This article introduces a new course in the Virginia Community College System English Curriculum, "English 114: Scientific Writing." The article briefly reviews the concept of "science rhetoric," then discusses the intended audience and purpose of the course, and explains the basic goals of the course in relation to the…

The self-service nature of today's society means that technical communicators are needed more than ever before since users may find themselves struggling to make sense of online documentation with minimal support from the institutions that provide it. Certain demographics within the user population (older adults, disabled persons, non-native…

As a teacher of technical writing, the author applauds the emphasis on the strategies of research and on documented, problem-solving writing across the curriculum and on bringing writing-for-the-workplace into the first-year writing classroom. However, as a teacher of literature, he rejects the notion that responding to literature has no practical…

As more universities offer academic composition and technical writing courses via virtual classrooms, our institutions are also being asked to accommodate an increasingly diverse student population. The success of disability accommodations in elementary and secondary schools is expanding the number of students with special needs academically…

Argues that (1) the boundaries of technical writing can be defined by using concepts from formal linguistics and (2) that technical writing should be limited to the study and teaching of pragmatic conventions of structure and meaning encountered by those working in technical contexts. (FL)

Argues that technical writing should be limited to the study and teaching of pragmatic conventions relevant to actual technical communication situations. Specifically examines whether proposal writing should be included in technical writing instruction, and the place of empirical research as criteria for determining relevant conventions. (HTH)

Finds that traditional aspects of writing, such as outlining, revising, and audience analysis, rated highest in a ranking by technical communicators of 67 possible topics of an undergraduate course. Notes that other fundamentals, such as style and mechanics, were close behind. (SR)

Provides information on current and anticipated course offerings, programs, and workshops or seminars in technical communication at 30 colleges. (FL)

Describes the four general categories of advanced technical writing courses: genre courses, general communication courses, rhetorical theory or history courses, and courses that use special pedagogical techniques or focus on a certain aspect of technical communication. Discusses implications for planning advanced courses. (HTH)

Argues that by exposing students to basic techniques of graphics, the technical writing teacher can encourage them to include simple illustrations and diagrams in their reports, and that more advanced students may enhance their works by hiring professional artists or photographers to do these tasks. (FL)

Argues in favor of including instruction in speaking skills in technical writing courses. Shows how to go about incorporating dialog skills into what is first and foremost a composition course. (RL)

Argues that courses in technical communication must have high status, be flexible, use distance learning techniques, and meet the needs of inservice communicators to satisfy demand for technical communicators in Europe. Suggests those courses concentrate on composition, text-handling, elicitation, and specialized technical areas. Suggests courses…

Presents the results of a nationwide survey to determine current conditions in the teaching of technical communication in two-year colleges. Discusses number of courses, teachers, and years offered as well as enrollments, prerequisites, purposes of courses, transferability, departments offering such courses, textbooks, and major units of study.…

Summarizes the subject matter presented by an American teacher visiting the University of Paris in a two-week seminar on technical writing. Identifies the following topics: style of technical writing, oral presentation of technical information, nonverbal communication during interviews, preparation of resumes, and writing for publication. (KEH)

This overview of an English course, "Writing for Government, Business, and Industry" (listed as English 339 at St. Cloud State University in Minnesota), emphasizes the essential elements of audience and voice. Composition theorists' assertion that the absence of voice is symptomatic of a profound developmental deficit (suggesting an…