|
Date: Tuesday, April 22nd
In addition to the final print project, graduate students are required to produce a 15-page research paper at the end of the semester. The exact form of these papers is open to negotiation, but here are some possibilities for students to consider:
- Exploration of a fairly new technology within the print industry and how it might be used to improve organizational goals and communication. An example might be how XML is being used within technical communication to produce both web and print publications from a single source. One caveat: the newer the technology, the less likely it is that in-depth information will be available.
- Examination of a historical period in the print trade. This could include focusing in detail on one particular historical period, or describing the evolution of one particular technology—such as fonts—over many different periods. One might also examine advancements in print technology across multiple cultures, comparing and contrasting how the technology was developed.
- A detailed ethnographic case study of how a particular business or group of businesses uses print technology to support their organizational goals. This involves hanging out with a print-intensive business in the area and observing how they use print technologies to manage their organizational goals and communication.
As I mentioned, the exact form and focus of this research is open to negotiation between me and individual students, but you should consult with me if you find your research veering substantially from the proposal submitted earlier in the semester. The only firm condition that I insist upon is that the research be relevant, detailed, methodical, and interesting. We'll discuss the exact meaning of these adjectives in class as the assignment draws near.
As always, if you have any questions, please let me know.
|
