Science Writing and New Media: Communicating Science to the Public

Calendar

SES #	TOPICS	KEY DATES
1	Introduction to the Course
2	The Persuasive Power of Description
3	The Role of Audience in Shaping a Text
4	The Role of Audience in Shaping a Text continued	Writing Due: ‘In the Frame’ Description
5	Closely Reading Science News Articles as Rhetorical Events Identifying Rhetorical Appeals and their Efficacy
6	Genre Analysis: Examing Form, Function, and Opportunity
7	Creative Explanation as a Rhetorical Move
8	Translating Scientific Information Across Rhetorical Situations	Library Session in Hayden Library
9	Introducing Complexity with Clear Context and Focus
10	Introducing Complexity with Clear Context and Focus continued	Writing Due: Draft of An Engaging Translation assignment
11	Peer-Review Workshop
12	Peer-Review Workshop continued
13	Presentations of Engaging Tranlsations	Writing Due: Revised Engaging Translation assignment Deliver a 2 min presentation summarizing your translation of one item of complexity, and include a brief discussion of your translation process
14	Introducing Science and Scientists with Research and Rhetorical Appeals
15	Strategies for Asking Questions During Research and Interviews
16	Strategies for Asking Questions During Research and Interviews continued
17	Strategies for Asking Questions During Reseaerch and Interviews continued	Writing Due: Draft of “Awesome” Profile assignment
18	Peer-Review Workshop
19	Presentations of Profiled Scientists	Writing Due: Revised “Awesome” Profile assignment Deliver a 1–2 min summary introduction (no slides) of your profiled person to the class
20	In-Depth Reporting to Educate, Inspire, and Persuade an Audience	Writing Due: Proposal for Investigative Research Article
21	In-class Research in Digital Instruction Resource Center (DIRC)
22	In-Depth Reporting to Educate, Inspire, and Persuade an Audience
23	In-Depth Reporting to Educate, Inspire, and Persuade an Audience continued
24	Presentations of Research Projects	Writing Due: Email instructor 2–3 PowerPoint slides, one of which should be a central original image Present 3–5 min and field questions from your audience
25	Presentations of Research Projects continued
26	MIT Museum Visit	Writing Due: Revision of Investigative Research Article
27	Final Class Reflection