UWM College of Letters and Science
College of Letters and Science Faculty Document No. 547
April 10, 2000


RECOMMENDATION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH AND THE GRADUATE PROGRAM COMMITTEE THAT THE FACULTY APPROVE THE GRADUATE CERTIFICATE PROGRAM IN INTERNATIONAL TECHNICAL COMMUNICATION
(Amended)


Recommendations:

  1. That the Faculty approve the Graduate Certificate Program in International Technical Communication as outlined in this document;
  2. That the program be implemented in Fall, 2001.
Rationale

This proposed Graduate Certificate Program in International Technical Communication responds to the worldwide demand for technical writers and information developers who can satisfy the documentation and training needs of increasingly international audiences. The Society for Technical Communication, the largest such professional association with over 22,000 members, reports the following:

Technical communication is now one of the fastest growing professions, and this growth has created a variety of career options. Technical communicators are writers, editors, artists, managers, educators, and video specialists employed in every industry, from automobiles to computers to finance.(Source: http://www.stc-va.org/careers.html)
Further, U. S. News & World Report referred to technical writing as one of 20 leading areas of professional employment (Avery, Dan, et al. "20 Hot Job Tracks," U. S. News & World Report, October 26, 1998: 84-90.). Given such rapid growth, international businesses and organizations find it increasingly difficult and expensive to recruit, develop, and retain highly qualified technical communication specialists. The Graduate Certificate in International Technical Communication addresses this problem as well as provides opportunities for UWM students, Milwaukee area professionals, and students from across the U.S. and abroad. This Certificate thus addresses many of the goals of the Milwaukee Idea, not only the International Affairs Initiative but also cross-cultural literacy, interdisciplinary study, and community engagement.

Program Audience

This Certificate Program aims to serve multiple audiences, and it is complementary to a number of existing programs.

    First, we find strong interest among UWM students and graduates from many undergraduate areas--such as business, languages, computer science, library and information science--who wish to combine the knowledge gained in these areas with technical communication skills to meet the documentation needs of international businesses.

    Second, an important constituency includes international students with an interest in earning credentials in technical communication and gaining a cross-cultural experience at an American research university in an urban setting. We plan to recruit students, as we have begun already, from our partner universities, such as those at Giessen, Germany; Paris, France; Guanajuato, Mexico; and Tokyo, Japan. These international students bring an important cross-cultural perspective to the program, the students, the faculty, and our community partners (such as the local chapter of the Society for Technical Communication).

    Third, we find interest from Milwaukee professionals who wish to develop skills and gain certification to prepare them to work both locally with international businesses and abroad with organizations that prepare technical documentation for a wide range of audiences.
This Certificate Program complements several other certificate programs, such as the Translation Certificate Program, Library and Information Science, and the Certificate in Ergonomics. Students in such programs would find the Certificate in International Technical Communication an attractive secondary or complementary area to help them become even more valuable in a worldwide market that demands multiple skills of well-trained professionals. We anticipate the number of students to be 5 to 10 per year during the initial years of the program.

Program Goals

The program will be based in the English Department's Technical Writing Program, which has earned an international reputation through its faculty and students. This Certificate Program, however, is highly interdisciplinary because students will take courses in such curricular areas as communication, business, and the languages.

The goal of the Certificate Program curriculum is to produce graduates with exceptionally strong technical communication skills through the study of theory and practice in the following areas:

  • Technical writing and information development
  • Document planning, management, design, and evaluation
  • Business functions and operations (especially multinational/cross-cultural)
  • Technical skills (including JavaScript, VBScript, VRML, and SGML)
  • User interface design and technical translation for diverse cultures
  • Internationalization through cross-cultural study and experience
In addition to these skills, students may develop specializations in a variety of other areas, such as the following:

  • Intercultural training and support documentation
  • Computer translation and technical documentation
  • Publications management
  • Usability testing and development
  • Web page design and Internet rhetoric
  • Online help and tutorial systems
  • Instructional development and design
Students can specialize further through independent work directed by appropriate faculty. All courses in the program stress the ability to turn theory into practice, work in teams, manage tasks and projects, and analyze problems.

Program Curriculum and Requirements

To achieve the program goals, students must complete 21 credits of course work as outlined below. The certificate will be awarded when students achieve the following:

  • Complete 9 credits in required courses.
  • Complete 9 credits in elective courses from at least two areas other than English.
  • Complete a 3-credit Capstone Requirement that engages international study.
  • Complete at least 6 of these credits at the 700 level or above.
  • Earn an overall 3.0 grade point average or better in the courses that apply to the Certificate.

Required Courses, 9 credits. The following U/G courses, offered every academic year, serve as essential components of the technical communication program and provide students with the necessary depth of understanding.

    Advanced Technical Writing (English 435)

    This course is essential for developing students' professional writing skills, especially their ability to manage large and complex projects. The course stresses researching and organizing information from multiple text and online sources. Students in this course learn how to diagnose and solve their writing problems through an analysis and understanding of the writing processes used by professionals. Through multiple revisions of audience analysis, organization, editing, and document design assignments, students receive intensive review of their writing as well as exposure to both the theory and practice of technical communication. The course includes team projects as well as discussions with professional technical writers and a tour of a technical publishing company or department that produces documentation for worldwide audiences. 3 credits. (Note: This course is currently in the process of being renamed as "Advanced Professional and Technical Writing.")

    Topics in Advanced Writing: Document Design and Evaluation (English 431)

    This course helps students gain proficiency in all stages of the composing process of professional documentation. In this course, students will develop the following skills while working on promotional material for actual clients and a collaborative newsletter on professional writing for an actual multiple audience within and beyond UWM: (1) establish realistic, context-sensitive goals for documents, (2) create a rhetorically-appropriate document plan and apply management strategies designed to help writers anticipate and solve problems throughout the composing process, (3) design documents with the aim of fulfilling client and audience goals, (4) conduct usability and focus group testing to evaluate whether writers have fulfilled those goals, and (5) apply effective technical editing techniques to ensure a high quality final product. 3 credits. (Note: This course is currently in the process of gaining its own number and title as "English 437: Document Planning and Evaluation.")

    Writing for Computer Technology (English 436)

    This course is an advanced workshop-seminar that combines the best principles of writing clear, easily accessible software documentation with current issues of designing user-centered documents for global, international, and culturally diverse audiences. The course covers audience analysis, page design, integration of visuals, theories of modular and structured documentation, online documentation, help systems, Web-document design, instructional design, and usability testing. We will explore problems of addressing multiple audiences, including the difficulty of developing cultural paradigms that address the needs of international and intercultural audiences. The second half of the course will focus on collaborative projects in which student teams will do research on issues, factors, and design principles that will enable them to develop cultural models for designing Web sites for international and culturally diverse audiences. The course requires intensive, hands-on experience with computer systems and applications in a computer classroom, where the class regularly meets. Students will use selected hypertext authoring tools to create online help and Web documents. 3 credits. (Note: This course is currently in the process of being renamed as "Writing for Information Technology.")

    Students who within the past five years have successfully completed any of these required courses while enrolled as undergraduate students are not expected to repeat those courses for graduate credit. In consultation with the Program Coordinator, they will select alternate graduate courses that will substitute for the courses already completed.

    Elective Courses, 9 credits. Students, in consultation with the Program Coordinator, will take 9 credits selected from two of the following areas, although other appropriate courses not listed may be substituted with permission of the Program Coordinator. The courses listed below are offered regularly by their departments and provide students with a breadth of experience needed to function as professionals in international organizations.
    School of Business Administration
    Managing People (Bus Adm 731)
    Managing Information Technology for Performance (Bus Adm 745)
    Enterprise Integration: Topics Vary (Bus Adm 794)
    Seminar-in-Depth: International Business (Bus Adm 795)
    Multinational Business Operations (Bus Adm 800)

    Communication Department
    International and Global Communication (Commun 550)
    Cultural Training and Adjustment (Commun 655)
    Studies of Communication in Organizations (Commun 810)
    Seminar in Small Group Communication (Commun 823)
    Seminar in Intercultural Communication (Commun 850)

    Translation and Foreign Languages
    Seminar in Advanced Translation (French 526 or Spanish 447)
    Terminology Management and Computer Use in Translation (MAFLL 726)
Graduate Certificate Capstone Requirement, 3 credits. The Capstone Requirement is intended to help students integrate their interdisciplinary coursework and prepare them to be competitive in the international technical communication market. With the approval of the Program Coordinator, this requirement can be fulfilled in one of three ways:

    Students register in Internship in English (English 449 U/G) and complete an internship abroad at an international company, such as SAP AG in Germany, Hewlett Packard in France, or IBM in Japan. They must submit an acceptable report on their work as well as receive a positive job evaluation from a supervisor. The internship must be coordinated by participating faculty at a local university.

    Students may take an appropriate course abroad at a cooperating university, such as the University of Applied Sciences at Hannover (Germany), or through distance education via the Internet. The course must be approved for UWM graduate credit or transferrable to UWM. A participating university faculty member and a UWM faculty member as well as the Program Coordinator must approve such a course.

    Students may complete a faculty-supervised study that involves intensive research on an international issue at a local business with global operations. This independent study should involve at least two faculty members in different disciplines. (An Independent Study may either be taken for graduate credit outside the English Department or as "English 798: Independent Study for Non-Degree Graduate Students," currently in the approval process.)

Typical Student Schedule. Although each schedule will be tailored to the student's needs and approved by the Program Coordinator, the academic year plan that follows is typical.

Typical Student Schedule, 1999-2000
    Fall Semester(September 2 to December 23)
    English 435: Advanced Technical Writing (Alred) 3 credits.
    Commun 823: Seminar in Small Group Communication (Meyers) 3 credits.
    Bus Adm 800: Multinational Business Operations (Chi) 3 credits.

    Spring Semester (January 24 to May 21)
    English 431: Document Design and Evaluation (Spilka) 3 credits.
    English 436: Writing for Computer Technology (Van Pelt) 3 credits.
    French 526: Seminar in Advanced Translation (Velguth) 3 credits.
    or
    MAFLL 726: Terminology Management and Computer Use in Translation (Mileham)

    Capstone Requirement in Summer Semester
    English 449: Writing Internship at SAP in Walldorf, Germany 3 credits.*
    _____________
    *Supervised by colleagues a Justus Liebig University in Giessen, Germany

Student Admission

Students applying from universities outside the United States must have completed a U.S. bachelor's degree equivalent and must meet the following requirements:

  • Earn a minimum grade of 600 on the TOEFL or secure the consent of the Program Coordinator and two program faculty members.
  • Submit a portfolio of writing samples in English as well as a "Statement of Purpose" in both English and the student's native language.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of computers and business operations through undergraduate courses such as business or technical communication, the portfolio, or experience as described in the Statement of Purpose.
Students applying from universities within the United States must have completed a bachelor's degree with a minimum 2.75 g.p.a. and must meet the following requirements:

  • Demonstrate a reading proficiency in a second language as demonstrated by a score of "Level 5" on the UW System Placement Test for French, German, or Spanish. Other languages will be considered depending on appropriateness and availability of testing.
  • Submit a portfolio of writing samples as well as a "Statement of Purpose" in English.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of computers and business operations through undergraduate courses such as business or technical communication, the portfolio, or experience as described in the Statement of Purpose.
The core and participating faculty together with the UWM Technical Writing Advisory Board will review requirements periodically.

Transferable Courses and Credits. With the consent of the Program Coordinator, students who have completed appropriate courses for graduate credit at UWM or other institutions may transfer a maximum of six credits into the certificate program, provided that the courses were completed within the last five years with a grade of B or better.

Time Limit
Students must complete all requirements for the Certificate within 4 years of initial enrollment.

Relationship to Graduate Degree Programs

The core courses in this Certificate Program are also a part of the English Department M.A. Program (Plan B: Rhetoric, Composition, and Professional Writing). We anticipate, therefore, that some students who apply to the Graduate Certificate Program in International Technical Communication will also be interested in the graduate program in English. In such cases, students must apply for admission to both the Certificate and degree programs. Students who have completed the Certificate Program may transfer up to 12 credits to the M.A. Program, upon approval of the English Department Coordinator of Graduate Studies. Those who are concurrently enrolled in the Certificate Program and the MA in English will be strongly encouraged to consult the Certificate Program Coordinator and the Plan B Coordinator to develop the most prudent program of study. We anticipate similar interests in other departments and schools, and students will be advised to seek the advice of graduate coordinators in those areas.

Cost Implications

Additional funding required for this program will be minimal--there will of course be some costs to advertise the program, but we hope to keep these costs low by using the Web as one of our primary advertising strategies. We also will seek help from our partner universities in advertising and promoting the program to their students. All faculty required to teach the Certificate Program courses are on the payroll, and all the courses are already offered in the English Department technical writing curriculum and the other participating schools and departments.


Graduate School Bulletin Copy

Graduate Certificate Program in International Technical Communication

The Graduate Certificate Program in International Technical Communication is designed for students who wish to pursue technical communication careers developing information for international audiences and organizations.

Admission
Students applying from universities outside the United States must have completed a U.S. bachelor's degree equivalent and must meet the following requirements:

  • Earn a minimum score of 600 on the TOEFL or secure the consent of the Program Coordinator and two program faculty members.
  • Submit a portfolio of writing samples in English as well as a "Statement of Purpose" in both English and the student's native language.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of computers and business operations through undergraduate courses such as business or technical communication, the portfolio, or experience as described in the Statement of Purpose.
Students applying from universities within the United States must have completed a bachelor's degree with a minimum 2.75 g.p.a. and must meet the following requirements:

  • Demonstrate a reading proficiency in a second language as demonstrated by a score of "Level 5" on the UW System Placement Test for French, German, or Spanish. Other languages will be considered depending on appropriateness and availability of testing.
  • Submit a portfolio of writing samples as well as a "Statement of Purpose" in English.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of computers and business operations through undergraduate courses such as business or technical communication, the portfolio, or experience as described in the Statement of Purpose.
Credits and Courses

Students must complete 21 credits of course work as outlined below. The certificate will be awarded when students achieve the following:

  • Complete 9 credits in required courses.
  • Complete 9 credits in elective courses from at least two areas other than English.
  • Complete a 3-credit Capstone Requirement that engages international study.
  • Complete at least 6 of these credits at the 700 level or above.
  • Earn an overall 3.0 grade point average or better in the courses that apply to the Certificate.
With the consent of the Program Coordinator, students who have completed appropriate courses for graduate credit at UWM or other institutions may transfer a maximum of six credits into the certificate program, provided that the courses were completed within the last five years with a grade of B or better.

Required Courses, 9 credits. Students who within the past five years have successfully completed any of these required courses while enrolled as undergraduate students are not expected to repeat those courses for graduate credit. In consultation with the Program Coordinator, they will select alternate graduate courses that will substitute for the courses already completed.
    Advanced Technical Writing (English 435)
    Topics in Advanced Writing: Document Design and Evaluation (English 431)
    Writing for Computer Technology (English 436)
Elective Courses, 9 credits. Students, in consultation with the Program Coordinator, will take 9 credits selected from two of the following areas, although other appropriate courses not listed may be substituted with permission of the Program Coordinator.

School of Business Administration:
    Managing People (Bus Adm 731)
    Managing Information Technology for Performance (Bus Adm 745)
    Enterprise Integration: Topics Vary (Bus Adm 794)
    Seminar-in-Depth: International Business (Bus Adm 795)
    Multinational Business Operations (Bus Adm 800)
Communication Department:
    International and Global Communication (Commun 550)
    Cultural Training and Adjustment (Commun 655)
    Studies of Communication in Organizations (Commun 810)
    Seminar in Small Group Communication (Commun 823)
    Seminar in Intercultural Communication (Commun 850)
Translation and Foreign Languages:
    Seminar in Advanced Translation (French 526 or Spanish 447)
    Terminology Management and Computer Use in Translation (MAFLL 726)
Graduate Certificate Capstone Requirement, 3 credits. The Capstone Requirement is intended to help students integrate their interdisciplinary coursework and prepare them to be competitive in the international technical communication market. With the approval of the Program Coordinator, this requirement can be fulfilled in one of three ways:
  • Students register in Internship in English (English 449 U/G) and complete an internship abroad at an international company.
  • Students may take an appropriate course abroad at a cooperating university or through distance education via the Internet. The course must be approved for UWM graduate credit or transferrable to UWM.
  • Students may complete a faculty-supervised study that involves intensive research on an international issue at a local business with global operations. This independent study should involve at least two faculty members in different disciplines.
Students who also wish to apply for an M.A. in English must apply for admission to both the Certificate and degree programs. Students who have completed the Certificate Program may transfer up to 12 credits to the M.A. Program, upon approval of the English Department Coordinator of Graduate Studies. Students seeking admission to master's programs in other departments and schools are advised to seek the advice of graduate coordinators in those areas.


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