Graduate Comprehensive Exam Reading List

The comprehensive examination in Technical Writing is a process in applied critical analysis and praxis. The process begins with a contextualized analysis of the texts on the reading lists. The reading lists are not exclusive, but are representative of both fundamental and pivotal works in technical communication and related disciplines critical to the student's understanding of the exam area.

From these readings, students are expected to relate theories and principles, methods and processes, and issues and trends to contexts relevant to the technical communication profession and discipline.

• Demonstrate their understanding of the exam area by drawing upon relevant texts from the suggested reading lists, their course work, and their independent study
  
• Apply their critical understanding of multiple texts and their interconnections to technical communication contexts, including workplace or classroom situations and workplace and instructional genres
  
• Develop independent cogent arguments supported with evidence from these texts or based upon critical analyses of these texts
  
• Display their mastery of technical writing principles and rhetorical strategies

See the most recent MA Qualifying Exams reading list.