Career & Tools
Are you interested in learning how to better communicate your scientific research? UCSB's Writing Program is offering a new course for graduate students that focuses on the broad field known as technical communication. The course is appropriate for anyone interested in learning techniques for producing clear, concise writing. Read on for more info!
UCSB's Writing Program is offering a new course for âgraduate students this spring quarter that focuses on the broad field known as technical communication (e.g., documenting specialized information in environmental, industrial, business, legal, medical, procedural, military, educational, governmental, economic, and STEM contexts; and often conveying this information to nonspecialists). The course is appropriate for anyone interested in learning techniques for producing clear, concise writing. In addition, if you are considering a career beyond academia (freelance or full time), or if you anticipate collaborating with non-academics, this is a course for you.
NOTE: You will need an add code to join this course. Please email Dr. Karen Lunsford directly.
Writing 253: Introduction to Technical Communication
Enroll # 53256
When: Thursdays, 2:00-4:50pm
Where: South Hall 1432
In this course, students with an interest in professional writing will explore the history, theory, and practice of technical communication. Students will practice the critical analysis of technical communication discourse, both through the analysis of secondary sources and case studies, and through their own research project to be undertaken during the quarter. Course assignments may focus on the analysis and production of technical manuals, online documentation, technical digital media, instructions, research proposals, and other related genres. Final documents suitable for a professional portfolio.
Activities:
* Participate in weekly course meetings and class discussions.
* Serve as discussion leader for at least one class session and provide a reading for the class.
* Participate in group peer review and project feedback sessions.
Writing Projects:
* Write three response papers based on readings and class discussions.
* Write a research proposal for the final project.
* Carry out a final research project based on findings and connections that emerge through readings and discussions. This project could involve the design and production of a technical manual; a recommendation report based on specific research conducted; a cultural analysis of a technical communication situation; a rhetorically-informed case study of a local or broader issue in which technical communication is a focus; the drafting of an academic research proposal; or a project approved by the instructor.