Writing about Science and Other Specialized Topics: A Journalistic Perspective
WRCT 221
Spring 2014
| Section:
01
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| Certificates: Writing |
This seminar teaches students--both scientists and non-scientists--how to become more effective writers. Students will learn the basics of news reporting and feature writing, including the best ways to develop ideas, how to efficiently conduct research, how to organize information, how to ask effective questions, and how to craft different types of articles and essays on deadline. While science journalism is the course's primary focus, students will also explore reportage in other specialized subjects such as business, education, technology, and politics. |
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| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
HA WRCT |
| Course Format: Seminar | Grading Mode: Graded |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: None |
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Fulfills a Requirement for: None |
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Past Enrollment Probability: Not Available |
| SECTION 01 |
Major Readings: Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore
Strunk and White, THE ELEMENTS OF STYLE
BEST AMERICAN SCIENCE AND NATURE WRITING 2013
Po Bronson and Ashley Merryman, NURTURESHOCK
Subscription to NEW YORK TIMES (paper or online edition for the duration of the semester)
and other titles.
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Examinations and Assignments:
Coursework includes weekly writing assignments, in-class exercises that simulate newswriting and editing on deadline, and a longer project. Each week, students will share their writing and critique each others¿ drafts.
Writing assignments: 800-word weekly assignments, including one based on an interview, one based on a scientific study, and one that involves a review of a new technology, and one opinion piece. In addition, students will expand one of these assignments into a longer essay/article. |
Additional Requirements and/or Comments:
During the drop-add period in January, students interested in a place in the course should write directly to Prof Knight at rknight@wesleyan.edu. |
| Instructor(s): Knight,Rebecca Times: .M..... 01:10PM-04:00PM; Location: ALLB113; |
Permission of Instructor Required
Enrollment capacity: 15 | Permission of instructor will be granted during the drop/add period. Students must submit either a ranked or unranked drop/add request for this course. |
| Drop/Add Enrollment Requests | | | | | |
| Total Submitted Requests: 1 | 1st Ranked: 0 | 2nd Ranked: 0 | 3rd Ranked: 0 | 4th Ranked: 0 | Unranked: 1 |
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