International technical communication refers to technical communication between nations or across cultures.  English 5314 prepares students with the necessary theories and skills for international technical communication.  It mainly consists of three parts: understanding cultural differences, translation theories and techniques, and software or website internationalization and localization.  Students will first learn important models for understanding cultural differences and other theories regarding how to communicate with cross-cultural audiences ethically, verbally, visually, and technologically in an effective manner.  They will also learn how to analyze international audiences in terms of their values, cultural needs, and their communication styles.  In the translation part, students will learn principles that can guide translation.  The final part emphasizes the use of technology in software or Web site internationalization and localization, a very important part in international technical communication. Students will conceptually understand how to internationalize or localize websites using relevant software.   

       English 5313: Visual Rhetoric, is an interesting course that teaches students how to apply rhetoric theory, visual  vocabulary, and Gestalt principles in document design, which is of great practical importance to technical communicators. In addition to this part of knowledge, the course also try to cultivate students' visual intelligence and visual literacy by teaching them the theories and principles for mediating images and various approaches such as semiotic study, content analysis, and cultural study for interpreting images  The mini-film project enables students to think in images and use images for persuasive purposes. The class is mainly research, discussion, and problem-solving oriented. You will find the course interesting and edifying. You are welcome to English 5313!