21W.777 The Science Essay, Spring 2004

Abstract

Drawing in part from their own interests and ideas, students write about science within a broad cultural context. Students employ a broad repertoire of literary tools, such as narrative, scene-setting, and attention to larger issues of structure. Students study the work of other science writers, but subject's focus is less critical and analytical than synthetical -- on creating works of substance, grace, and flow that have science and technology as their subjects. From the course home page: This class celebrates, analyzes and practices the art and craft of the Science Essay - that is, writing for a general audience on topics in science and technology. We read a variety of essays, but writing and revision are the main work of the class. This class is conducted as a combination workshop/seminar style class. (It is not a lecture class.)