Science Writing and New Media: Explorations in Communicating about Science & Technology

Calendar

SES #	TOPICS	KEY DATES
1	Course overview & introductory questionnaire
2	Background on Assignment #1 Discuss article on science museum	Assignment #1: A Critical Review of a Science Museum Exhibit assigned
3	Elements of critical review writing: Purpose, audience, content, structure and style Discuss science museum reviews
4	In-class workshop on museum review assignment in progress: Clarifying the purpose and audience of your review Establishing the framework and focus Organizing your main ideas
5	Examining other kinds of critical reviews in science Discuss science book reviews	Assignment #1 due
6	Background on Assignments #2 and #3	Assignment #2: A Prospectus for a Science Essay & Assignment #3: A Researched Science Essay for the General Public assigned
7	General principles for writing about science for the general public: A mathematician’s perspective
8	Researching your topic
9	Discuss science essay
10	Discuss science essay	Assignment #2 due one day after Session 10
11	Using source material in your writing
12	Discuss science essay
13	Citing source material
14	Illustrations in scientific & technical writing	Assignment #3 due three days after Session 14
15	Writing workshop on science essays
16	Background on Assignment #3	Assignment #4: A Proposal assigned
17	Topic workshop
18	Absracts & budgets
19	Writing workshop: Reviewing proposals	Assignment #4 due three days after Session 19
20	Workshop on communicating through email
21	Principles of effective public speaking
22–25	Oral presentations