[Mathmajors] science writing course fall 2008--please forward to students (fwd)

[Brooke Miller]

Fall 2008
Ocean 506
Writing about Science & Technology for General Audiences

Schedule: MW, 2:30-3:50
Credits: 3
Instructor:  Dr. Deborah Illman
616-4826
illman at u.washington.edu

This course is designed to introduce upper-division undergraduate and graduate 
students to science and technology news writing. We explore the science news 
publishing process and key issues involved in communicating about science and 
technology with general audiences. Students learn the structure of science news 
articles and press releases; they examine issues of balance and accuracy; and 
they study the interaction between technical sources, public information 
officers, reporters, and readers.

Using case studies taken from the print and broadcast media, we examine ways to 
treat some of the most difficult problems in communicating technical content to 
general readers, including issues in experimental design; correlation vs. 
causation; and evaluating risk.

Students have the opportunity to build their writing portfolios through 
assignments that treat the news brief, news article, and press release. 
Articles may be considered for publication in Northwest Science & Technology 
(www.nwst.org). Students completing this class should possess the conceptual 
understanding as well as the practical experience needed for a position as a 
science reporter, writer, or editor for a major publication; as a freelance 
writer; as a communication officer, writer, or editor for a high-technology 
organization; or as a scientist or engineer who is prepared to interact with 
members of the media and general public.

Add code required--email the instructor at illman at u.washington.edu for a code.

Deborah L. Illman, Ph.D.
Editor, Northwest Science & Technology (www.nwst.org)
University of Washington, Box 353740
Seattle, WA 98195-3740
206-616-4826
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