TC 403, Rhetoric and Video Games, 3 cr, 3 cl hrs Prerequisites: ENGL 112 or consent of instructor
(for graduate level, Graduate Standing or consent of Instructor) A reading and discussion-heavy
course that focuses on the critical study of video games as a medium for communication,
design, culture, and ideologies. Our primary methodological focus will be the application
of rhetorical theory as a critical lens through which we examine video games as a
medium. Course readings will begin with Ancient Greek rhetoric and move through modern
rhetoric. Students will have the opportunity to produce both critical academic writing
using video games and rhetorical theory and a creative project practicing components
of game development.
TC 404 Design Thinking for Innovation Lab 3 cr., 3 cl. hrs This class hones students’ creativity and critical thinking skills to develop innovative
design solutions to products and services. This course introduces students to the
“design thinking mindset”, process and tools needed in this approach. The class also
addresses user needs and there is an emphasis on working on client-based problems.
This hands-on lab class prepares students to more easily guide strategies and actively
contribute to decision-making processes in research, education and industry.
TC 405, Science Writing, 3 cr, 3 cl hrs Prerequisite: ENGL 112 and at least junior standing or consent of instructor
and advisor This course provides an overview of science writing genres designed to
reach multiple audiences (e.g., specialists, policymakers, students, the public, etc.),
with an emphasis on non specialist audiences. Course topics include, but are not
limited to, the rhetorical history of science communication, popular science writing
and science journalism, and public information for research groups and facilities
(e.g., press releases, websites, science blogs). This course is ideal for TC students
interested in working for one of New Mexico’s many national labs and research facilities
and for students in the sciences interested in improving their scientific communication
skills. This course involves a service learning project providing students with opportunities
for publication. Shares lecture with TC 505, with additional expectations for graduate
credit.
TC 411/511/511D Persuasive Communication and Grant Writing 3 cr., 3 cl hrs. Pre-requisites: English 112 or Consent of Instructor This course introduces rhetorical theory and persuasive techniques for communication
from promotional documents to grants. Students gain practical experience in design,
writing, and illustrating promotional texts. A central focus of the class is on preparing
and submitting a real-world grant proposal, and introduces writing for both government
and small foundation grants.
TC 416, International Professional Communication, 3 cr, 3 cl hrs Prerequisite: ENGL 112
or consent of instructor and advisor Producing efficient and effective information
for audiences situation in different geographic locations is a major concern of companies
and organizations, both large and small. This course develops the knowledge and skills
needed to analyze and solve the problems posed by a world that is increasingly diverse,
interconnected, and driven by knowledge, technology and the capacity to learn and
adapt to new and ever changing contexts and situations. During the course, students
will produce artifacts that demonstrate development and accomplishments as an international
professional communicator. Shares lecture with TC 512, with additional expectations
for graduate credit.
TC 420, Senior Seminar, 3 cr, 3 cl hrs Prerequisites: TC 211 and senior standing in the
Technical Communication program Readings in professional journals and discussion of
current issues in technical and professional communication. Taught as a seminar
with students presenting papers. Research leading to proposal for TC 422, Senior Thesis.
TC 421/521/521D Documentation and Client Project Management 3 cr., 3 cl. Hrs. Pre-requisites: English 112 or Consent of Instructor This course discusses the development and writing processes of professional communication
documents, which can include computer/software documentation, websites, videos, policy
and procedural manuals and instructions. Students gain practical experience working
on an in‐depth documentation project with real-world clients and developing materials
for users. Usability testing and individual project management are also a part of
this course.
TC 422, Senior Thesis, 3 cr, 3 cl hrs Prerequisite: TC 420 Initiation, production, and presentation
(oral and written) of an original research project in technical communication. TC
491, Directed Studies, 1–3 cr, as arranged Prerequisites: TC 202 and 211, or consent
of instructor and advisor
TC 461, Advanced Visual Communication: Data Visualization, 3 cr, 3 cl hrs Prerequisites:
ENGL 112 or consent of instructor and advisor STEM professionals constantly visualize
data both mentally and physically. Understanding how different professionals and fields
visualize data is critical to improving professional communication. In this course,
students learn how to observe STEM professionals at work, analyze and interpret the
results, and apply them in their own work. Shares lecture with TC 561, with additional
expectations for graduate credit.
TC 491, Directed Studies, 1–3 cr, as arranged Prerequisites: TC 202 and 211, or consent
of instructor and advisor