Syllabus

Read Me First

Week One

Introduction

HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED WHO WROTE THE MANUALS YOU HAVE ON YOUR BOOKSHELF OR THAT BUSINESS REPORT ON YOUR MANAGER’S DESK? HAVE YOU EVER NOTICED THE PERSUASIVENESS OF A MEMO OR THE DESIGN OF A MICROSOFT® POWERPOINT® PRESENTATION? WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE EFFECTIVE WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS IN YOUR WORKPLACE, IN A LIBRARY, OR AT A BOOKSTORE? TECHNICAL WRITERS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR MANY OF THE REPORTS, MEMOS, E-MAILS, AND MANUALS YOU SEE ON A DAILY BASIS.

Organizations hire technical writers to craft a wide variety of written communications. Technical writers are also the experts behind many of the websites and blogs you visit on the Internet. After you read this document and your assigned readings, you will have a better understanding of the role and importance of technical writing in an organization.

This week in relationship to the course and the program

THIS COURSE OCCURS EARLY IN THE PROGRAM AND PREPARES YOU FOR UPCOMING COURSES BY INTRODUCING THE ROLE OF TECHNICAL WRITING IN THE ORGANIZATION, SPECIFICALLY IN THE IT DEPARTMENT.

During this first week, you are introduced to technical writing. You analyze the components of technical communication: process and product. You must understand the importance of technical communication from three perspectives: business, time, and money.

Although technical writers sometimes work alone, they often work collaboratively in teams. Be aware of collaborative technologies, such as groupware and wikis, and effective team management skills, such as conflict resolution and managing a virtual team environment.

Technical writers must hone an assortment of skills relating to writing. A well-crafted document exhibits a variety of attributes, including organization, clarity, accuracy, and conciseness. Most importantly, technical writers must be aware of legalities and be able to make critical ethical decisions. Understanding the process and products relating to technical...