CHEM180 - Writing about Science

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Writing about Science
CHEM180 SP

Crosslistings: MB&B180,BIOL180

This course emphasizes writing about science and technology for a general audience. We will read and analyze a variety of science-related news accounts, articles from quality newspapers, book selections, and popular science magazine articles. In parallel with these readings, students will undertake a graded series of writing assignments leading to the development of a complete science article in the genre of DISCOVER, NATURAL HISTORY, or THE SCIENCES. Special problems will be explored in depth, including the difficulty of turning complicated jargon and abstractions into understandable prose, and the use of example and metaphor to communicate to a general audience. Our goal is to learn how to write about science in a manner that is lucid, accura te, and engaging. The course will also include a strong science literature research component as well as extensive training in publishing on the Web. The major research and writing project of the class will focus on the research activities of selected We sleyan Division III faculty and their research students and will be published in the Wesleyan Science webzine, Synthesis

MAJOR READINGS

Selected readings from: The NEW YORK TIMES, THE SCIENCES (NYAS), SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, DISCOVER magazine, SCIENCE TIMES.

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Weekly reading and short writing assignments. One major paper (publication-length article).

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

The Spring 2000 version of the course will focus on interviews and writings about the research activities of selected Wesleyan science faculty and their research students.

The course may include guest lectures by NSM faculty and/or professional science writers.

COURSE FORMAT: Lecture/Discussion

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UGRD Credit: 1 Gen Ed Area Dept: NSM CHEM Grading Mode: Graded

Prerequisites: NONE

SECTION 01

Instructor(s): Becker,Sandy

Times: ..T.T.. 02:40PM-04:00PM; Location: SCIE0101

Reserved Seats: (Total Limit: 19)

SR. major: Jr. major:

SR. non-major: Jr. non-major: 4 SO: 5 FR: 10

Special Attributes:

Curricular Renewal: Writing

SECTION 02

Instructor(s): McConnell,Joy M.

Times: ....T.. 07:00PM-09:30PM; Location: TBA

Reserved Seats: (Total Limit: 20)