English

Discipline Investigation Outline

Introduction –

* overview of the field being investigated (what) and the writer’s connection to this

discourse community (why)

* brief preface to who was interviewed for the assignment (“name” and specific job title)

* brief map of the organization of the paper to follow (preview statement)

Interview Report

Background and Career Path -- How the informant began his/her “journey” in the career:

* Initial interest and requirements and skills needed (“stepping stones” - education,

training, etc.)

* Expectations and any “surprises” or challenges the informant experienced along the

way

* Any additional reference to enhance this discussion of the field

Roles and Responsibilities -- the informant’s detailed job description

* Overall qualifications and responsibilities + how the position fits in the overall

structure of the company (macro-level)

* Smaller day-to-day tasks and skills involved (micro-level)

* Challenges of the job and how the informant deals with them

* Other types of jobs/positions related to the profession

* Any additional reference to enhance this discussion of the field

Communication Skills

* The types of reading and writing mostly done on-the-job

* The typical audience for written communications

* The most important communication aspects of the job (especially in regards to writing)

* Any additional reference to enhance this discussion of the field

Conclusions

* A reflection of what was learned through this D.I. – new insight(s) the writer

gained, and any “surprises” that differed from or added to the initial expectations of the

field

* A discussion of what the writer believes is still needed in his or her preparation and

development for the profession

Works Cited/References – list of outside sources used

* full citations of sources included under “Works Cited” or “References” at the end of the report

– no separate page needed

** A minimum of 2 sources to supplement information about the career/discipline must be integrated into the report – these references may occur in any section(s) of the body of the paper. Sources cited in-text should follow a consistent citation style.