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Course Offerings

Course Details

Fall 2012-2013
STC 349 / JRN 349 (SA)   na, npdf

Science Journalism

Michael D. Lemonick

Albert Einstein has been quoted as saying "You do not really understand something unless you can explain it to your grandmother." This workshop-style course will show students (science majors and non-majors alike) how to explain science and technology to non-technical audiences in a clear and compelling way. Through discussion, analysis of published writing, visits with professional journalists, and extensive and closely critiqued writing exercises, participants will learn how to turn scientific research -- their own, or that of others -- into stories that will hold the attention of readers who didn't realize they were interested in science.

Sample reading list:
Oxford, A Field Guide to Science Writing
Lewis Thomas, Lives of a Cell
Richard Preston, First Light
Jonathan Weiner, Beak of the Finch
Michael D. Lemonick, The Light at the Edge of the Universe
John McPhee, Rising from the Plains

Reading/Writing assignments:
Weekly Paper (800 words); Midterm Paper (1500 words); Final Paper (3000 words)

Requirements/Grading:
Paper in Lieu of Mid Term - 25%
Paper in lieu of Final - 35%
Class/Precept Participation - 20%
Other (See Instructor) - 20%

Other Requirements:
Not Open to Freshmen.

Prerequisites and Restrictions:
Must have fulfilled writing requirement.

Schedule/Classroom assignment:

Class numberSectionTimeDaysRoomEnrollmentStatus
22377 S01 7:30 pm - 10:20 pm T   Bobst Hall   105   Enrolled:20 Limit:20 Closed