Graduation Year
2023
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree
Ph.D.
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Degree Granting Department
English
Major Professor
Lisa Melonçon, Ph.D.
Committee Member
Joanna Schreiber, Ph.D.
Committee Member
Liane Robertson, Ph.D.
Committee Member
Kristen Gay, Ph.D.
Keywords
outcomes, programmatic, Technical and Professional Communication, visual communication
Abstract
This study explores design related courses within the field of Technical and Professional Communication (TPC) to uncover programmatic trends in undergraduate courses at a field wide level. This applied study uses a mixed methods approach to understand the following questions: what do the range of design courses look like in the field of TPC, how are these courses taught, and what would an effective design course look like? To answer these questions, this study uses a mix of three types of data: (1) institutional data on courses, (2) interviews with faculty and administrators who have taught (or are currently teaching) these courses, and (3) course materials (syllabi and assignment sheets) gathered from administrators and faculty to understand the pedagogical context for how these courses are approached. Collecting institutional data allows for a better understanding of the types of courses across the field, while materials and interviews gathered from faculty and administrators uncovers the varying approaches and goals for these courses. The implications call for a sustainable approach to programmatic work in the field, specifically being critically reflective about how courses are developed. Additionally, this study provides examples of how effective courses could be designed with critical reflection in mind.
Scholar Commons Citation
Griffith, Jessica L., "What on earth are we doing (?): A Field-Wide Exploration of Design Courses in TPC" (2023). USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/etd/9873
