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Last Update:
December 16, 2005
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With the approval of the Program Director,
you may select 12 units of electives toward the Advanced Certificate
in Technical and Scientific
Writing.
Electives in the Department of Rhetoric and Writing Studies include:
- RWS 501: Editing
What does an editor do? How is a document assessed and prepared
for publication? This class prepares students for basic professional
editing.
The functions of an editor are explored, as well as document
design and development, style and style guides. Students
learn how to effectively use editing tools and technologies
in appropriate ways, as applicable to a variety of documents.
Effective methods for working with writers efficiently and
effectively are addressed and analyzed. By the end of the
semester, students become adept at applying a systematic
approach to preparing a text for publication and production.
- RWS 502: Tools for Technical
Communicators
Effective, efficient, and critical use of software tools in technical communications
is an essential element for professional technical writers. It is a prerequisite
for employment and career advancement.
This course combines extensive hands-on experience using software tools
with rhetorical and technical communication theory. Students learn how
to determine which software tool is best suited for specific projects.
In addition, the analysis and understanding of rhetorical considerations
in online design is addressed. The organization of information in multiple
genres and formats are also studied and applied throughout the semester,
and students learn how to set up and use templates.
Students study and apply their knowledge of electronic document style
and format, as well as the development of online and Internet documentation.
Preparing texts electronically for publication and production is integral
to the course, as is the study and analysis of rhetorical issues in electronic
writing technologies.
- RWS 507: Technical Communications
in Nonprofit Organizations
This course is unique in its specific orientation to the non-profit field.
Non-profits encompass a wide range of focuses, but they all require specific
knowledge and skills in regard to their extensive communications needs.
The class addresses the special technical communication skills that
employment in the non-profit sector demands. All aspects of non-profit
documentation are included, such as proposals, mission statements, advertising,
member surveys, and capital campaigns.
Other features of the non-profit field that are addressed are the promotion
of volunteerism, interacting with non-profit boards, and adherence to
state and federal regulations. The course covers specific technical communication
skills for nonprofit organizations, types of nonprofit documentation,
the promotion of volunteerism, interaction with nonprofit boards, adherence
to regulations, and other topics.
- RWS 508: Scientific
Writing
RWS 508 develops the writing skills necessary for scientific research and
communication. It is intended for majors in the sciences. Documentation covered
includes the research article, research proposal, case report, review, abstract,
and promotional material.
- RWS 608: Scientific
Writing
RWS 608 develops the writing skills specific to scientific and medical communication,
introduces the scientific documentation process, and covers adherence to
standards and regulations. Whereas RWS 508 is intended for the scientific
professional, RWS 608 is intended for professional scientific writers.
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