175-211 Technical Writing

Formerly available as 145-211. Students who have completed 145-211 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.

100 points of university study at any level.

The subject introduces students to the basic principles of technical communication. Subject content includes consideration of research studies on written, visual and oral technical communication, and the distinctive rhetorical and critical theory underlying this branch of communication. The subject is designed to enable students studying in a range of scientific, technical, humanities and social science fields to apply their existing skills and knowledge to technical communication contexts. Students will become aware of the challenges of technical communication, such as writing for the needs of varied readers, displaying information visually, and designing documents that help readers to use and understand information. Ethical, legal and cross-cultural aspects of technical communication will be covered. Students will study and produce standard types of technical documents such as proposals, instructions and reports. The collaborative nature of technical writing will be stressed in classwork and assignments. On completion of the subject, students should be able to analyse the requirements of technical communication situations, gather and present data and design documents that are suited to the needs of their readers.

• gain a basic knowledge of visual design and document production;

• appreciate the ethical and legal aspects of technical communication;

• be sensitive to global implications of technical writing;

• gather, organise and present technical data in written and visual formats, such as instructions, reports, proposals, leaflets;

• prepare and present technical information in oral formats;

• work collaboratively as part of a technical team.

Written exercises of 1000 words 20% (due throughout the semester), a technical report (individual) of 1000 words 30% (due week 8), a collaborative user manual or procedures guide comprising written text, visuals, document design and oral presentation (group work) of 2000 words 50% (due end of semester).

A reading package will be available from the University Book Shop at the start of semester.