Writing for Engineering Students?

[Anonymous]

M’y sophomore engineering student never had the courses in HS or college to become a really good writer. I think he has potential, but placed out of freshman English with an SAT score. Any local recommendations for a great writing class/prof that could be done alongside a local internship or summer job?

[Anonymous]

He could take any English class or practical writing class at his college. It would look good on his transcript.

[Anonymous]

Some engineering programs require college writing courses. So a student would take a writing course, usually through the English Dept. One engineering school I know recommends 2-3 writing courses.

[Anonymous]

There is a technical writing certificate at Montomgery College.

Here is the information.. obviously he doesn't want to do this but these are the classes they recommend.

https://appserv3.montgomerycollege.edu/acalog/working/program-advising-guides/technical-writing-certificate-statewide-program-143.pdf

I would recommend ENGL 259.

Why exactly do you want him to become a writer if he is an engineer?

[Anonymous]

Engineer here. I recommend taking a technical writing or exposition class. Most colleges should have one. The technical part isn’t important but having the teacher give constructive suggestions for their actual writing (rather than ability to interpret a novel) is really key.

If the school has journalism that might also be a place to look.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Some engineering programs require college writing courses. So a student would take a writing course, usually through the English Dept. One engineering school I know recommends 2-3 writing courses.

+1

I'm surprised that he doesn't have additional writing requirements.

As an engineering student, I joked that I wrote more pages per semester than my English-major roommate. Although the history major wrote the most pages out of all of us.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Some engineering programs require college writing courses. So a student would take a writing course, usually through the English Dept. One engineering school I know recommends 2-3 writing courses.

+1

Just because you place out doesn't mean there are no appropriate writing classes available at her school.

[Anonymous]

As an engineer, I wish there were loads more requirements for writing classes! Many of the people I work with are not good at writing or clarity and I spend a lot of time fixing documents.

I got out of freshman english/writing classes, but had to take a technical writing class later, and it did show me how to simplify my writing and be clear with what needs to be expressed.

[Anonymous]

Technical writing should be a his gen ed requirement. tell him to check. different than intro english class

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:As an engineer, I wish there were loads more requirements for writing classes! Many of the people I work with are not good at writing or clarity and I spend a lot of time fixing documents.

I got out of freshman english/writing classes, but had to take a technical writing class later, and it did show me how to simplify my writing and be clear with what needs to be expressed.

It doesn't necessarily mean your writing is better. It just means your position in "chop chain" is higher

[Anonymous]

The SAT shouldn't be used to place out of a writing class or requirement.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Engineer here. I recommend taking a technical writing or exposition class. Most colleges should have one. The technical part isn’t important but having the teacher give constructive suggestions for their actual writing (rather than ability to interpret a novel) is really key.

If the school has journalism that might also be a place to look.

Interesting comment. Thanks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The SAT shouldn't be used to place out of a writing class or requirement.

But it is. Was for me, and I could have used a good writing class. Same for my kid.

[Anonymous]

Buy the book The Craft of Research for excellent writing training.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As an engineer, I wish there were loads more requirements for writing classes! Many of the people I work with are not good at writing or clarity and I spend a lot of time fixing documents.

I got out of freshman english/writing classes, but had to take a technical writing class later, and it did show me how to simplify my writing and be clear with what needs to be expressed.

It doesn't necessarily mean your writing is better. It just means your position in "chop chain" is higher

PP probably got there with management skills that include writing.

Engineering skills + ability to write = golden.