professional writing and technical communication
course descriptions

Students entering the Professional Writing and Technical Communication Program are required to have a 3.0 GPA. The concentration requires five central courses. Two may count as electives toward the English major; three count as general graduation credits. Although the entire program may be completed during a single academic year, students are encouraged to spread the work over at least two years.

Students enrolled in the PWTC Program are encouraged to consider enhancing their background with courses in the Information Technology Program
English 379: Introduction to Professional Writing
Offered fall semester
This course offers an overview of the field of technical communication on both theoretical and practical planes, and provides practice in the composition of traditional technical writing forms, especially feasibility studies and formal proposals. It serves as the gateway course to the specialization in Professional Writing and Technical Communication and the specialization in Nonfiction Writing. Prereq.: ENGLWP 112 or equivalent. (3 credits). Solberg, Toomey.
English 380: Intermediate Technical Writing
Offered fall semester
Introduces principles of software technical writing and documentation. This course simulates the writing and editing processes used in the computer industry; students write a 30-35 page manual documenting a software product, usually Microsoft Word. Prereq.: ENGL 379 (which may be taken concurrently) or permission of the instructor. (3 credits). Solberg.
English 381: Advanced Technical Writing I
Offered spring semester
Continues and extends the work of ENGL 380. Students will learn and apply principles of software documentation, information design, typography, and page design. The objectives of this course are to increase students' writing, organizational, and graphical sophistication and to enable them to produce portfolio-quality documentation that introduces an audience to industry-standard software (typically, Adobe RoboHelp and Adobe FrameMaker). (3 credits). Prereq.: Senior and Junior students with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better and ENGL 380. (3 credits). Solberg.
English 382: Advanced Technical Writing II
Offered spring semester
ENGL 382 serves as the capstone course for the Professional Writing and Technical Communication Certificate. As such, the course has two aims: professionalization and specialization. Students will participate in mock interviews, workshop their professional portfolios, and learn about careers in technical writing and information technology from working professionals. The course will also provide students with directed opportunities to explore the theory and practice of particular kinds of writing and technology (e.g., report writing, grant proposals, speechwriting, voiceovers, integration with video and film, web site development). Each student will present a significant report on a topic related to technology, communication, and culture. Prereq.: ENGL 381 (which may be taken concurrently). (3 credits). Solberg.
English 391c: Advanced Software for Professional Writers
Offered spring semester
Upon successful completion of this course you will be proficient in the intermediate and advanced use of HTML, Adobe Dreamweaver CS3, Adobe Photoshop CS, Adobe Flash CS3 and Microsoft PowerPoint. The major and ongoing project for the course will be an online portfolio that demonstrates your skills as a web designer and professional writer. The portfolio will be built with the software cited above. Most class time will be given to laboratory work on some part of the portfolio, and most class sessions will involve an in-class assignment. (3 credits). Toomey.