Technical Writing
Rationale
Employers consistently claim that the need to communicate effectively is the most important factor in business, yet they also claim that most employees have inadequate communication skills, particularly in writing. Further, with the proliferation of the World Wide Web and desktop publishing, the need for writing with and for computers is more crucial than ever. With these needs in mind, the second discipline in Technical Writing for Information Technology majors is invaluable for career success. This discipline guides the students from the basics of technical and workplace communication through topics of technology and writing to advanced issues such as rhetoric and creativity.
For more information,contact Dr. Timothy Giles in the Department of Writing and Linguistics at tgiles@georgiasouthern.edu .
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Course Descriptions
| Course Number | Course Title | Course Description |
|---|---|---|
| Area F | ||
| WRIT 2130 | Technical Communication (3 hours) |
Technical Communication teaches students to improve written, oral, and visual communication by requiring assignments relevant to their proposed profession. The focus is on the type of communication required by the scientific and engineering discourse communities. Prerequisite: A minimum grade of "C" in ENGL 1102. |
| Required Courses | ||
| WRIT 3220 | Foundations in Professional and Technical Writing (3 hours) |
Surveys the field of professional and technical writing, its various areas of interest, and potential career paths. The course explores the histories, theories, and research methodologies of professional and technical writing, which may include new media studies; cultural studies; rhetorics of science, technology, and the workplace; and usability. Prerequisite: A minimum grade of “C” in English 1102. |
| WRIT 3233 | Technical and Professional Editing (3 hours) |
Encompasses the ideas of editing as a professional writing skill, with a focus on the job of a technical editor. Emphasizes proofreading skills and the manipulation of documents from inception through presentation as finished products. Layout, document design, and contemporary production processes are also emphasized. Prerequisite: A minimum grade of “C” in English 1102. |
| WRIT 5930/5930G | Technical Writing (3 hours) |
A required course for all Writing and Linguistics majors in the professional and technical communication area, this course offers study in technical communication topics relevant to the profession, such as usability, freelancing, document analysis, ethics, medical writing, or rhetoric of science and technology. Graduate students will complete an additional assignment determined by the instructor. Prerequisite: ENGL 1102 or admission to graduate-level standing. A minimum grade of “C” in English 1102 or admission to graduate standing. |
| Select two of the following: | ||
| WRIT 3030* | Selected Topics in Writing (2 hours) |
Offers varied courses in specialized areas in the field of writing. |
| WRIT 3230 | Writing in the Workplace (3 hours) |
Prepares students from all disciplines to be effective communicators in their chosen professions. Students learn to write and prepare a variety of documents, including memos, letters, reports, proposals, critical studies, and recommendations. Prerequisite: A minimum grade of "C" in ENGL 1102. |
| WRIT 3232 | Document Creation for Technical and Professional Writers (3 hours) |
Overviews theories of document creation, including human perception, psychology of color, and principles of design as they relate to needs of professional and technical writers. Students will learn to apply these theories by producing technical documents and projects which incorporate the principles of visual communication and usability. Prerequisite: A minimum grade of "C" in ENGL 1102. |
| WRIT 3234 | Research Methods for Technical and Professional Writers (3 hours) |
An introduction to quantitative and qualitative research designs in professional and technical communication. Intensive study of planning research designs including primary (surveys, interviews, experiments, questionnaires, field research, etc.) and secondary research tools (i.e., Internet, print sources, bibliographies, etc.). Prerequisite: A minimum grade of "C" in ENGL 1102. |
| WRIT 5030/5030G* | Selected Topics in Writing (3 hours) |
Offers varied courses in specialized areas in the field of writing. |
| WRIT 5550/5550G | Technologies of Writing (3 hours) |
Analyzes the meanings and implications of the new technologies on reading and writing as well as explores the relationship between a culture's technologies of writing and cultural narratives of identity, subjectivity, and agency. Prerequisites: ENGL 1102. |
| *Chosen in consultation with Area Coordinator for Professional and Technical Writing | ||