Instr:                 Nancy Madden Walczyk, Ph.D.
Office:              CRT 502,     229-3302  (voice mail)
e-mail:              nwalczyk@uwm.edu (weekdays only)
Office hours:     by appointment.

Course Information:          TR 2:05-3:20         Curtin 127

Course Description

In Technical Writing, students in any career field will learn (1)  how to compose documents such as instructions, processes, and reports clearly and effectively and (2)  how to prevent reader misunderstandings that can stem from poorly planned writing.   Students will learn the principles of technical writing and document design, then practice applying these principles in a number of different projects.  Assignments include analysis of technical documents; writing instructions, memo reports, processes, and brochures; and creating an original document for a specific client.  The course is taught in the English department’s computer classroom; much of the work will be hands-on creation of documents in class.

Most assignments use the case approach, which means that students are given a scenario and a persona and are asked to write a document appropriate to the situation.  For the client project, students are assigned to create a working document for a client either on campus or in the community.  Students work in small groups to interview a client; determine the parameters of the needed document; and write, test, and revise the document with input from the instructor, the client, and other members of the class.  This “keystone” assignment is intended to give students exposure to the working world of professional writing.

At the end of the class, students will be prepared to handle writing and documentation in whatever field they choose to enter.  Those who find technical writing an attractive career choice will have mastered the foundations for advanced work in our Professional, Business, and Technical Writing certificate program.

Prerequisite:  Completion of the English composition requirement (a passing score on the English Essay Exam or a grade of C or better in English 112).

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

• To practice writing correctly in standard, edited, American English
• To learn the basics of technical writing and design principles and to apply these principles successfully in focused assignments
•  To develop a good  techniques for working with peer groups and with clients
• To understand the role of technical communications in students’ chosen fields