Undergraduate students in the field of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) are regularly encouraged and instructed to develop and write an original research paper in their field of expertise. Some undergraduate students, however, may lack the essential skills and strategies to write a research paper/manuscript of a quality…

This article explores how the English language contributes to cross-boundary communication failure and establishes that there is an "English language problem" that has not been adequately addressed in preparing United States native English-speaking students for international technical communication tasks. For example, U.S. technical communication…

Presents three premises that, despite the variety of tasks and responsibilities laid on technical writers, are central to the technical writing profession and which should be at the foundation of any technical writing curriculum. (HTH)

Classifies and explains three types of technical writing. Discusses ways English teachers can help writers involved in each classification of technical writing. Offers principles for organizing a program of technical writing instruction. (RL)

Argues that technical writing teachers must understand desktop publishing. Discusses the strengths that technical writing teachers bring to desktop publishing, and the impact desktop publishing will have on technical writing courses and programs. (ARH)

Argues that technical communication courses, particularly introductory courses in technical writing, must include a translation component if they are to prepare students for the kind of work they are now likely to encounter as technical communicators. Suggests the time is ripe for changing the curriculum so that students receive instruction in how…

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

Advanced components should be included in legal writing programs. Such a course reminds students of the potential for quality and of the centrality of writing to the practice and study of law. Benefits include better student grades and job opportunities, faculty skill improvement and inspiration, and improved program image. (MSE)

English is the second-largest major at the University of Puget Sound (Tacoma, Washington). Students may choose one of three emphases within their major: literature, creative writing, or professional writing. Puget Sound's professional writing program has grown gradually and slowly over the last 11-year period to include an array of 10 professional…

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)

The expansion of legal writing programs, justification for such action, and the elements of legal writing are outlined. The place of legal writing in a modern law school and special difficulties in program design are addressed. The USC program is described. Available from Union University, 80 Scotland Ave., Albany, NY 12208; $2.50, entire issue.…

Poses questions--and some answers--essential to the development and expansion of technical communication offerings beyond the basic course in technical writing. (RL)

Describes how and why writing program administrators should get involved in developing a technical communication program. Discusses one such program, in which students are prepared as technical writers to enter the profession of technical communication. Suggests how to begin and how to develop ties with the industrial community. (HB)

Notes that technical writing instruction often operates in isolation from other components of students' communication education. Argues for altering this isolation by moving writing instruction to a place of increased programmatic perspective, which may be attained through a means of assessment based on educational outcomes. Discusses two models…

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…