Calendar

 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