Our Classes in Technical and Professional Writing

In the business and professional writing course (ENGL 3376), we work on real-world projects where clients need assistance with writing and communication tasks. Our goal is to understand the purpose and function of writing done in industries and organizations so that you will be ready to apply for different positions, such as content writer or manager, communications specialist, proposal writer, or careers in business, marketing, public relations, consulting, and other fields. Along the way, you’ll gain experience with common business genres that you can include in your portfolio to show to current or future employers: contracts, policies, business presentations, as well as a recommendation report that showcases your analytical skills.

In the technical editing course (ENGL 3377), we practice editing print, digital, and visual media for clients across different industries, including healthcare, entertainment, and finance. Our goal is to enhance your editing skills in a wide variety of areas: developmental editing, editing with generative artificial intelligence, XML and web editing, uses of common technical style guides, principles of layout and design, and features of world Englishes. This course is good for anyone who plans on moving into management or administration, as the higher you go in an organizational structure, you’ll often be more responsible for editing others’ work than creating the initial document.

Dive into the essential principles of technical communication as they apply to the development of clear and effective procedural documentation and manuals. This course offers extensive, hands-on practice in crafting technical procedures and manuals that are both user-friendly and precise, ensuring readers can easily follow complex instructions. Through a series of practical assignments, students will refine their ability to write and design documentation that meets the highest standards of clarity and usability, preparing them for success in the fast-paced world of technical communication.

In the grant and proposal class, we embark on one of the most difficult writing journeys you will ever undertake: writing on behalf of a client in the form of a proposal or grant. The difficulty of this genre stems from what I call proposal psychologies, getting into the mind-frame of your client and representing their mission to a third party. During the class, we explore the basic logic and structure needed to write a proposal or grant by partnering with a real non-profit in the area, helping them secure grant funding by undertaking both the research and writing associated with granting. By the end of our time together, you will have a skill set and portfolio that will make you very attractive to both non-profits and businesses alike.

Information design is the practice of organizing and presenting complex information in a clear, accessible, and visually appealing way to enhance understanding and usability. This course delves into the theory and practice of information design for professional and technical projects, equipping students with the skills to create effective and user-focused designs. Students will develop critical and rhetorical digital literacies, enabling them to analyze, design, and redesign both print and web materials. The course offers hands-on experience with industry-standard software for desktop publishing, ensuring students are well-prepared to meet the demands of the field. Intermediate computer proficiency is required.

This course offers an in-depth exploration of the professional landscape for technical and professional writers and designers. By drawing on the rich histories, theories, and methods of the field, students will gain insights into both the foundations and the cutting-edge trends shaping technical communication today.
Key topics include strategies for effectively communicating with transnational audiences, advocating for social justice through writing, and mastering multimodal design. The course also emphasizes professional development, preparing students to excel in diverse careers within the technical and professional communication industry

Design is all around us, and even the smallest choices can significantly impact how information is communicated and perceived. From flyers to billboards, PowerPoint presentations to cereal boxes, design plays a crucial role in capturing attention, conveying messages effectively, and creating memorable experiences. This course delves into the world of technical document design, exploring the principles and practices that make designs visually appealing, accessible, and user-friendly. Key design elements such as typography, color, layout, grids, and more will be covered. Through hands-on projects and discussions, these principles will be applied to create well-crafted designs that showcase technical communication skills.