COM409 Technical Writing (3 cr.)

This course focuses on the formal demands, as well as the underlying logic, necessary to meet many complex technical writing situations. Students examine the technical writing process with an emphasis on revision and editing skills. Students explore how style, format, and the use of visuals can affect the quality of their communication. Techniques to strategically adapt technical documents to fit a specific audience and purpose are practiced. Topics include forms of technical writing, such as definitions, descriptions, manuals, reports, and formal documentation. Aspects of developing technologies and their communication needs are explored.

Upon completion of the course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Distinguish between the common forms of technical writing
2. Effectively adapt technical documents for a specific audience and purpose
3. Articulate the interaction between written and visual communication
4. Demonstrate a technical writing style
5. Outline and apply the writing process
6. Employ revision and editing skills
7. Demonstrate an understanding of writing needs for new media modalities