Re: The "Perfect" Course of Study for a Technical Writer

["Pro TechWriter" <pro -dot- techwriter -at- gmail -dot- com>]

See my additions :-)  and note that I taught a technical writing certificate
program at the university level, so I am a little biased.

PT

On Wed, Aug 20, 2008 at 7:52 PM, Karen <ekarenski-techwrl -at- yahoo -dot- com> wrote:

> I was thinking what the "perfect" technical writing degree would consist of
> so that students would be the most marketable post-college. <snip>
> Here's my list:
>
> Writing Coursework:
> * English Composition/Grammar (all the complete basics)
> * Technical Writing
>      - Policy and Procedures
>      - Manuals and User Guides
> * Editing
> * Scientific Writing
> * Marketing Writing (Advertising/PR)
> * Business Communication & Report Writing


>> Mass Communications - History and Theory
>> Public Communications (Debate or Public Speaking)
>> Any psychology or socialology course oriented to how people function in
organizations

>> Fundamentals of Design (ART)
>> Web Design 101 (probably ART too, but may be in Business area)
>> Commercial or Advertising Art (Intro course that covers typography, use
of color, and so on)

>
> * Learning Theory
>
> Business Coursework:
> * Marketing
> * Small Business Ownership
> * Business Analysis (Including UML and other diagramming of processes)
> * Project Mananagement
>
> Technology

>> Introduction to Computer Science (overview course, covers history and
place in current society)

>
> * Microsoft Office (Including Access & Visio)
> * Pure HTML, CSS, Javascript (not WYSIWYG)
> * Introductory Programming (C++, Java, etc)
> * Publishing (Structured FrameMaker)
> * Web Development (Dreamweaver, Flash, etc)
> * XML/DITA
> * CBT/eLearning Tools (Captivate, Camtasia, Authorware, Director,
> Others???)
> * Online Help Tools (such as RoboHelp, Help & Manual, AuthorIT)
> * Graphics (Illustrator, etc)
>
> Also, consider what you think new graduates are lacking when entering the
> work force.


>> Portfolio and resume targeted to technical writing

>
>
> Can anyone else contribute to this list?
>
>
> Karen
> http://www.linkedin.com/in/ekarenbowen
>  Yahoo IM: ekarenbowen -at- yahoo -dot- com  MSN IM: ekarenbowen -at- msn -dot- com  AOL IM:
> ekarenmariebowen
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^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

ComponentOne Doc-To-Help gives you everything you need to author and 
publish quality Help, Web, and print content. Perfect for technical 
authors, developers, and policy writers. Download a FREE trial.
http://www.componentone.com/DocToHelp/

True single source, conditional content, PDF export, modular help.
Help & Manual is the most powerful authoring tool for technical
documentation. Boost your productivity! http://www.helpandmanual.com

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