The calendar lists the dates that each assignment is given. Unless otherwise specified, assignments are due at the next class session.
| Ses # | Topics | Key Dates |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Class Overview and Introductions Writing for a General Audience |
Assignment #1: Write an Introduction Letter |
| 2 |
The Pleasures and Challenges of Science Writing The Importance of Metaphors in Science Writing Describing and Explaining: Clarity, Liveliness |
Assignment #2: Idea for The Science of Everyday Life |
| 3 |
Focus, Accuracy, and Making it Fresh A Writer’s Voice |
Assignment #3: The Science of Everyday Life |
| 4 | Workshop: The Science of Everyday Life |
Workshop session; bring drafts Assignment #4: Workshop Essays, Book Talk |
| 5 |
Attitudes Towards Writing What Do We Mean by Revision? |
Assignment #5: Revise Science of Everyday Life |
| 6 |
Elements of News Writing Reading a Scientific Journal Article, Part 1 |
Assignment #6: Proposal for Profile Article |
| 7 |
The Profile: Writing about Science by Writing about Scientists |
Assignment #7: Sketch News Story |
| 8 |
From Research to News Work on News Stories |
Assignment #8: Write News Story |
| 9 | Workshop: News Stories |
Workshop session; bring drafts Assignment #9: Discuss Profile Article Proposals (In Class) |
| 10 |
Stickgold & Levenson: Elements of a Research-Based Essay The Research Process: Note-Taking |
Assignment #10: Progress Report for Profile Subjects (In Class) |
| 11 |
Gladwell: Describing How Engineers Think Incorporating Many Kinds of Evidence |
Assignment #11: Write a Summary of Schultz’s “The Really Big One” |
| 12 |
Complex Issues: Keeping Readers With You; Getting at the Bigger Picture The Research Process: Why We Cite |
Assignment #12: Write Proposal for Investigative Essay |
| 13 | Library Session to Work on Investigative Essay |
Library Session Assignment #13: Write Profile Article |
| 14 | Workshop: Profile Article |
Workshop session; bring drafts Assignment #14: Revise Proposal for Investigative Essay |
| 15 |
The Research Process: Citing, Quoting, and Paraphrasing Writing and Structure Reading a Scientific Journal Article, Part 2 |
Assignment #15: Brainstorm Investigative Essay |
| 16 |
Organizing a Longer Article Incorporating Sources and Voices |
Assignment #16: Revise Profile Article |
| 17 | Presenting Controversy: For Our Consideration: Earth or Mars? | Assignment #17: Pre-Write for Investigative Essay |
| 18 | Workshop: Investigative Essay |
Workshop session; bring drafts Assignment #18: Investigative Essay |
| 19 | Workshop: Investigative Essay |
Workshop session; bring drafts Assignment #19: Critique Essays |
| 20 | The Book Review: A Useful Genre! | Assignment #20: Revise Profile Article |
| 21 | Revision Issues | Assignment #21: Revise Investigative Essay |
| 22 | Revision Issues | Assignment #22: Revise Investigative Essay |
| 23 | Other Media: Radio & Video | Assignment #23: Book Talk |
| 24 | Revision Issues | Assignment #24: Book Talk |
| 25 | Book Talks | Assignment #25: Portfolio |
| 26 |
Sharing Favorite Writing Summing Up and Reflecting |
