Courses are listed sequentially by number:
271: Technical Communication
Introduction to learning the written and oral communication of technical
information. Assignments include writing and presenting proposals, reports,
and documentation. Emphasis on use of rhetorical analysis, computer applications,
collaborative writing, and usability testing to complete technical
communication tasks in the workplace.
272: Business Communication
Introduction to business communication. Assignments include writing and presenting proposals, reports,
and documentation typical to a business/industry setting. Emphasis on use of rhetorical analysis, software applications,
collaboration, and usability testing to complete business communication tasks.
468: Document Design and Usability (4)
Covers approaches to the design, development, and testing of (print and online) technical documents,
focusing on feedback-driven design and usability testing.
469: Project Management in Technical Communication (4)
This course is designed to introduce students to technical project management. This introduction is achieved
through participation in a simulated project manangment experience. Assignments include standard documentation
assosiciated with project management and reflective writing.
471: Visual Technical Communication (4)
This course provides analysis and training focused on concepts and practices
of visual design as they relate to technical and professional communication.
472: Topics in Technical Communication (1-4)
Overview of technical communication theory with emphasis on contemporary
approaches. Hands-on workshop which implements the theories discussed. May be repeated with different subject matter.
473: Desktop Publishing (4)
Brief history of publishing and typography, conventions of desktop publishing,
and hardware and software application tools for desktop publishing.
Students need not have prior experience with DTP, but some word processing
and microcomputer experience will be helpful.
474: Researching & Writing Technical Reports (4)
Practice in writing various types of reports for a variety of purposes and audiences.
Includes primary and secondary research methods, and data analysis
of information to be used in reports.
475: Editing Technical Publications (4)
Editing the content, organization, format, style, and mechanics of documents,
managing the production cycle of documents, and discovering and learning
microcomputer and software applications for technical editing tasks.
476: Online Documentation (4)
This course serves as an introduction to the conventions and strategies for
publishing online documentation and for managing online documentation
projects. Topics will include 1) analyzing users and tasks; 2) designing and writing
documents to be published online; 3) testing on-line documents; and 4) managing online
documentation projects.
477: Technical Documentation, Policies, & Procedures (4)
Creating both on-line and print documentation for products, with emphasis
on computer software and hardware documentation for users. Attention
also to policies and procedures as written for a range of uses (e.g., employee
handbooks, manufacturing processes, usability testing).
478: Technical & Scientific Lit (4)
Reading and analysis of stories, novels, poems, essays, and nonfiction accounts
that deal with scientific and technological topics. Focus on the role of technology
in communication forms and tools.
479: Rhetorical Theory Applied to Technical Documents (4)
Overview of prominent rhetorical theories, from classical to contemporary,
which are applicable to technical communication. Practical application and
implications of the theories emphasized. Additional attention given to current
issues such as risk communication and ethics.
480: Proposals (4)
Practice in the development and production of proposals, focusing on the researching,
writing, and management of proposals by technical communicators.
498: Internship (1-6)
Students gain experience in technical communication by working on site for
corporations, institutions, or nonprofit organizations performing technical
communication duties.
Internship forms and FAQ
568: Document Design and Usability (4)
Covers approaches to the design, development, and testing of (print and online) technical documents,
focusing on feedback-driven design and usability testing.
569: Project Management in Technical Communication (4)
This course is designed to introduce students to technical project management. This introduction is achieved
through participation in a simulated project manangment experience. Assignments include standard documentation
assosiciated with project management and reflective writing.
571: Visual Technical Communication (4)
Analysis and training focused on concepts and practices of visual design as they relate
to technical and professional communication.
572: Topics in Technical Communication (1-4)
Topics in theory and practice of technical communication. Hands-on course which
implements the theories discussed. May be repeated with different subject matter.
573: Desktop Publishing (4)
Overview of publishing and typography, conventions of desktop publishing, and
hardware and software application tools for desktop publishing. Students need not
have prior experience with DTP, but some word processing and microcomputer
experience will be helpful. Course will meet in both PC and Macintosh labs.
574: Researching & Writing Technical Reports (4)
Practice in writing various types of reports for a variety of purposes and audiences.
Includes study of primary and secondary research methods.
575: Editing Technical Publications (4)
Editing the content, organization, format, style, and mechanics of documents;
managing the production cycle of documents, and discovering and learning microcomputer
and software applications for technical editing tasks.
576: Online Documentation (4)
This course serves as an introduction to the conventions and strategies for
publishing online documentation and for managing online documentation
projects. Topics will include 1) analyzing users and tasks; 2) designing and writing
documents to be published online; 3) testing on-line documents; and 4) managing online
documentation projects.
577: Technical Documentation, Policies, & Procedures (4)
Creating both on-line and hard copy documentation for products, with emphasis on
computer software and hardware documentation for users. Attention also to policies
and procedures as written for a range of uses, e.g. employee handbooks, manufacturing
processes, and usability testing.
673: Research & Theory Technical Communication
Seminar for students engaged in conducting a major research project in the technical
communication field. Emphasizes theoretical approaches to research, development
and implementation of the individual research project, and presentation and publication
opportunities in professional writing.
674: Topics in Technical Communication (1-3)
Topics relating to theory and practice of technical communication. May be repeated with
different subject matter.
678: Technical & Scientific Prose (3)
Analysis of fiction and literary nonfiction that treats technical and scientific themes.
679: Rhetorical Theory Applied to Technical Documents (3)
Appliction of rhetorical theory to technical documents, including examination of how
workplace cultures shape writing assumptions and approaches.
680: Proposals (3)
Theory and practice in the development and production of proposals, focusing on the researching, writing, and management of proposals by technical communicators.
694: Alternate Plan Paper (1-2)
Independent capstone experience, focusing on secondary research sources; paper
may have other guidelines specific to the program option.
APP guidelines
698: Internship (3-4)
On-site field experience, the nature of which is determined by the specific needs of
the student's program option.
Internship forms and FAQ
699: Thesis (3-4)
Independent capstone experience, guidelines of which are determined by the requirements
of a particular program option.
Thesis guidelines
