Technical Writing Courses at DeVry University
Program Name:
Bachelor's in Business Administration - Technical Communication
| Advanced Composition |
| Course Number |
ENGL-135 |
| Credits |
4.0 |
This course builds on the conventions and techniques of composition
through critical reading requirements and longer, more
sophisticated reports, including a documented library research
paper. Assignments require revising and editing for an intended
audience. Students are also taught search strategies for accessing
a variety of print and electronic resources. |
| Technical Writing |
| Course Number |
ENGL-216 |
| Credits |
4.0 |
Students apply composition principles to develop common
report formats, including formal lab reports and common types
of applied writing. Audience analysis, development of effective
technical style, organization methods and graphic aids are
emphasized. Classroom activities include planning, reviewing
and revising writing. |
| Professional Communication |
| Course Number |
ENGL-230 |
| Credits |
3.0 |
This course enhances students’ writing and presentation skills
for academic applications and professional communication in the
workplace. Students analyze the needs of divergent audiences,
and craft messages using technology tools and media appropriate
for distance and group communication. An emphasis on collaborative
work further prepares students for the contemporary work
environment. |
| Dramatic Literature |
| Course Number |
HUMN-428 |
| Credits |
4.0 |
This course introduces the dramatic genre and enables students
to analyze and evaluate both written plays and live performances.
Through reading plays and critical texts from various
historical periods and writing critical papers, students
learn to assess formal elements of dramatic writing together
with thematic content and historical context. Students watch
live or filmed performances, extending their ability to develop
critical understanding of theater as a social and artistic phenomenon.
Prerequisite: ENGL-135 |
| Comparative Religions |
| Course Number |
HUMN-448 |
| Credits |
3.0 |
Through study of the world’s major and minor religions,
indigenous religions and cults, this course helps students
understand the varieties and commonalities of human religious
experience, with emphasis on both individual and
group phenomena. Students compare the core elements
of religion through analysis of religious belief in practice,
and as they are depicted in philosophy, theology and the
social sciences. Students also learn to formulate their own
views on the role of religion in human affairs. Prerequisite:
ENGL-135 |
| Technology, Society, and Culture |
| Course Number |
HUMN-432 |
| Credits |
3.0 |
In this capstone course, the relationship between society and
technology is investigated through reading, reflection, research
and reports. The course identifies conditions that have promoted
technological development and assesses the social, political,
environmental, cultural and economic effects of current technology.
Issues of control and ethical considerations in the use of
technology are primary. Discussion and oral and written reports
draw together students’ prior learning in specialty and general
education courses. This course must be taken at DeVry. Prerequisites:
Senior status, and successful completion of all General Education
requirements except courses with the prefix CARD |
| Social Psychology |
| Course Number |
PSYC-315 |
| Credits |
3.0 |
Students In This Course Explore Ways In Which Individuals Think About, Influence, Are Influenced By And Otherwise Relate To People. Individual Behavior In The Context Of Social Groups And Forces Is Emphasized. Coursework Provides A Basis For Scientifically Addressing Key Issues Of This Field. Prerequisite: Psyc-110, Socs-185, Socs-187 Or Socs-190 |
| Legal and Ethical Issues |
| Course Number |
LAWS-420 |
| Credits |
3.0 |
Students in this course explore contemporary ethical and regulatory
issues within professions through evaluation of ethical
and legal principles and their application to particular fields of
endeavor. Concepts of professionalism and of values related
to professional practice are addressed through a variety of
methods, including case studies and analyses. A critical look
at organizational and professional codes of ethics is included.
Prerequisite: ENGL-135 |
| Statistics for Decision-Making |
| Course Number |
MATH-221 |
| Credits |
4.0 |
This course provides tools used for statistical analysis and
decision-making in business. The course includes both descriptive
statistics and inferential concepts used to draw conclusions
about a population. Research techniques such as sampling and
experiment design are included for both single and multiple
sample groups. Prerequisite: MATH-114 |
| Marketing |
| Course Number |
BUSN-319 |
| Credits |
3.0 |
In This Course Students Apply Principles And Strategies For Marketing Products And Services To Industrial, Commercial And Governmental Entities. Topics Include Ways In Which Market Information And Product Life Cycle Affect Product And Production Design; Forecasting Techniques; Interdependencies Between Marketing And Operations Functions; And Selling Skills. Prerequisites: Busn-115 And Math-114 |
| Finance |
| Course Number |
BUSN-379 |
| Credits |
3.0 |
This course introduces corporate financial structure and covers
basic capital budgeting techniques, including discounted cash
flow analysis. Funds sources and financial resource allocation are
analyzed. Spreadsheet software packages are used to analyze
data and solve case-based problems. Prerequisite: ACCT-212 |
| Principles of Economics |
| Course Number |
ECON-312 |
| Credits |
3.0 |
This course introduces basic concepts and issues in microeconomics,
macroeconomics and international trade. Microeconomic
concepts, such as supply and demand and the theory of the firm,
serve as foundations for analyzing macroeconomic issues. Macroeconomic
topics include gross domestic product (GDP), and
fiscal and monetary policy, as well as international topics such
as trade and exchange rates. The course stresses analyzing and
applying economic variables of real-world issues. |
| Principles of Management |
| Course Number |
MGMT-303 |
| Credits |
3.0 |
This course examines fundamental management theories and
traditional managerial responsibilities in formal and informal
organizational structures. Planning, organizing, directing, controlling
and staffing are explored. Prerequisite: BUSN-115 |
| Managerial Accounting |
| Course Number |
ACCT-346 |
| Credits |
4.0 |
This course introduces how managers use accounting information
in business decision-making. Topics include standard cost
systems, budgeting, break-even analysis, relevant cost issues,
and the effect of state and federal taxes on decision-making.
These principles apply to all types of businesses, including the
service industry, manufacturing and merchandising. Students
use spreadsheet applications to analyze and provide solutions
to challenges faced by management in today’s business environment.
Prerequisite: ACCT-212 |
| Fundamentals of E-Commerce |
| Course Number |
ECOM-210 |
| Credits |
4.0 |
This course provides an in-depth overview of the issues, technology
and environment of electronic commerce. Knowledge gained
facilitates more comprehensive and contemporary exploration
of future coursework in marketing, operations, finance, business
law, and database and website management. Challenges and
opportunities of electronic business are discussed. Prerequisite:
BUSN-115 |
| Federal Tax Accounting II |
| Course Number |
ACCT-424 |
| Credits |
4.0 |
This course addresses the special tax issues of corporations,
partnerships, S corporations, gift taxes, estates and trusts. Tax
forms, tax software, the Internet, spreadsheets and word processing
programs are used to research, solve and analyze tax problems
relating to corporate and partnership income taxes. Prerequisite:
ACCT-324 |
| Project Management |
| Course Number |
MGMT-404 |
| Credits |
4.0 |
This Course Enhances Students’ Ability To Function In A Project Leadership Role. While Exploring The Project Life Cycle, They Gain Experience In Budget And Timeline Management. Project Management Software Is Used To Design Project Schedules Using Methods Such As Bar Charts, Program Evaluation Review Technique (pert) And Critical Path Method (cpm) To Produce Project Plans To Apply To The Solution Of Case Studies. Prerequisites: Math-221 Or Math-233, And Upper-term Status |
| Creative Writing – Honors Option |
| Course Number |
ENGL-220H |
| Credits |
4.0 |
This alternative to ENGL-112 is offered in a workshop setting.
Students explore modes of written self-expression, including
poetry, fiction and drama, to experience various literary genres
and produce short creative works. They also learn to apply constructive
feedback to the rewrite process. A student writing anthology
is produced, and the course culminates in a study of the literary
marketplace. Prerequisite: Permission from the academic
administrator / 4-4 |
| Advanced Composition |
| Course Number |
ENGL-135 |
| Credits |
4.0 |
This course builds on the conventions and techniques of composition
through critical reading requirements and longer, more
sophisticated reports, including a documented library research
paper. Assignments require revising and editing for an intended
audience. Students are also taught search strategies for accessing
a variety of print and electronic resources. Prerequisite:
ENGL-112 / 4-4 |
| Culture and Society |
| Course Number |
SOCS-185 |
| Credits |
3.0 |
This course explores the role of culture in social organizations.
Social institutions, and the issues of race and gender within
social structures, are analyzed in the context of multicultural
societies and increasing global interaction. Basic sociological
principles and research findings are used to support analysis
of cultural and social issues. / 3-3 |
| Career Development |
| Course Number |
CARD-205 |
| Credits |
5.0 |
Career planning strategies and resources are explored to prepare
students for a successful job search and to maximize potential
for advancement and long-term professional growth. Students
perform self-assessment and goal-setting activities, and apply
research and evaluation skills to execute job search and career
advancement strategies. Each student assembles a professional
portfolio highlighting achievements, goals and concrete plans.
This course must be taken at DeVry. Prerequisite: Upper-term
status / 2-2 |
| Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving |
| Course Number |
COLL-148 |
| Credits |
5.0 |
This course focuses on identifying and articulating skills needed
for academic and professional success. Coursework provides
instruction and practice in critical thinking and problem-solving
through analysis of critical reading and reasoning, as well as
through examination of problem-solving methodologies. Students
learn to work in teams, to identify and resolve problems, and to
use research effectively to gather and evaluate relevant and useful
information. / 3-3 |
| Algebra for College Students |
| Course Number |
MATH-114 |
| Credits |
4.0 |
This Course Focuses On Systems Of Linear Equations; Radical And Rational Expressions; And Functions Where Linear, Quadratic, Exponential And Logarithmic Functions Are Emphasized Using Application Problems And Modeling. The Minimum Requirement To Pass This Course Is 80 Percent, And Grades Of C And D Are Not Assigned. Eligibility To Enroll In The Course Is Based On Placement Results, Or Successful Completion Of Math-092 Or Math-102. / 4-4 |
| Fundamentals of Human Anatomy and Physiology with Lab |
| Course Number |
BIOS-105 |
| Credits |
4.0 |
This course provides a “road map” perspective of human body
structure and function. Topics include cell structure and function,
and a survey of all major systems of the human body. The connections
and inter-working relationships among systems are introduced.
Lab work includes computer exercises and simulation
activities, as well as observation related to topics covered. / 5-4 |
| Financial Accounting |
| Course Number |
ACCT-212 |
| Credits |
4.0 |
This Course Focuses On Ways In Which Financial Statements Reflect Business Operations And Emphasizes Use Of Financial Statements In The Decision-making Process. The Course Encompasses All Business Forms And Various Sectors Such As Merchandising, Manufacturing And Services. Students Make Extensive Use Of Spreadsheet Applications To Analyze Accounting Records And Financial Statements. Prerequisites: Comp-100 And Math-114 / 4-4 |
| Data Analysis with Spreadsheets with Lab |
| Course Number |
BIS-155 |
| Credits |
4.0 |
This course focuses on analyzing business situations using current
spreadsheet software. Using data derived from real-world business
situations, students learn to use appropriate spreadsheet software
features to organize, analyze and present data, as well as to make
business decisions. Through personal database technology such
as Access, the course also introduces basic database concepts.
Prerequisite: COMP-100 / 4-3 |
| Introduction to Business and Technology |
| Course Number |
BUSN-115 |
| Credits |
3.0 |
This course introduces business and the environments in which
businesses operate. Students examine the roles of major functional
areas of business and interrelationships among them. Organizational
theories and techniques are examined, and economic, cultural,
political and technological factors affecting business organizations
are evaluated. / 3-3 |
| Computer Applications for Business with Lab |
| Course Number |
COMP-100 |
| Credits |
3.0 |
This course introduces basic concepts and principles underlying
personal productivity tools widely used in business such as word
processors, spreadsheets, email and web browsers. Students also
learn basic computer terminology and concepts. Hands-on exercises
provide students with experience in use of PCs and current
personal productivity tools. / 3-2 |
| Database Essentials for Business with Lab |
| Course Number |
BIS-245 |
| Credits |
5.0 |
Students in this course learn to design relational databases and
to build database applications, including tables, queries, forms,
reports and macros. Also addressed is implementation of basic
database security, backup and recovery procedures. Generating
reports and meeting business requirements are emphasized.
Prerequisite: BIS-155 / 5-4 |
| Perspectives on Technology |
| Course Number |
TC-160 |
| Credits |
4.0 |
This course presents an overview of characteristics that help define, analyze and communicate about technology. Tools and techniques are introduced to facilitate recognition of technology’s processes and methods, as well as its organization, management and development. The relationship between science and technology is fundamental to explorations of the course. Prerequisite: MATH-114 / 4-4 |
| Rhetorical Strategies for Technical Communication |
| Course Number |
TC-220 |
| Credits |
4.0 |
Students in this course use audience and context analysis, determination of purpose and other rhetorical strategies to create technical documents for persuasive and informative purposes. Major emphasis is placed on logic, argument, evidence and various appeals in producing documents containing sound reasoning and effective language.Studies include logical fallacies; social, ethical, political and practical influences; and ways of incorporating quantitative and qualitative information into documents. Prerequisite: ENGL-135 / 4-4 |
| Document Design |
| Course Number |
TC-310 |
| Credits |
4.0 |
This course presents fundamentals of information design using software products tailored to the design process. Students learn each software product and then apply their skills to design and present projects. Key topics are technical design theory including contrast, repetition, alignment and proximity; typology and linear components; and page layout. Rhetorical elements of information design focusing on purpose, audience and context are incorporated into each project. Prerequisite: ENGL-227 / 4-4 |
| Advanced Technical Writing and Editing |
| Course Number |
TC-320 |
| Credits |
4.0 |
This course prepares students to write and edit technical and business documents for both the manufacturing and software development sectors. Students are introduced to the range of communication tasks performed by professional technical writers and editors, including engineering and software documentation, training and marketing materials, and corporate communication documents. Topics include document structure and formats, information gathering techniques, usability testing principles and practical guidelines for editing technical documents. Prerequisite: ENGL-227 / 4-4 |
| Visual Design |
| Course Number |
TC-360 |
| Credits |
4.0 |
This course presents elements of visual design in technical communication using appropriate software. Students learn various software products, and then apply their skills to designing and presenting visual design projects. Coursework addresses visual design theory, minimalism, visual rhetoric and visual ethics. In addition, students incorporate visual design theory into document designs. Prerequisite: TC-310 / 4-4 |
| Marketing and Corporate Communications |
| Course Number |
TC-420 |
| Credits |
4.0 |
Students in this course apply rhetorical strategies and composition principles to create marketing literature,investor communications, media releases and executive presentations. The course includes current communication issues in business, such as globalization, cross-cultural influences, technological advances, ethics and regulatory requirements. Students develop and present oral and written reports in a variety of media and channels. Client practitioner involvement is used as available.
Prerequisites: BUSN-319 and TC-220 / 4-4 |
| Proposal and Grant Writing |
| Course Number |
TC-430 |
| Credits |
4.0 |
In this course students explore procurement processes in industry and government, as well as grant funding in the nonprofit and government sectors, with particular emphasis on the technical writer’s role in these processes. Students also learn how businesses and government agencies purchase products and services, including types of contracts used; how companies and other organizations prepare bids and proposals; and how proposals and grant requests are reviewed. Issues of ethics and fairness are addressed. Proposals and grant-request documents for both the private and public sectors are developed. Prerequisite: TC-320 / 4-4 |
| Scientific and Medical Writing |
| Course Number |
TC-450 |
| Credits |
4.0 |
This course addresses communication and information design in health care, science, public policy, patient education, scientific journalism and related fields. Students prepare a range of documents presenting their analysis of data and other information on medical and scientific issues for a general audience. In addition, student groups work on team projects for actual or simulated clients. Prerequisite: TC-320 / 4-4 |
| Web Design |
| Course Number |
WGD-232 |
| Credits |
4.0 |
This Course Introduces Fundamentals Of Web Design Principles And Web Content Management. Topics Include The User Interface, Web Page Conceptualization, Page Structure, Extensible Hypertext Markup Language (xhtml), Cascading Style Sheets (css), Wysiwyg Editors, Scripting And Web Accessibility Standards. Prerequisite: Wgd-229 / 4-4 |
Program description: With a growing demand for technical writers and editors in fields like law, medicine, science, and technology, technical communication careers are expected to increase faster than the average for all professions through 2010*. Earn your business degree with a specialization in Technical Communication, and you can qualify to write for software companies, prepare content for the Internet, interpret technical material for a general readership, and produce user guides, instruction manuals, and training materials.
When you specialize your business degree in Technical Communication, your coursework may include these career-enhancing courses:
Marketing and Corporate Communications – Addressing current communication issues in business, such as globalization, cross-cultural influences, technological advances, ethics, and regulatory requirements, this course guides students as they apply rhetorical strategies and composition principles to create marketing literature, investor communications, media releases, and executive presentations.
Visual Design – Through visual design theory, minimalism, visual rhetoric, and visual ethics, this course presents elements of visual design in technical communication using appropriate software. Students learn various software products and then apply their skills to designing and presenting visual design projects and documents.
Web Design – In this course that focuses on user-centered design, appropriate use of design elements, and applying information design theories, students learn to use a variety of software products and apply their skills to designing and presenting a web page.
Proposal and Grant Writing – In this course students explore procurement processes in industry and government, as well as grant funding in the nonprofit and government sectors, with particular emphasis on the technical writer's role in these processes. In addition to issues of ethics and fairness, topics include types of contracts used; how companies and other organizations prepare bids and proposals; and how proposals and grant requests are reviewed.
Scientific and Medical Writing – Addressing communication and information design in healthcare, science, public policy, patient education, scientific journalism, and related fields, this course prepares students to create a range of documents presenting their analysis of data and other information on medical and scientific issues for actual or simulated clients.