Technical Communication Program

The Bagley College of Engineering’s TCP began with the development of its own junior/senior-level technical writing course, GE 3513 Technical Writing. Initially developed and offered as pilot sections, GE 3513 has grown to become the required writing course for undergraduate engineers. Over 10 sections of the course are offered every fall and spring semester, and three to four 5-week sections are offered every summer. The instructors for GE 3513 bring to their classes years of experience both in teaching college-level writing and in professional technical writing. Course activities, discussions and assignments involve strategies, scenarios and documents based on realistic academic and workplace situations.

Course Descriptions and Objectives

GE 3513 Technical Writing provides science and engineering students with instruction and practice in the technical communication process. The course focuses on the basic steps of analysis, development and revision:

• Recognizing specific writing and presentation situations and the objectives that arise out of them
• Analyzing audiences and suiting format, content and tone to these audiences
• Designing documents and presentations that are structurally and mechanically effective
• Writing and revising these documents and presentations to achieve clarity and correctness

Additional areas of emphasis include examining the role of ethics in technical communication, incorporating graphics, and writing and presenting collaboratively. Class assignments involve correspondence, reports, instructions and proposals based on realistic cases or job situations, in-class editing and analysis exercises, and a final paper on the concepts and techniques discussed and employed throughout the semester.

The Shackouls TCP Writing Tutor Program, located in McCain 202, began in 1999 to assist the entire Bagley College with writing and speaking endeavors. The program now involves three English majors who work with students and faculty from all eight Bagley departments. To contact the tutors for writing help or further information, send email to bcoewritingtutors@gmail.com. Click here to learn more about our tutoring program policies.