If you still need some “Additional Writing ” credit (check your DARS on MyUW), and you’d prefer something sciencey, check out Science & Technology Creative Nonfiction Writing.
Ocean 506 A
M, W 2:30-3:50 Rm 425 OCN
3 credits
SLN 16012
* Note the time schedule currently lists this as cr/nc, which is incorrect–it is a graded course for 3 credits.
Instructor: Deborah L. Illman, Ph.D.
illman@u.washington.edu
Course Description:
This course treats advanced forms of science and technology writing for upper division undergraduate and graduate students, and provides an opportunity for students to develop articles that may be considered for publication in Northwest Science & Technology online magazine.
We compare and contrast the structure of hard news feature to other forms of nonfiction articles that are used to present technical content to diverse audiences. Specifically, we conduct an in-depth analysis of the narrative form and examine several award-winning examples. The course provides an overview of other genres, including profile and review.
Students research and write a news feature with narrative lead as well as an article using one of the other forms treated in the class; drafts are critiqued by classmates in writing clinics.
The ultimate goal is to master different structures and to be able to exercise deliberate selection and control of structure and style in science writing appropriate for the content, context, and communication goal. Students keep a writing journal throughout the quarter as a tool to develop ideas and techniques, and they learn to write a query letter-a specialized form of proposal used to present a story idea to an editor.
Prerequisites: At least upper division standing and permission of instructor. Email the instructor for entry code.
Deborah L. Illman, Ph.D.
University of Washington, Box 353740
Seattle, WA 98195-3740
206-616-4826