Communicating in technical organizations
Bachelor's degree
In Maynard (USA)
Description
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Type
Bachelor's degree
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Location
Maynard (USA)
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Start date
Different dates available
This course focuses on an exploration of the role that communication plays in the work of the contemporary engineering and science professional. Emphasis is placed on analyzing how composition and publication contribute to work management and knowledge production, as well as the "how-to" aspects of writing specific kinds of documents in a clear style. Topics include: communication as organizational process, electronic modes such as e-mail and the Internet, the informational and social roles of specific document forms, writing as collaboration, the writing process, the elements of style, methods of oral presentation, and communication ethics. Case studies used as the basis for class discussion and some writing assignments. Several short documents, a longer report or article, and a short oral presentation are required.
Facilities
Location
Start date
Start date
Reviews
Subjects
- Communication Training
- Writing
- Web
- Materials
- Presentation
Course programme
Lectures: 1 session / week, 3 hours / session
This class covers the forms and practices of communicating technical information using a variety of media - primarily written hardcopy and oral - but also Web-based media, video and teleconferencing. Students collaborate throughout the semester in groups as part of a "consulting" company each group will create. By the end of the course students will have had practice in a variety of document types including abstracts, executive summaries, brief technical memos, proposals, progress reports and final reports, as well as Microsoft® PowerPoint® and Web presentations, poster sessions and a variety of informal and formal oral reports.
Class Participation: 25%
Proposals (Oral and Written) and Related Materials: 25%
Web Site: 15%
Final Reports (Oral and Written): 35%
The required text for the class is The Mayfield Handbook of Technical and Scientific Writing (McGraw-Hill 2001) by Perelman, Paradis, and Barrett.
A recommended but not required text is The MIT Guide to Teaching Web Site Design (MIT Press 1997), by Barrett, Levinson, Lisanti.
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Communicating in technical organizations