Communicating in Technical Organizations

Fountain pen on a keyboard.

Communication is a major part of daily work for engineers. (Image courtesy of Daniel Bersak. Used with permission.)

Instructor(s)

MIT Course Number

21W.780

As Taught In

Fall 2001

Level

Undergraduate

Cite This Course

Course Description

This course focuses on an exploration of the role that communication plays in the work of the contemporary engineering and science professional. Emphasis is placed on analyzing how composition and publication contribute to work management and knowledge production, as well as the "how-to" aspects of writing specific kinds of documents in a clear style. Topics include: communication as organizational process, electronic modes such as e-mail and the Internet, the informational and social roles of specific document forms, writing as collaboration, the writing process, the elements of style, methods of oral presentation, and communication ethics. Case studies used as the basis for class discussion and some writing assignments. Several short documents, a longer report or article, and a short oral presentation are required.

Other OCW Versions

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Barrett, Edward. 21W.780 Communicating in Technical Organizations, Fall 2001. (MIT OpenCourseWare: Massachusetts Institute of Technology), http://ocw.mit.edu/courses/writing-and-humanistic-studies/21w-780-communicating-in-technical-organizations-fall-2001 (Accessed). License: Creative Commons BY-NC-SA


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