English 5389:

Field Methods in Technical Communication

Dr. Rebecca Rickly (rebecca.rickly@ttu.edu)
English & Philosophy 489 (phone 742-2501 ext. 268)
Office hours: T 9-12 in 211D; TH 9-11 in 489; and by appointment
Class location and hours: English-Philosophy 303, T/TH 12:30-1:50

Schedule***Assignments***TOPIC

Course Description

Technical communicators have established their own research methods for use in software design, in the production of training materials, in the creation, use, and testing of educational activities, and so forth. This course will serve as an overview to these methods. We will read about them, examining the methods' differences in terms of theoretical bases; data collection and analysis; and design work. For each method, students will design and critique research questions/problem statements; research instruments. Each student will create an annotated bibliography concerning an aspect of these methods. Using one method, each student will conduct a small-scale study and report findings.

At the end of this course, students should have a theoretical understanding of the assumptions behind each method and, therefore, a grounding in how to choose the proper method for a given set of concerns and environment. Students should be able to articulate reasons for selecting a field method and should be able to conduct and direct studies using any of the methods covered.

Objectives

This course will help you accomplish the following things:

• Develop an understanding of field methods used in technical communication
• Develop an understanding of key concepts related to user-centered design
• Write responses to readings on field methods
• Explore one aspect of user-centered design
• Complete a Human Subjects Form
• Conduct a small-scale research project based on one of the methods

Assignments

Students will complete the following assignments:

Required University Statements of Policy

Special Circumstances. Any student who, because of a disabling condition, may require some special arrangements in order to meet course requirements should contact the instructor as soon as possible so that the necessary accommodations can be made.

Human Dignity. This class, as the university itself, "is committed to equitable, civilized, and concerned treatment for all individuals without regard for age, race, gender, creed, disability, or national origin." At all times you should keep in mind the three tenets to which the university subscribes:

(1) Each person has worth and dignity,

(2) Bigotry cannot be tolerated, and

(3) Students are responsible for their own lives.