Investigates the expectations and needs of audience in the health care professions. Determines (through interviews) audience reading habits, desired document qualities, and intended use. Finds that some health care professionals' expectations are similar to those of other technical writers, but some are specific to health care. Notes that findings…

Argues that if rhetoricians do not work to articulate rich techniques for invention in the education of technical writers, they inadvertently reinforce the myth of the technical writer as born scribe. Suggests that to articulate those techniques, rhetoricians must recognize and examine the expertise they have in interdisciplinary collaboration.…

Considers how the emergency medical service's run reports are important analytically because they represent the practices and interests of the multiple professions engaged in caring for critically ill or injured patients. Examines the historical evolution of a shared medical form and its impact on the professionals who use it. (SC)

Claims that the primary determinant of how texts are structured and produced in scientific and technical communication is the ideology of the ruling force--scholars have treated ideology as a competing approach to writing, not as the determinant of writing. Examines cases of scientific/technical communication; suggests that ideology of the ruling…

Argues that there is a way to teach genre without asking students to mimic surface features mindlessly or--perhaps more insidious--to attempt richer executions of genres only to fall short without knowing it. Suggests that when genre functions in the world are better understood, this understanding supports rather than undermines work in the…

Lists some of the major typographic variables involved in structured abstracts (containing sub-headings). Illustrates how typography can affect clarity by presenting seven examples that illustrate the effects of these typographic variables in practice. Concludes with a final example of an effective approach. (SR)

States that it is theoretically, educationally, and pragmatically imperative that business and technical communicators become familiar with and informed about the legal issues surrounding products liability. Discusses the theories of negligence, breach of warranty, and strict liability. Offers guidelines for writing and organizing to avoid…

Argues that one cannot identify the best technical communication programs by identifying those that have produced the best technical communicators. Notes that top professionals all share a dedication to a life of learning. (SR)

Argues that media knowledge is essential for technical communication faculty. Maintains that such knowledge must involve an expanded sense of technical communication as a profession, an appreciation for the literacy expertise of technical communication teachers, and a robust interdisciplinary knowledge of technology criticism. (SR)

Suggests the widespread use of distance learning to meet the growing needs of nontraditional learners. Discusses availability of equipment, availability of courses, reasons to explore distance learning, sources of resistance, resources, planning effective distance learning, and advantages to business and education. (SR)

Discusses the business context for international technical communication and outlines the goals that an effective international technical communication curriculum should meet. (SR)

Argues that exploring the written work of William Stillman of Rhode Island could help balance the appraisal of 19th-century American technical communication. Reviews the writing and graphics in his "Miscellaneous Compositions" (1851) and patents from 1836 and 1839. Concludes that Stillman had an unusual ability to mimic the biological…

Describes linguistic and semantic features of technocratic discourse using a Systemic Functional Linguistics framework. Asserts that the function of technocratic discourse in public policy is to advocate and promulgate a highly contentious political and economic agenda under the guise of scientific objectivity and political impartiality. Provides…

A textbook author tells of her early struggle to become a textbook writer, the long journey and the many detours she took along the way to getting her first textbook published. Having identified early in her career that writing a textbook was her chosen way to have an impact on her field of organization theory, she encountered many obstacles to…

This article provides practical guidance for science teachers to help students who love both science and writing, and are struggling to find a career that will allow them to combine these disparate talents and interests. It includes descriptions of career paths, suggestions for exploratory steps, and links to sources of additional information. The…