Science Communication

This course provides an introduction to most forms of science communication intended for non-scientific audiences, such as news and feature writing for both print and online outlets, video scripts, university communications, industry public relations, and more. We will introduce various careers and considerations in science communication, including the ins and outs of being a freelance writer. We’ll also provide tips on interviewing and other tools and techniques needed to accurately convey complicated subjects in an engaging way to a variety of audiences. Please note: This course is about...

The goal of this course is to introduce you to the purpose of journalism and the fundamentals of news and featue writing. In this ever-changing media landscape, one thing can remain constant: an individual reporter's professionalism. This course is intended to help students learn to develop story ideas, cultivate sources, practice interviewing techniques, and craft and structure compelling articles. Journalism ethical standards are covered and provide a valuable guideline for best practices.

As the final capstone course for the Science Communication Certificate, this advanced writing course is designed to build upon the skills learned in the required and elective courses of the program. Students will work on a science writing project of their choice while also learning various techniques to most-effectively communicate science and other technical subjects to the public. Course involves extensive writing, peer critique and in-depth reading and discussion that goes beyond basic storytelling and news reporting to incorporate the role of science in society. Learning Objectives:...

There a many avenues to building a business around writing. In this short course we will briefly discuss various possibilities including becoming a book author, “freelance” writer for hire, or journalist/article writer. You will learn how to develop a business mindset, determine the best writing path for you, and create a sustainable business.  

The ability to edit your own written work is a skill that's highly valued by employers and publishers. This class focuses on strengthening your writing for the web using journalistic techniques. Whether you want to create blog content, feature articles, or marketing copy, it is essential to organize your writing in logical, clear, and engaging ways. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to recognize good writing, critique their own work, write clean copy, and edit content for optimal readability.

Effective interviewing techniques translate to writing that is clear, lively, and – depending on the writer's mission – instructive or entertaining. This course will encompass all the integral components of the interviewing process, including preparation, one-on-one dynamics, comparing interview styles, how to take useful notes, asking the right questions, coaxing interesting quotes from interviewees and using quotes effectively in a feature story. Students will participate in interviewing and writing exercises in class and complete a major interview/writing assignment out of class.  

In this course students will learn the art of writing for an online audience, how to create a basic Wordpress site, insert blog posts, edit, and brand their blog. This course will also touch on how to use social media to draw readers to their site and the importance of collaborating with businesses to further promote their blog. In addition, students will learn about the importance of SEO and how to boost SEO for their blogs. Beginner and advanced writers are welcome. Participants should have basic computer software knowledge and Internet access.

The market for children’s nonfiction and informational books and articles has never been better. In this course, which can be taken by those familiar with writing for children and those just beginning, students will learn about the needs and trends within nonfiction work for children ages 3-12 – magazines, trade books, school-library publishers, and book packagers. Students will gain practice researching nonfiction topics and writing for the various markets, as well as examining the variety of writing styles that can be used to write about individual topics. Topics covered in the course...