everything.study
21W.035

Science Writing and New Media: Elements of Science Writing for the Public

3-0-9 units. HASS-H; CI-HW · Undergraduate

Introduces ways of communicating scientific information meaningfully to public audiences, and teaches features that distinguish science writing for the public from scientific writing aimed at experts. Discussions analyze various forms of popular science communication to identify rhetorical strategies that engage and educate readers of varying backgrounds and identities. Students write about topics they are genuinely interested in related to science, medicine, technology, and/or engineering. Assignments incorporate primary and secondary background research, drafting, presentations, peer review, and revision. Limited to 15.

Spring 2018 · Science Writing and New Media: Science Writing for the Public

Topics

  • Workshop: The Science of Everyday Life
  • Workshop: News Stories
  • Library Session to Work on Investigative Essay
  • Workshop: Profile Article
  • Presenting Controversy: For Our Consideration: Earth or Mars?
  • Workshop: Investigative Essay
  • The Book Review: A Useful Genre!
  • Revision Issues
  • Other Media: Radio & Video
  • Book Talks

Readings

Fall 2016 · Science Writing and New Media: Communicating Science to the Public

Topics

  • Introduction to the Course
  • The Persuasive Power of Description
  • The Role of Audience in Shaping a Text
  • The Role of Audience in Shaping a Text continued
  • Genre Analysis: Examing Form, Function, and Opportunity
  • Creative Explanation as a Rhetorical Move
  • Translating Scientific Information Across Rhetorical Situations
  • Introducing Complexity with Clear Context and Focus
  • Introducing Complexity with Clear Context and Focus continued
  • Peer-Review Workshop
  • Peer-Review Workshop continued
  • Presentations of Engaging Tranlsations
  • Introducing Science and Scientists with Research and Rhetorical Appeals
  • Strategies for Asking Questions During Research and Interviews
  • Strategies for Asking Questions During Research and Interviews continued
  • Strategies for Asking Questions During Reseaerch and Interviews continued
  • Presentations of Profiled Scientists
  • In-class Research in Digital Instruction Resource Center (DIRC)
  • In-Depth Reporting to Educate, Inspire, and Persuade an Audience
  • In-Depth Reporting to Educate, Inspire, and Persuade an Audience continued
  • Presentations of Research Projects continued
  • MIT Museum Visit
  • Final Class Reflection

Prerequisites & course information

Prereq: None U (Fall, Spring) 3-0-9 units. HASS-H; CI-HW Credit cannot also be received for 21W.031 , 21W.034 , 21W.036

Sources