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ENG 735 A: Research Methods for Writing Studies

M 4:25-7:15

Heidi McKee

In this course, we will examine a variety of methods and methodologies for ethically conducting empirical studies of writing, writers, and writing contexts. We will focus primarily on qualitative, person-based methods, but we will consider the important and productive relationship between qualitative and quantitative studies. 

We will read and analyze studies of writers and writing in a variety of contexts, including k-12, post-secondary, civic, community, workplace, and online. We will also have guest researchers visit class (via web video) to discuss their research. 

Most importantly, because the best way to learn about research is by doing research, each person in the class will design, develop, conduct, and report (orally & in a journal manuscript) on a small person-based research study. Past projects students have completed have involved research with students and instructors, with social media activists around the world, with workplace professionals, and with members of community organizations. Through your research in and for this class, you will have the opportunity to not only build your own knowledge but to also contribute knowledge to the persons and communities with whom you research and to broader writing studies fields.

A key goal of this course is to provide the foundations on which you can build going forward in your studies and in your career. To that end, all class projects are designed so that you may tailor them to your interests and goals.

ENG 770 A: Professional Writing

T 1:15-4:05

Adam Strantz 

This seminar will focus on the foundational theories, areas of study, and practices of Professional Writing as a field. Students will explore the relationship among contributing and intersecting areas and discourses, such as rhetoric, composition, business writing, and scientific, technical, and digital communication. The class will address questions such as: How did Professional Writing emerge as a field? What new and emerging research areas are being explored in the field? What role does technology play in Professional Writing research? And how does rhetoric factor into our research as a guiding force in workplace studies, community engagement, ethics, and all forms of professional and technical communication? 

Alongside studying research in the field of Professional Writing, students will also be presented with syllabi and pedagogical materials for some of the major types of courses taught in the field including Business Writing, Technical Communication, Intro to Professional Writing, Data Visualization & Design, Research Methods, and Content Strategy. Informed by our study of theory, students will have an opportunity to create their own course materials for teaching these courses to undergraduates.