis is on providing students with authentic communication experiences using collaborative processes similar to those employed in the workplace and addressing real or simulated communications challenges related to technical and professional issues.

Good Communication: Using plain language and applying the rules and conventions of standard English, students practice the presentation or discussion of factual information with a clearly defined sense of purpose and audience. All dimensions of communication (reading, writing, speaking, listening, viewing and representing) are included with an expanded focus on technical and professional reading and writing. Students' experience with text will be expanded to include non-print, visual and media information including an increased emphasis on the understanding and application of technology.

A Focus on the Real World: In academic and business contexts, students will be able to communicate with precision and clarity; apply the conventions of language; gather and organize information and ideas; and use communication forms and styles that suit their specific purposes and the needs of the audience.

Problem Solving: Students use language to comprehend a range of informational, professional and technical communications and to respond knowledgeably and critically to what they read, view and hear. The course integrates problem solving (a bias towards action) as well as creative and critical thinking into the practical aspects of communication.

Non-linguistic Aspects of Communication: Examples include page layout in printed text, cross-referencing in on-line text, images and soundtrack in audio visual material, and body language in personal presentations or interpersonal communication.

Collaborative Approach: Students use language as a fundamental part of their personal, work and social lives. Learning to interact successfully with others is essential for student success in school and lifelong learning.

TPC 12: Course Content

Comprehension: distinguish between implicit and explicit messages in technical and professional communications

Critical Analysis: assess the reliability, currency and objectivity of secondary source material

Research: independently compile information and ideas from a wide variety of secondary sources; select and use systematic print and electronic methods to compile and store information and ideas

Products and Presentations: employ visual representations to create or enhance communication output; proficiently employ a variety of technologies to facilitate and enhance speaking, including telecommunications hardware and software

Planning: formulate the communication problem(s) or challenge(s) in given situations with reference to purpose and audience

Drafting: proficiently use a variety of technologies to facilitate and enhance writing

Revising and Editing: correctly use the structural elements associated with particular standard formats for written technical and professional communications

Process and Systems: use appropriately and in context a variety of terms to refer to language use, processes and products; demonstrate an understanding of the interactive and integrated nature of communications processes and systems

Working with Others: explain the legal, practical and ethical importance of source documentation