Technical Communication Minor

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.

Prerequisites: ENG 101

Goal Areas: GE-02, GE-13

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. Fall, Spring

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-02, GE-13

Introduction to written and visual communication of technical information in agricultural contexts. Through rhetorical analysis, collaborative and independent writing, and usability testing, students will learn strategies to produce clear, concise, accurate, and effective documents and presentations.

Prerequisites: none

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.

Prerequisites: ENG 271W or ENG 272W

Editing the content, organization, format, style, and mechanics of documents; managing the production cycle of documents; and discovering and learning computer and software applications for technical editing tasks.

Prerequisites: none

Creating both online 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).

Prerequisites: none

Introduces students to theories of usability and teaches students various methods to evaluate design for usability including heuristic evaluations, card-sorting, task-based evaluations, and fieldwork.

Prerequisites: ENG 271W or ENG 272W

This course is designed to introduce students to technical project management. This introduction is achieved through participation in a simulated project management experience. Assignments include standard documentation associated with project management and reflective writing. Fall, Spring

Prerequisites: ENG 271W

This course provides analysis and training focused on concepts and practices of visual design as they relate to technical and professional communication.

Prerequisites: none

Overview of technical communication theory with emphasis on contemporary approaches. Hands-on workshop which implements the theories discussed.

Prerequisites: none

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.

Prerequisites: none

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.

Prerequisites: ENG 271W or ENG 272W

Editing the content, organization, format, style, and mechanics of documents; managing the production cycle of documents; and discovering and learning computer and software applications for technical editing tasks.

Prerequisites: none

Creating both online 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).

Prerequisites: none

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.

Prerequisites: none

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.

Prerequisites: none

Practice in the development and production of proposals, focusing on the researching, writing, and management of proposals by technical communicators.

Prerequisites: none

This course addresses the skills required for technical communication within the context of health and medicine. Students will discuss typical audiences, purposes, and genres of health and medical communication. Students will adapt complex health and medical information for audiences with varying levels of knowledge, demonstrating awareness of audience analysis, visual design, plain language, and ethics.

Prerequisites: none