21W.777 | Spring 2017 | Undergraduate

Science Writing in Contemporary Society

Course Description

This class addresses the craft of writing about science in and for contemporary society, both its pleasures and its challenges. We will read essays, reportage, op-eds, and web-based articles on a variety of topics concerning science, technology, medicine and nature. Readings by contemporary writers such as Elizabeth …
This class addresses the craft of writing about science in and for contemporary society, both its pleasures and its challenges. We will read essays, reportage, op-eds, and web-based articles on a variety of topics concerning science, technology, medicine and nature. Readings by contemporary writers such as Elizabeth Kolbert, Atul Gawande, and Michael Pollan will serve as examples of the craft and sources of ideas for our own writing.
Learning Resource Types
Written Assignments
A photo of Atul Gawande, who is a well known surgeon and science writer, speaking at a TED conference.
Renowned surgeon and science writer Atul Gawande speaking at TED2017. Gawande’s writings have appeared in The New Yorker and Slate, and he has written numerous books on medicine and public health. (Image courtesy of the TED Conference on flickr. License CC BY-NC.)