Describing the emergence of the first shipbuilding texts, particularly those in English provides another chapter in the story of the emergence of English technical writing. Shipwrightery texts did not appear in English until the middle decades of the seventeenth century because shipwrightery was a closed discourse community which shared knowledge…

Discusses how technical writing courses have been built on a strong foundation in freshman English at the College of Technology of the University of Houston. (HM)

Explores the need for technical writing instruction for English majors. Reports that English majors entering M.B.A. programs felt unprepared for technical writing and business communication. Argues that technical writing instruction would broaden preservice English teachers' discourse education and their knowledge of the kinds of writing people do…

Describes a short course designed to help employees overcome common writing problems. Suggests that many writing problems result from deficiencies in freshman composition courses, and recommends five changes. (ARH)