Coordinator:
Course Description:
Writing 342 is designed to help students examine cutting-edge science across many fields and to write clearly about why it matters. Central to this task is learning how to be sensitive to the needs of audiences from a wide range of backgrounds and interests and how to reach them with cogent, engaging prose. Students do not need to purchase a textbook as our readings – open source, library, and instructor-supplied materials – will be available through Canvas and on the Web.
Students develop their writing skills by creating several compositions in diverse genres that build upon one another: a news article about recent science research, a profile of a scientist, a book review, and a feature story about a captivating science topic of their choosing. Students also practice blogging – posted in-house on our course Canvas site – about their work on these projects. Along the way, we examine important ethical and practical constraints that govern the reporting of scientific information and the cultural place of science in society. Throughout the semester, students will break into pairs and small groups to share, revise, and strengthen their work.
