YOUNGSTOWN STATE UNIVERSITY Writing, computer science blend in new program

The new program develops computer and communication skills.
By JoANNE VIVIANO
VINDICATOR EDUCATION WRITER
YOUNGSTOWN -- There are college students who enjoy spending hours writing computer programs. Then there are those who'd rather try their hands at the next American novel.
Some Youngstown State University educators have discovered that some students have a bit of a flair for both.
Thus, a Web Communications program was created. New this fall, the program links the university's department of English with its department of computer science and information systems. Associate CSIS Professor Robert A. Hogue said it's a good mix.
"It's a program that brings together two critically important things today. The Web is the newer technology, ... but behind it is the importance of writing. ... I've always felt the written word is a very powerful form of communication."
Hogue said certain students were interested in Web site development, but there was no room in the computer science major for the type of writing courses needed. And representatives in the English department said there was no room in the English major for significant Web design work.
So, a new program was born to mix the two and offer the technical courses needed to develop Web sites with the writing courses needed to communicate effectively. Requirements include scaled-down version of the computer science major combined with a scaled-down version of the English major.
Filling a niche
"We have built it in such a way that there's enough of a good, solid foundation in both areas that it doesn't detract from either one," Hogue said. "It's not done to take away from a program we have; it's done to fill a niche that's been out there for a while."
The program is not yet an official YSU major but considered an individualized curriculum program. Such programs allow students to create majors that fit their needs. It could become a full-fledged major if it gains enough interest, said Dr. Karen L. Duda, chairwoman of the department of computer science and information systems.
"It provides a good blend of two important areas, both the communication area and the technical area," Duda said. "Also, numerous companies need a wide variety of support in various areas."
She said the two concentrations are interwoven and complementary; and students with internships have found a need for both strengths.
Besides Duda and Hogue, involved in developing the program were Dr. Julia Gergits, acting chairwoman of the English department; Dr. Robert Bolla, dean of arts and sciences; and Dr. James Mike, associate dean.
Background
Though some students at YSU had majored in computer science and minored in journalism or technical writing -- or vice versa -- Hogue said that minors were often buried when employers looked at r & eacute;sum & eacute;s.
"With the explosion of the Web, it's become so important to not only have a Web presence but to have a good one, and part of that is good writing," he said.
Hogue said he's looked but not found other colleges that offer an identical program. Though he's seen some more technical Internet communication programs, he's found none that have the same focus on writing skills.
In developing the YSU program, Hogue said he's discovered that the computer science students and the English students aren't so different.
"The common element, in my opinion, is creativity," he said. "Writing is creative. Working with computers, programming and problem solving, is a creative process.
"It tends to appeal to people who are creative."