Ask Joey
HF/E Questions and Answers
by Joey Elyacy
ENGLISH WRITING REQUIREMENT
Question: “How can I meet the English writing proficiency requirement for the HF/E program?”
Answer: The English writing proficiency requirement can be met in three ways. According to Dr. Kevin Corker, these ways are:
1. Having taken or passed an upper-division undergraduate technical writing course, or a course in which 60 percent of its grade rested upon a writing assignment (to be evaluated by Graduate Studies for acceptability).
2. Having taken or passed an SJSU graduate technical writing course, such as 200 W or PSYC 220 (which satisfies the technical writing requirement). If you intend to take 200 W, the writing skill test (WST) has to be taken before you are eligible to enroll. If you score high enough, it may dismiss the requirement all together.
3. Publishing in a peer-reviewed journal, in which you are the sole author. Also, having written a book or a chapter in a technical field.
For those who need to add a class to meet this requirement, this is a very good reason to take PSYC 220. The course not only teaches you how to write a technical paper, but provides a great way to learn the different types of experimental designs.
For further clarification on the above methods, please contact Dr. Corker. You may also refer to the “Competency in Written English” chapter of the Graduate Student Handbook:
http://www2.sjsu.edu/gradstudies/forms/5competency.pdf
INTERNSHIP CREDITS
Question: “How can I substitute internships for class credits?”
Answer: Internships cannot take the place of an elective course in the HF/E program. Students may request permission to enroll in a one- to three-credit ISE 298 for an internship. If approved, this credit is considered appropriate for the student’s program, but not for the 30-credit degree requirement.
Dr. Corker points out that it is worthwile for each student to seek out internships to complement their graduate program. However, the policy on credits that count toward the degree is unchanged.
TOTALLY RANDOM
Question: “How many usability engineers does it take to change a light bulb?” (Vajira N., San Jose, CA)
Answer: Well, this question is a break from the more serious tone of the previous ones. What do you think? The answer is none. They get the users to do it.
HAVE A QUESTION?
If you have any questions regarding Human Factors/Ergonomics, student interests, or even just a light-hearted query, please e-mail your questions to jelyacy2002@yahoo.com. If your question is picked, it will appear in the next issue of the newsletter.
