WRTG 2830 - Frameworks for Technical and Professional Communication

Many think of technical and professional writing (TPC) as simply a skill set, where grammar, punctuation, and templates rule. But TPC—like other areas of writing—has a rich history and is informed by multiple theories. In this class we will examine the cultural history of the field, examining the critical moments that have influenced how the field has transformed over time. We will also study the theories that undergird its practices. In particular, we will explore theories of language that have been most relevant at particular moments in TPC. Readings, discussions, and assignments will provide background knowledge to better understand the field, and to point to future directions that speak to TPC as a human-centered practice.