Arts
ARTS 2010 Introduction to Drawing
2-3-3
Studio course; open to all students.
Regardless of drawing experience, students will develop drawing skills using pencil, ink, and charcoal to
master shading, contour, gesture, and perspective techniques.
ARTS 3000 Visual Thinking
3-0-3
Prerequisites: TCOM 2010; either TCOM 2020 or 2030 or concurrently
Study of visual thinking as an alternative to and enhancement of verbal and mathematical thinking. Helps
students develop creative problem-solving skills by (1) analyzing types of conceptual blocks, and (2)
developing techniques that use order and visual coherence to overcome these blocks. Students may be
required to produce graphic solutions to problems; however, prior drawing experience is not required.
English
ENGL 3030 English Grammar for Professional Writing
3-0-3
Prerequisites: ENGL 1102
The syntax of modern English grammar and the study of levels of correctness in Contemporary Standard English for effective writing.
Technical Communication
TCOM 2000
Business Communication
3-0-3
Prerequisites: ENGL 1102, SPCH 2400
Introduction to the communication skills needed in
the business world, learned through exposure to mock business situations. The job search
is covered, and emphasis is placed on writing business correspondence and delivering
business-related oral presentations.
TCOM 2010
Technical Writing
3-0-3
Prerequisite: ENGL 1102
Introduction to organization, style, and mechanics of technical and professional writing.
Includes practice in writing such typical documents as technical descriptions, instructions,
proposals, and recommendation reports. Emphasis placed on planning, organizing, and writing reports;
designing visual aids; and editing. Among other assignments, at least one complete technical report is
required.
TCOM 2020
Foundations of Technical Communication
3-0-3
Prerequisite: ENGL 1101
Introduction to technical communication through a survey of the field’s evolution
and current status; its theoretical foundations, key concerns and issues, core
competencies and specializations, and the technologies and societal trends that
will impact the work of technical communicators in the future. Emphasis is placed
on developing a strong professional identity and in beginning the process of career
planning.
TCOM 2030
Research in Technical Communication
3-0-3
Prerequisite: ENGL 2010
Introduction to research methods used by practitioners and scholars in technical
communication. Students explore the relationship between theory and research and
learn how to design and carry out empirical studies using both quantitative and
qualitative methods. Emphasis is placed on the research methods used in workplace
settings to design user-centered information products and to test their usefulness
and usability.
TCOM 2040
Tools for Technical Communicators
2-3-3
Pre- or co-requisite: TCOM 2010
With hands-on instruction, self-paced tutorials, and real-world projects, this
course teaches students how to learn and use popular software tools to create
effectively structured workplace and academic documents. Case-problem approach
requires that students solve real-world information problems by creating documents
that communicate effectively both verbally and visually. Software covered include
such tools as Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat, Adobe Elements,
and EndNote.
TCOM 2060
International Communication
3-0-3
Prerequisites: TCOM 2010; either TCOM 2020 or 2030 or concurrently
Study of international cultural differences, especially as they influence oral and written
communication in the workplace. Cultures will be analyzed using established models. Special
topics will vary depending on faculty teaching the course. Required for B.A. in International
Technical Communication.
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TCOM 3010
Science Writing
3-0-3
Prerequisite: ENGL 1102
Examination of the types of writing produced in various scientific professions.
Depending on the semester, possible topics may include one or more of the following:
environmental writing, public policy documents, and other scientific documents.
TCOM 3015
Environmental Writing
3-0-3
Prerequisite: ENGL 1102
Close study of global and more localized
environmental issues, including air, water, soil, biotic communities, and impact on and
by humans. Students will read works on the relationship between technology, human
population, and the environment and will write essays, give an oral report, and
complete a research project on environmental topics.
TCOM 3020
Proposal Writing
3-0-3
Prerequisite: TCOM 2010; either TCOM 2020 or 2030 or concurrently
Theory and practice of writing proposals
for business, industry, and non-profit organizations, with emphasis on in-house planning
and external grant-seeking proposals. Course covers persuasion theory and strategies
while leading students step-by-step through the proposal development process. Students
develop skills in gathering and evaluating information, analyzing audiences, collaborating
with peers and clients, building persuasive arguments, writing clearly and cogently, and
designing visually effective documents.
TCOM 3030
Instructional Design
3-0-3
Prerequisite: TCOM 2010; either TCOM 2020 or 2030 or concurrently
Course introduces and applies systematic instructional design and instructor-led
training. Students will study a major model of instructional design and apply it
to develop and refine a unit of instruction. Students will prepare and deliver a
training lesson, participate in team instructional design activities, and evaluate
the training developed and presented by other students.
TCOM 3040
Writer's Workshop
3-0-3
Prerequisite: ENGL 1102
Course that gives students practice in writing for various audiences, purposes,
and contexts. In addition to a workshop forum, this class provides an introduction
to contemporary, practical theories of writing.
TCOM 3045
Fundamentals of Information Design
3-0-3
Prerequisite: TCOM 2010 and TCOM 2040 (first tools course)
Introduces students to the principles and best practices of effective information
design for both print and electronic media. Includes such topics as information types,
information categorization and hierarchies, types of organizational patterns, message
and document genres, structural markup languages, structured information design and
technologies, content management, and single sourcing.
TCOM 3050
Journalism
3-0-3
Prerequisite: TCOM 2010; either TCOM 2020 or 2030 or concurrently
Study of technical and scientific reporting, including mass media theory.
Emphasis on making technical information understood by a general audience.
Students practice many in-house and external forms of writing such as news releases,
feature articles, bulletins, brochures, and pamphlets.
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TCOM 3193 Introduction to Drawing
2-3-3
Studio course; open to all students.
Regardless of drawing experience, students will develop drawing skills using pencil, ink, and charcoal to
master shading, contour, gesture, and perspective techniques.
TCOM 3901-3903
Special Topics
variable credit-1 to 3 hours
Prerequisite: Consent of the department chair
Special topics in communications. Offered by the program at its discretion.
TCOM 4000
Professional Editing
3-0-3
Prerequisites: TCOM 2010; either TCOM 2020 or 2030 or concurrently
Development of skills in proofreading, copyediting, and comprehensive editing. This course addresses issues of style, content, organization, and visual design.
TCOM 4030
Foundations of Graphics
3-0-3
Prerequisite: TCOM 2010; either TCOM 2020 or 2030 or concurrently
An introduction to the fundamental elements and principles of graphic design and application of these concepts to page design and layout. Study of elementary color theory. Introduction to production techniques and current software applications.
TCOM 4035
Fundamentals of Website Design
3-0-3
Prerequisite: TCOM 2010; either TCOM 2020 or 2030 or concurrently
Study of effective information design
and delivery for websites. Covers principles and best practices for creating usable
websites and teaches students fundamentals of HTML, use of HTML authoring tools, webpage
writing and editing, Web graphics and multimedia elements, and website architectures and
content management. Students work individually and in teams to design and develop websites.
Some classroom instruction is provided in basic HTML and XHTML coding, the composition of
cascading style sheets, and the use of DreamWeaver and FrontPage.
TCOM 4040
Advanced Tools for Technical Communicators
2-3-3
Pre- or co-requisite: TCOM 2010 and TCOM 2040
With hands-on instruction, self-paced
tutorials, and real-world projects, this course teaches students how to learn and use
specialized software applications to create effectively designed and formatted technical
information and instructional documents. Case-problem approach requires that students
solve real-world information problems by creating documents that communicate effectively
both verbally and visually. Includes advanced software tools such as Adobe FrameMaker,
Netscape Composer, NoteTab, RoboHelp HTML, Full Shot (screen capture), and Visio or other
diagramming program.
TCOM 4045
Foundations of Multimedia
3-0-3
Prerequisites: TCOM 2010; either TCOM 2020 or 2030 or concurrently
A study of the foundations of multimedia including theory, planning, scripting,
storyboarding, and production. Students will submit research work on the theory of
multimedia.
TCOM 4050
Advanced Graphics Tools for Technical Communicators
2-3-3
Pre- or co-requisite: TCOM 2010, TCOM 2040, and TCOM 4030
With hands-on instruction, self-paced tutorials, and real-world projects, this course
teaches students how to use digital image editing tools to create and edit both raster
and vector graphic images. Includes such software tools as Photoshop and Illustrator.
TCOM 4070
User Documentation
3-0-3
Prerequisite: TCOM 2010; either TCOM 2020 or 2030 or concurrently
Introduction to the process and principles of writing manuals, with emphasis on
user manuals. Students write and produce all or part of a manual. Course includes
study of structured writing. Course also includes discussion of (1) production issues
and (2) theory relevant to designing usable, readable manuals.
TCOM 4100
Small Group Communication
3-0-3
Prerequisite: TCOM 2010; either TCOM 2020 or 2030 or concurrently
Study of the theory and practice of group interaction and teamwork as it applies to
group process. Focuses on such topics as the function of roles in groups, conflict
resolution, leadership in the small group, gender differences, listening and negotiation
skills, and managing meetings. A collaborative project and workshop activities reinforce
these principles.
TCOM 4120
Usability Testing
2-3-3
Prerequisites: TCOM 2020, TCOM 2030, TCOM 4030
Study of the relevant research and practical application of usability testing as part of
product development. Includes strategies for planning, conducting, and analyzing a test.
Teams will perform tests and report results from an actual test in a usability lab.
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TCOM 4130
Online Documentation
3-0-3
Prerequisite: TCOM 2010; either TCOM 2020 or 2030 or concurrently
Study of the design and development of effective online Help systems and Web-based
documentation. Presents principles of usable online information design, task-based
user analysis, and advanced tools and technologies for developing and delivering online
information products, including single-sourcing, SGML, and XML. Students design and develop
an HTML Help system. Instruction will be provided in the use of RoboHelp and alternative
HTML Help authoring tools. Students entering the course without basic HTML knowledge will
be expected to learn the basics of HTML on their own.
TCOM 4160
Rhetoric: History, Theory, and Practice
3-0-3
Prerequisite: TCOM 2010; either TCOM 2020 or 2030 or concurrently
Introduction to rhetoric as the relationship between thought and expression. Examines
connections between rhetoric and writing, between a public act and a personal thinking
process, by exploring classical and contemporary accounts of rhetorical history and theory.
Students apply theory to their own writing as they explore the relationship between writers,
readers, and subjects and the range of options they have available to them as communicators.
TCOM 4170
Video Production
3-0-3
Prerequisites: TCOM 2010, TCOM 4030; either TCOM 2020 or 2030 or concurrently
Introduction to the role and use of video production for technical and professional
communication. Topics include scripts, storyboards, shot selection, continuity, lighting,
sound, in-camera editing, and fundamental post-production techniques. Students will complete
at least two assigned videos as individual or team projects. This course is double-listed for
both undergraduate and graduate students. Graduate students will be required to complete
additional work that emphasizes theory and research over application. Thus they must
demonstrate a higher level of learning than undergraduates.
TCOM 4600
Independent Study
3-0-3
Prerequisites: Twenty-one hours of TCOM courses and at least a 3.0 GPA
A directed study for an undergraduate student who wishes to pursue a special interest in technical
and professional communication not covered in the curriculum. The student submits to the TCOM
Undergraduate Program Coordinator a proposal that clearly defines the course of study and the
benefits to be obtained. The proposal, which must be submitted at least one semester prior before
taking the course, must be approved by the student’s advisor and the TCOM faculty committee. Upon
approval, the student is assigned a faculty advisor.
TCOM 4700
Internship
3-0-3
Prerequisite: Junior standing
An opportunity for students to apply principles and techniques of technical and professional
communication in a specific organization. The student is responsible for finding an
internship, but the program will help in the effort. The student must submit a written
proposal describing the internship according to program guidelines. Each internship is
monitored by the student's advisor.
For more guidelines,
see Internship.
TCOM 4800
Project Portfolio
3-0-3
Prerequisite: Senior standing, completion of 24 hours of TCOM courses.
Course examines portfolios as professional tools for technical communicators.
The course includes portfolio and writing theory along with a collaborative workshop
environment. Students develop a professional portfolio of sample documents based on
course project, internship experiences, and/or work history. In addition, students
write a reflective paper examining their growth and maturity as technical communicators.
Interviewing techniques, resume writing, and the job search process are included in the
course.
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The
English, Technical Communication, and Media Arts Department is a part of Southern Polytechnic State
University and can be contacted at TCOM@spsu.edu.
1100 South Marietta Parkway
Marietta, GA 30060-2896
Tel: (678) 915-7202 FAX: (678) 915-7425 |
