Journal of Technical Writing and Communication Oct 1987

Rewriting the Engineering Curriculum: Professionalism and Professional Communication

Steven Youra Cornell University

Abstract

Although engineers spend a substantial amount of their time writing or delivering oral presentations, the typical engineering curriculum segregates communications instruction from technical coursework. But out of an increasing sense of responsibility to provide more authentic professional training, engineering educators are developing programs which bring “real-life” contexts into the classroom. As a result, technical communications instruction is changing in significant ways. Writing clinics are tailoring their services to the precise needs of those they serve and expanding the range of professional support they offer. Furthermore, writing across the curriculum has significantly influenced engineering by linking composing and understanding. New communications courses parallel professional classes, and some redesigned engineering courses actually integrate verbal communication with “subject matter” instruction, Since these broad structural renovations are paradigmatic for other professional programs, technical writing teachers can and should facilitate and support such developments.

Journal
Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
Published
1987-10-01
DOI
10.2190/vvf3-8a8w-nukh-v0d2
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Closed
Topics
writing across the curriculum technical communication professional writing
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