A Prototype Theory for Content Strategy Education: Training Content Strategists Within the Academy

Abstract

Technical communicators are increasingly utilizing content-focused technologies such as content management systems and component-based information architectures in their daily work to deliver technical content to non-specialist audiences. In the wake of this turn, content strategy becomes an important element of technical communication curricula as students and emerging professionals struggle to master new tools and best practices. Stemming from experiences teaching content strategy to undergraduate students, graduate students, and industry professionals, I present a prototype theory for content strategy education within the academy. The goal of the theory is to meld best practices gleaned from previous scholarship within the field of technical and professional sommunication, how-to books and articles from industry practitioners, and my own experience teaching content strategy.