Ashley Beardsley, PhD

Theories and dynamics of writing consultation and course-based tutoring. Readings theorize the writing process, conflicting ideas about writing itself, as well as writing center history, theory, and practice. The course is highly interactive, calling on students to use readings as the grounding for the critical examination of writing consultant practices, as well as the co-construction of classroom discussions and activities. Field work (one hour per week) as a writing consultant is required.

The proliferation of computers has led to the rampant growth of documentation requirements and an increased demand for writers capable of addressing various audiences with clarity and precision. In this course, we will concentrate on documentation standards and guidelines, documentation management and control and document preparation. Among the topics covered will be documentation requirements in the design, development and life cycle of a system; forms management and design considerations; software documentation requirements and the techniques used to prepare effective and efficient documents.