Technical Communication & Rhetoric Undergraduate Course Descriptions

TCR 2100 Introduction to Technical Communication (Eyre)

This course introduces you to the field of technical communication as an iterative, problem-solving activity useful in any organization with communication needs. Working independently and collaboratively, you will propose, compose, design, and revise a variety of workplace-based documents. This course will also teach you how to synthesize and evaluate arguments about technology and society relevant to technical communicators. This course uses a free open-access textbook along with other freely available media. Online.

TCR 2100 Introduction to Technical Communication (Schallon)

TCR 2110 Digital Writing Technologies (Perkins)

Technologies are always changing, so it’s important that you know how to learn new technologies. That’s what you’ll do in this class. Employers will expect you to be adept at using a variety of technologies and know how to select the best tool(s) to accomplish a particular task. In this course, you will gain experience learning and using three software programs used for 1) photo editing, 2) document layout, and 3) web design. But more importantly, you’ll develop your sense of adventure, tenacity, and confidence in evaluating, learning, and using technologies relevant to the workplace. Online.

ENGL 3080 Introduction to Technical Communication (Eyre)

Introduces you to the field of technical communication as an iterative, problem-solving activity you can use in any organization with communication needs. Working independently and collaboratively, you will plan, draft, design, and revise a variety of workplace documents, including resumes, memos, instructions, and proposals. By completing course assignments, you will analyze rhetorical situations and target complex audiences, consider how clear and accurate communication solves practical problems, and learn about the communication practices and conventions of your major. During the semester, you will also read and evaluate arguments about technology and society that affect technical communicators and think critically about how these important controversies impact professional communication. Online.

ENGL 3085 Writing for the Computer Science Workplace (Mathis)

This class will introduce you to professional and technical writing situations common in computer science workplaces, as we cultivate adaptive communication strategies and ethical professional behaviors. You will design and write professional documents, synthesize and evaluate arguments on technology and society, and collaborate in teams to present technical information. In person. Logan.

TCR 3120 Rhetorical Theory (Colton)

This course introduces you to rhetoric as the art and study of persuasion and meaning-making, and an analytical research method. We will study classical and contemporary theories of rhetoric in this course to discuss how people are persuaded through language to act, how language makes meaning, the role of language in organizing human activity, and how rhetoric influences our view of the world. You will learn to define and understand rhetorical situations and to evaluate rhetorical strategies. In person. Logan.

TCR 3220 Technical Editing (Haderlie)

Whether or not your job title includes the word “editor,” you will find that good editing skills are an excellent way to move ahead in your workplace. In this course, you will experience first-hand what it means to be an editor by learning and applying the skills of copyediting, proofreading, and comprehensive editing. This class will also challenge you to consider the context in which editing currently exists, and what editing could be  by engaging in critical frameworks and theories that inform popular conceptualizations of editing. In person. Logan.

TCR 4210 Visual Communication Design (Anabire)

If you want to learn how to design documents for global audiences by collaborating with real not-for-profit international organizations, then this course is for you! In this course, you will learn how to design documents for actual use for actual clients. You will learn how to make and defend design decisions when creating documents for professional contexts. You will have multiple opportunities to apply your skills within complex, real-world contexts by designing a set of documents for an international not-for-profit client. You will learn about typography, color, and graphics. You will learn about the human visual system and how the human body perceives visual information. You will learn how to work with colleagues and clients. By the end of the semester, you will have developed multiple portfolio pieces and a solid set of design competencies. In person. Logan.

TCR 4250 - Careers in Professional Communication (Moeller)

In this class, we will study how to successfully negotiate the job market in fields related to English: content writing, technical communication, usability and user experience (UX), editing, publishing, and more. You will practice developing effective application materials such as a portfolio website, resume, and cover letter; using social media for networking, job seeking, and career development; and preparing for job interviews. In person. Logan.

TCR 5490 Special Topics in TCR - Writing for Academic Publication (Stevens)

This course will prepare you to write for academic publication, including a range of journals relevant to English studies (for example, literary journals, research journals, and trade publications like Technical Communication or Intercom). We will discuss several key moments in the publication process, including preparing a manuscript, navigating the peer review process (with a sense of self intact!), and working with a team (editors, reviewers, copyeditors, proofreaders) after your manuscript has been accepted. You will gain valuable experiences in each of these processes, experiences based on current research and best practices. Hybrid. Logan.