ENGL 4201 Science Writing

From driverless cars to gene therapy to cryptocurrency, the latest scientific and technological breakthroughs promise to transform life as we know it. When science moves from the laboratory, to corporate boardrooms, to news headlines, and into our daily lives, writing is involved in every step along the way. In this course, we will read works created by and about scientists, and explore how science circulates through society via social media and blog posts, traditional media, and government policy making. We'll also examine how companies communicate with the public via press releases, the media, and advertisements. In written and oral assignments, students will practice the skills essential for success in writing about science--researching and reporting, interviewing scientists, pitching new ideas, understanding audience expectations, and clearly communicating essential knowledge. Students will have multiple opportunities to conceive, draft, revise, and complete writing projects tailored to diverse audiences. This course aims to help students understand and explore science writing as a career--including opportunities in media, research labs, university news offices, museums, science and technology focused companies, and many other venues.