This schedule is our road map for the semester. Use it as a guideline for when essays are due and for our workshop days. Assignments are due at the next class meeting, unless otherwise noted. Please see the Readings section for corresponding readings for certain assignments.
| SES # | TOPICS | KEY DATES |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Class overview and introductions Writing in “Contemporary Society |
Assignment #1 Write: Letter to instructor |
| 2 |
The pleasures and challenges of science writing Context(s): Getting at the bigger picture |
Assignment #2 Write: Being Reading Journal; select science website to follow & email website choice to the instructor before next session |
| 3 |
Different approaches to similar material The “human element” (Hancock) |
Assignment #3 |
| 4 |
Considering audiences, and persuading them Telling a (good) story; explaining concepts; clarity, liveliness Introduce Investigative Essay assignment |
Assignment #4 Write: Proposal for Science in/and Culture Essay (Essay 1); select book for Book Review & email to the instructor before next session |
| 5 |
Culture and science Organizing a long essay Discuss proposals |
Assignment #5 Write: Science and/in Culture Essay Prepare for next session’s Workshop |
| 6 | Workshop Essay 1 (3 writers) |
Assignment #6 Write: Proposal for Investigative Essay (Essay 2) Prepare for next session’s Workshop |
| 7 | Workshop Essay 1 (3 writers) | Assignment #7 |
| 8 |
The conundrum of reporting on climate change Representing complexity (without losing readers) Feedback on Science and/in Culture Essay Discuss Research proposals |
Assignment #8 |
| 9 | Complexity, controversy, context |
Assignment #9 Write: Revised Proposal and Annotated Bibliography for Investigative Essay |
| 10 |
Representing thinking The role of ethics in an engineer’s education Progress reports on Investigative Essays |
Assignment #10 |
| 11 |
Making the familiar fresh Putting language front and center |
Assignment #11 |
| 12 |
Reaching a “popular” audience Handling a hot topic Update on Investigative essays |
Assignment #12 Write: Investigative Essay |
| 13 | Pre-writing for the Investigative Essay |
Assignment 13 Prepare for next session’s Workshop |
| 14 | Workshop 3 Investigative Essays full class |
Assignment #14a Respond online to group members |
| 15 |
Feedback on Investigative Essays The online environment for readers and writers |
Assignment #15 Begin preparing for presentations Work on revision of Investigative Essay |
| 16 | Organizing a longer article; incorporating sources and voices |
Assignment #16 Prepare for presentations; work on revision |
| 17 | Watch sample TED talks |
Assignment #17 Prepare for presentations Revision of Investigative Essay due one day after Session 17 |
| 18 | Presentations on websites | Assignment #18 |
| 19 |
The Book Review, an important genre Making a review an essay |
Assignment #19 |
| 20 | The classic science essay |
Assignment #20 Write: Book Review Essay (Essay 3) |
| 21 | Preparing for Book Review Essay |
Assignment #21 Prepare for next session’s Workshop |
| 22 | Workshop Book Review Essays | Assignment #22 |
| 23 |
Feedback on Book Review Essays Calls to action – but what kind? |
Assignment #23 Begin to prepare portfolios |
| 24 | Guest speaker: Amanda Gefter |
Assignment #24 Continue preparing portfolios |
| 25 | Work on revision issues | Assignment #25 |
| 26 |
Final class Share favorite writing; summing up & reflecting Evaluations: Bring laptops to class |
Portfolios due in class or no later than noon, one day after Session 26 |
