PrintThis semester, we will work hard on the mechanics of your writing, too. What will this look like?
- submitting marked up drafts of your exam essays with your final copies so that I can see your editorial process
- a lot of attention to detail related to grammar, punctuation, spelling, and overall flow and syntax of your writing - it's going to feel a bit like we're in English class some of the time, that's intentional
The Climate Change in My Community Writing Project is our big writing adventure this semester. Our Writing Workshop is intended to be a resource for you throughout the semester as you cultivate your effective science communication skills.
Why do I need to be a better writer? (I'm glad you asked!)
- Won't spellcheck save me? No, it won't. In fact, if your instructor's text messaging prowess is any indication, all of the autocorrect technology we depend upon only makes our writing less clear.
- Attention to detail matters. Whether that's on a resume, an important email correspondence to a client or superior, or a grant application, attention to detail matters. As we type, our eyes do a great job of filling in the holes our typing has left behind. Our minds do a great job of making the connections we intended to discuss but never really explicitly did. We must edit our way to more effective, succinct, clear communication.
- But I like science! I didn't major in writing for a reason. I like science too. And you know what's even better than science? The ability to communicate the importance of that science to a wide audience. We're going to work on that a lot this semester. And in order to be an effective communicator, we need to go through the mechanics of writing.