In this course we will examine the theories and practices of technical communication as both an industrial practice and academic discipline. Our emphasis will be on understanding technical communication professional contexts--that is, the intellectual issues concerning the field, the histories of the field, the major figures who have centrally contributed to the field, the professional organizations related to the field, the work tasks common in the field, and so on. In broad terms, our reading and writing about technical communication will focus on the following four questions:
  1. How is technical communication defined as a field of study?
  2. What theoretical and philosophical perspectives influence the field?
  3. What methods does the field value and use to produce knowledge?
  4. What do practitioners in technical communication produce and how?

We'll be using Daedalus Online as our class platform for the first half of this semester.  Afterwards, we'll be using TOPIC, a Texas Tech English Dept. homegrown solution.

Here's a collection of project proposals Here's a collection of the materials that have supported the sessions that the students have taught.
Dr. Joyce Carter
Fall 1999 Office Hours: 1:00 - 2:00 MW and by appointment
English/Philosophy Building 203
Office Phone: 742-2507 #247
E-mail: L.Carter@ttu.edu