COLLABORATIVE INNOVATION AND CURRICULUM CHANGE IN A COMMUNICATION COURSE FOR JUNIOR ENGINEERS

Recent developments in undergraduate engineering programs have placed emphasis on communication and teamwork informed by attributes of self-management and problem solving, recognized as important needs by The Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET of the United States. In addition the academic needs of the students need to be addressed and are equally recognized by ABET as essential to a well-balanced curriculum. The Engineering College at the American University of Sharjah (AUS) has met these realities by a process of curriculum change; transforming a technical writing course for junior year engineering students into a course in language enhancement, professional communication and academic literacy. This paper will outline three areas in which innovative practices resulting from collaboration between academic faculty and library officers inform the course; information literacy, course materials and a citation resource.