Represents an important collection of writings about technical communications. Focusing on a range of theoretical and practical issues, this title includes essays which reflect the rigor, vitality, and interdisciplinary nature of modern technical communications.

Introduction Paul V. Anderson, R. John Brockmann, and Carolyn R. Miller PART I: EMPIRICAL RESEARCH Studying Writing in Non-Academic Settings Lee Odell, Dixie Goswami, Anne Herrington, and Doris Quick Revising Functional Documents: The Scenario Principle Linda Flower, John R. Hayes, and Heidi Swarts Topical Focus in Technical Writing Lester Faigley and Stephen P. Witte PART II: REASSESSING READABILITYWhat Constitutes a "Readable" Technical Style? Jack Selzer A Cognitive Approach to Readability Thomas N. Huckin PART III: APPROACHES FROM RHETORIC, DISCOURSE THEORY, AND SOCIOLOGYThe Role of Models in Technical and Scientific Writing Victoria M. Winkler A Rhetoric for Research in Sciences and Technologies James P. Zappen A Theoretical Perspective on "How To" Discourse Elizabeth Harris Scientific Writing as a Social Act: A Review of the Literature of the Sociology of Science Charles Bazerman PART IV: HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVESStyle as Therapy in Renaissance Science James Stephens Bacon, Linnaeus, and Lavoisier: Early Language Reform in the Sciences James Paradis PART V: REDEFINITION What's Technical about Technical Writing? David N. Dobrin Contributors