Topic integration: How technical communications can equip engineers for industry

The author describes a course taught at Arizona State University which introduces students to topic integration, requiring students to prepare written and oral communication materials that integrate technical, economic, manufacturing, ethical, and human issues. As students prepare their oral and written communication materials they also learn to focus on economic, manufacturing, ethical, and human issues. During the informative phase of the course, which results in a 2000-word informative report, students first develop a detailed project plan outlining a specific company (real or imaginary) and their roles in that company. In addition, the plan helps them determine the audiences they will address and the reason(s) why the company needs to know the information in the report