The Two-Semester Thesis Model: Emphasizing Research in Undergraduate Technical Communication Curricula

Journal of Technical Writing and Communication Oct 2009

The Two-Semester Thesis Model: Emphasizing Research in Undergraduate Technical Communication Curricula

Julie Dyke Ford New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology ; Jennifer L. Bracken New Mexico State University ; Gregory D. Wilson Iowa State University

Abstract

This article addresses previous arguments that call for increased emphasis on research in technical communication programs. Focusing on the value of scholarly-based research at the undergraduate level, we present New Mexico Tech's thesis model as an example of helping students develop familiarity with research skills and methods. This two-semester sequence serves as a capstone experience for students' writing, designing, editing, and presentation skills. It also involves members of our corporate advisory board and provides an opportunity to teach students to understand and apply research methods to unique projects, skills we argue will benefit students no matter what environments they enter upon graduation.

Journal: Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
Published: 2009-10-01
DOI: 10.2190/tw.39.4.f
Open Access: Closed
Topics: empirical research multimodality technical communication

Citation Context

Cited by in this index (2)

Ross (2014)

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Ford et al. (2011)

Emphasizing Research (Further) in Undergraduate Technical Communication Curricu…

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Also cites 2 works outside this index ↓

10.1109/TPC.2004.840486

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10.1109/TPC.2006.875088

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