|
|
2012-2013 Undergraduate Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Course Descriptions
|
|
|
|
| |
Social Sciences |
| |
-
SS 4595 - The Sustainable City 3 lecture hours 0 lab hours 3 credits
The first decade of the twenty-first century has seen a concerted effort among many politicians, policymakers, and urban planners to create greener, more sustainable cities. This course will take such efforts seriously, exploring in depth why and how urban centers across the globe are attempting to become more environmentally conscious. What is fueling this re-imagining of the city, and why is it happening now? Who is, and who isn’t, participating in such discussions? Questions of politics and public policy will drive this course, but attention will also be paid to economic factors (including the flight of capital and the legacy of deindustrialization) and a host of non-state actors (such as groups dedicated to conservation and environmental justice). This course will also feature a service-learning component, allowing students to see first-hand how such ideas are playing out in the city of Milwaukee.
|
| |
-
SS 4795 - Latin American Society 3 lecture hours 0 lab hours 3 credits
This course examines contemporary relations in Latin America between indigenous and non-indigenous populations with a special focus on Guatemala. The culture of the indigenous peoples of Latin America will be examined, particularly the Maya Indians of Guatemala. The course will also examine the governmental and political relationships that exist between indigenous villages and the central government in Guatemala with special emphasis upon the effects that the Guatemalan Civil War has had upon these relationships. This course consists of classroom sessions on campus as well as a required trip to Guatemala during the quarter break. Students must receive the instructors’ permission to register for this course.
|
Technical Communication |
| |
-
TC 151 - Theory of Human Communication 3 lecture hours 0 lab hours 3 credits
Various theories of communication are examined in order to establish a framework for understanding the complex phenomenon of human communication. Theory is defined and a number of theories that cover a wide range of communication concepts (such as semantics, nonverbal communication, and persuasion) are studied. Theories are examined critically to determine the social, political, and historical factors which might have motivated the authors and perhaps colored their perceptions of communication.
|
| |
-
TC 172 - Desktop Publishing 2 lecture hours 2 lab hours 3 credits
This course combines classroom discussion and a “hands on” computer lab to prepare students to design and develop page layouts on Macintosh and PC computer systems. Students completing this course become literate in computer terminology through discussions on historical computer development, different operating systems, and computer hardware/software. In addition, the principles of page design and layout techniques are examined. The lab portion of the course allows students to use and learn several software programs at various levels, including Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, and scanning software. After completing this course, students are able to use the desktop computer and various software programs in combination to create professional looking documents.
|
| |
-
TC 233 - Introduction to Report Writing and Proposal Writing 4 lecture hours 0 lab hours 4 credits
This course examines the qualities of effective report and proposal writing and emphasizes the practical application of these writing skills in the workplace. Hands-on research activities are combined with short reports and document drafting exercises to develop writing skills, with particular attention given to organization and document design strategies. For proposal writing, students investigate sources of funding, analyze techniques for persuasion, and explore context-specific strategies for writing successful proposals. (prereq: TC 1111 or EN 132 )
|
| |
-
TC 242 - Persuasive Speech 3 lecture hours 0 lab hours 3 credits
Students will study the organization of persuasive presentations as well as the ethical considerations necessary for persuasive communicators. Theories of attitude, change, and audience analysis will be covered. Value-based, logical, and emotional appeals will be presented as a foundation for discussing persuasive movements, mass media, propaganda, and advertising. (prereq: EN 241 )
|
| |
-
TC 261 - Research Methods 3 lecture hours 0 lab hours 3 credits
This course will introduce students to the basics of the scientific method of conducting primary research. Research methods and design will be explained and techniques for gathering information will be explored. (prereq: EN 132 )
|
| |
-
TC 321 - Visual Design Techniques 3 lecture hours 2 lab hours 4 credits
This is a survey course encompassing the fundamentals of visual communication, computer graphics, traditional techniques and their application to communication design. Production exercises include advertising-based documents, informational/persuasive-based documents, vector graphic/logo design, and basic Web design. Effective applications of typographic design, visual layout, audience consideration, client consideration, and color are integrated throughout the course and through the use of Photoshop, Illustrator, Fireworks, and Dreamweaver. This course is a balance between lecture, in-class workshops, and group projects. This class requires that the student have some experience with Desktop Publishing software and/or some awareness of the Adobe Creative Suite programs. (prereq: EN 132 or advanced writing skills)
|
| |
-
TC 332 - Advanced Technical Writing 3 lecture hours 0 lab hours 3 credits
This course gives the student practical experience in developing and preparing technical documentation. Discussions emphasize the importance of knowing your audience and writing efficient documentation. Students learn and experience first-hand the technical documentation process preparing them for the tasks for which they will be responsible in their careers. The major requirement for this course is researching, writing and producing a user manual. The manual will be of a quality that it can be used as part of the students’ portfolios. In addition, students are responsible for a number of technical writing assignments leading up to the completion of the user manual. These include, but are not limited to, a user analysis, documentation plan, and style guide. (prereq: EN 132 or TC 1111 )
|
| |
-
TC 342 - Professional Presentation Techniques 2 lecture hours 2 lab hours 3 credits
The course is designed to challenge conventional methods of creating and delivering professional presentations. The course incorporates several ground-breaking presentation approaches that have influenced the perceptions of the world’s famous brands and businesses. Through hands-on projects, students will learn how to apply innovative presentation techniques to create influential content, captivating visuals, and dynamic and memorable performances. (prereq: EN 241 )
|
| |
-
TC 351 - Organizational Communication 3 lecture hours 0 lab hours 3 credits
This subject investigates organizational structures and the possible impediments to effective communication within the structure. Various tactics are studied to promote better communication. Attention is paid to managerial problems, specialized jargon, filtering and distortion in directional communication, and informal communication channels.
|
| |
-
TC 381 - Marketing Communication 3 lecture hours 0 lab hours 3 credits
This course focuses on integrated marketing communications, which includes synchronized communication management, multichannel communication flow, message consistency, measurement, and tailored relationship-building messages. It tightly integrates the marcom function with marketing and sales objectives, concentrating on controlling the communication pathways with the customer. Primary emphasis is on writing a full range of marcom techniques.
|
| |
-
TC 432 - Writing and Editing for Publication 3 lecture hours 0 lab hours 3 credits
This course introduces students to the publishing industry and provides an overview of the entire process of publication, from the topic proposal stage through the printing and distribution of the final published product. All forms of publishing are covered: books, magazines (consumer, literary, trade), refereed professional journals, newsletters, and electronic venues and students develop strategies for targeting specific outlets for their work. Students write a series of individual query proposals, reviews, and articles, and they produce a newsletter issue, participating in all phases of the editing process from initial brainstorming and audience analysis to printing and distribution of the final publication.
|
| |
-
TC 433 - Knowledge Management 3 lecture hours 0 lab hours 3 credits
This is a survey course encompassing the fundamentals of knowledge management (KM) for technical communication. KM is becoming an increasingly important discipline that promotes the discovery, capture, sharing, and application of an organization’s knowledge for the purpose of creating competitive advantage through a learning organization. The course will look at KM through the eyes of a content creator and knowledge manager. (prereq: EN 132 or advanced writing skills, selected articles and readings)
|
| |
-
TC 451 - Mass Communication 3 lecture hours 0 lab hours 3 credits
This course surveys mass communication theories and practices. The course will review all forms of historic and modern mass communication, including broadcasting and publishing. It will also consider the advent of networking via the Internet. The course further will examine the news business as well as the entertainment and information industries. Issues to be considered include mass media ownership and concentration; ethics and law; the influence of media upon public customs; attitudes and beliefs; and the credibility of media messengers.
|
| |
-
TC 452 - Interpersonal Communication 3 lecture hours 0 lab hours 3 credits
This course is designed to provide students with an opportunity to develop competencies in the areas of interpersonal communication in both the public and personal arenas. Various written individual assignments focus on sending and receiving clear verbal and non-verbal messages within the framework of both personal and professional contexts. Other areas of skill development covered are perception, listening, resolving conflicts, and the development and maintenance of interpersonal relationships. Students will participate in a research project working collaboratively in dyads.
|
| |
-
TC 453 - Intercultural Communication 3 lecture hours 0 lab hours 3 credits
The objective of this course is to develop effective communicators who can recognize, analyze, and resolve intercultural conflicts. With a focus upon increased globalization and the changing nature of the nation’s population, students are taught to adapt to unfamiliar cultures and establish ways and means for effective communication.
|
| |
-
TC 490 - Independent Study 0 lecture hours 0 lab hours 2 credits
This subject provides an advanced student with an opportunity to develop an in-depth understanding of an area within the field of technical communication. (prereq: consent of department chair)
|
| |
-
TC 495 - Selected Topics in Technical Communication 3 lecture hours 0 lab hours 3 credits
This course covers timely topics in the technical communication field or specialized subjects that reflect the expertise/interest of current technical communication program faculty. This course fulfills the TC-495 requirement for technical communication majors. It also fulfills requirements for the Technical Communication Minor, with individual course sections identified by subject area (theory, speaking, writing, applications) requirements met. This class is limited to 15 students (prereq: EN 132 , EN 241 )
|
| |
-
TC 498 - Technical Communication Practicum 3 lecture hours 0 lab hours 3 credits
This course is designed to give students working toward the Technical Communication Minor or Technical Communication Certificate an opportunity to gain workplace experience in the technical communication field. Each student is required to submit a final report documenting all aspects of the practicum experience. (prereq: senior standing, enrollment in TC minor or TC certificate program, permission of TC program director)
|
| |
-
TC 499 - Internship 6 lecture hours 0 lab hours 6 credits
The senior technical communication student is required to work in an approved technical communication situation. All internships must be arranged through the General Studies Department. This internship is designed to allow the student to experience the realities of the profession. Each student is required to submit a comprehensive final report documenting all aspects of the internship. (prereq: senior standing, permission of TC program director)
|
| |
-
TC 1111 - Introduction to Technical Communication 3 lecture hours 0 lab hours 3 credits
This course introduces students to the wide range of career options available in the technical communication field. Special emphasis is given to technical writing style, which can be applied in all the upper-division technical writing courses. Both in-class and out-of-class writing assignments provide practical experience in working on style. Another aspect of the course is to provide students with tours of facilities which employ technical communicators. Students will also make an oral presentation about technical material.
|
| |
Page: 1
| 2
| 3
| 4
| 5
| 6
| 7
| 8
| 9
| 10
|
|
|
Skip to Main Content
Print this Page