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Course Descriptions

The Autumn 2008 program is no longer accepting applications. Applications are still being accepted for Winter and Spring quarters. Next program starts: Autumn, Winter and Spring quarters Program location: UW campus, Seattle Sign up to receive e-mail updates >> Contact a program representative >>

Students apply to begin this graduate certificate program in Autumn, Winter or Spring quarter. To complete the program, students take the required courses in Autumn and Winter quarters and choose one elective in either Spring or Summer quarters, as outlined below.

AUTUMN QUARTER	WINTER QUARTER	SPRING/SUMMER QUARTERS
TC 517 A, Usability Testing* or TC 517 B, Usability Testing*	TC 518, User Centered Design Processes* and TC 521, Seminar: Current Issues in TC: Usability*	TC 511 A, Visual Media in TC (spring) or TC 516 A, Research Theory & Application in TC (spring) or TC 537, User-Centered Web Design

* Courses marked with an asterisk (*) are required for the certificate.

With the exception of TC 521, each of the following classes meets one evening per week on the UW campus, Seattle. TC 521 is offered on the web via streaming video; individuals may participate in this class from any site at which they have internet access.

Autumn Quarter 2008

Usability Testing (TC 517)*

Section A: Schedule: (10 sessions) Tuesdays, 6:00-9:50 p.m., Sept. 30-Dec. 9, 2008 (no class Nov. 11); 4 credits; $1900. Instructor: TBA, Location: UW Campus-Seattle

Section B: Schedule: (10 sessions) Tuesdays, 6:00-9:50 p.m., Sept. 30-Dec. 9, 2008 (no class Nov. 11); 4 credits; $1900. Instructor: TBA, UW Bellevue, meets at Park 140 at 2445 140th Ave. NE, Suite B-100

Introduction to usability testing as part of a user-centered product development process. The hands-on step-by-step discussion of test design is augmented by a discussion of current theory and strategy.

Winter Quarter 2009

User-Centered Design Processes (TC 518)*

Seattle Section TC 518B
Schedule: (10 sessions) Wednesdays evenings, dates TBA, 2009; 4 credits; $1900. Instructor: TBA, Location: UW Campus-Seattle

Bellevue Section TC 518C
Schedule: (10 sessions) Wednesday evenings, dates TBA; 4 credits; $1900. Instructor: TBA, Location: UW Bellevue

This course explores the user-centered design paradigm via readings, case studies and hands-on design experience. Offers a broad perspective that emphasizes how user research and prototype assessment can be integrated into different phases of the design process.

Seminar on Issues in Technical Communication: Usability (TC 521)*

Schedule: (10 sessions) Fridays, 11:30-12:20 p.m., Jan-March 2009, dates TBA; 1 credit; $475. Facilitator: TBA

This course features distinguished guest speakers from the field of usability. Recent topics have focused on issues such as " "Connecting the Design of Software to the Design of Work," ( Keith Butler, Math & Computing Technology, The Boeing Company) "Meeting the Challenges Posed by International Usability Testing: 2 Case Studies," (Julianne Bryant and Jenny Blackburn, Getty Images) "Do Too Many Cooks Always Spoil the Broth . . . Collaborative Usability Testing at State Farm," (Jack Means, State Farm Usability Group) and "User-Testing Methods in Game Design," (John Davis, Microsoft Games Studio).

Each presentation is videotaped by UW EDGE (Education at a Distance for Growth and Excellence) staff utilizing "streaming" technology to send video and audio over the web. Students can choose to watch the lecture in real time (on the scheduled dates) or on the web any time afterward at their convenience.

Spring Quarter 2009

Research Theory and Application in Technical Communication (TC 516 A)

This course is an introduction to research methods in technical communication. Students examine the relationship between theory and research, hypothesis testing, experimental designs, modes of observation, sampling, validity, and data analysis and interpretation.

Visual Media in Technical Communication (TC 511 A)

This course explores the use of visuals in print and electronic media. Topics include vision, attention and perception, semiotics, depiction, information graphics, icons, typography, and principles of page and screen design.

Summer Quarter 2009

User Centered Web Design (TC 537)

Schedule: (10 sessions) Thursdays, dates and time TBA; 5 credits, $2375. Instructor: TBA

Provides students with theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills to understand the user-centered web development process and to manage a web project from start to finish. Students are exposed to the entire user-centered web site design process, from planning and discovery to launch, promotion and maintenance.