Technical Communication Program: An Introduction
The Technical Communication (TC) Program is
part of the Department of Engineering Professional Development in the College of Engineering.
The TC program offers these opportunities:
The Technical Communication Certificate program prepares students to design, write, edit,
present, and evaluate technical and scientific information, collaborate in
interdisciplinary teams on technical and communication projects, and apply emerging technologies
to technical communication.
The tiered undergraduate courses in Basic and Technical Communication
(EPD 155 and 397) meet the University's General Education Requirements as well
as engineering departments' requirements for professional communication practices.
While the focus of the TC program is to teach undergraduate students,
faculty also provide educational leadership in teaching graduate students and practicing
professionals (EPD
597 with off-campus component) and the new Master of Engineering and Professional Practice
(MEPP).
Students in technical communication courses have access to productive learning
environments and communities. Students can enjoy the following:
- Close contact with faculty through small classes, electronic communication,
and extensive advising.
- Work environments including state-of-the-art laboratories and class rooms with
networked computers and advanced technologies for technical presentations.
- Optional participation in writing competitions
(Steuber Prize and
Wunsch Prize).
- Optional participation in real world publication projects (the
Wisconsin Engineer
magazine).
- Participation in technical communication internships (close to one hundred local
sponsoring organizations).
Mission Statement
To advance communication knowledge and practice of undergraduate and graduate students
and professionals in engineering and science disciplines by providing an effective
learning experience.
Educational Objectives
- Provide education in principles and processes for communicating about technical
subjects (including problem solving methods, audience analysis, rhetorical analysis,
conventions of format, and usability testing).
- Provide education in the fundamentals of written, oral, and visual communication
(including structure, style, mechanics, format, and delivery).
- Emphasize effective interpersonal communication and management skills (including
teamwork, interviewing, leading and facilitating groups, project management and
international communication).
- Extend opportunities for students to research and think analytically about contemporary
issues and consider ethical issues.
- Use current technology to encourage effective communication in a variety of
environments (including use of the web, distance communication, electronic publishing,
group software, and layout and presentation software).
- Strengthen relationships with other engineering departments and industry (i.e. integrate
communication in the engineering curriculum and provide students with real world
experiences through communication internships and guest lectures).
|
