To learn more about the course, please refer to the latest course syllabus:
Course Description
This course is designed to expose you to fundamental themes in Environmental Science writing and communication. We will venture into the realm of primary literature by deconstructing and critiquing peer-reviewed journal articles and compare this style to articles written for a broader audience. Each of you will partake in an extensive writing project, which will take you from start to finish from literature review, annotated bibliography, rough draft with peer review, final draft, and formal PowerPoint presentation. We will work together using your peers and myself as resources for improvement and as sounding boards for your writing. Because many of you are interested in jobs in the environmental and ecology-based professions, we will endeavor to write some briefs, technical communication, and press-releases. Perhaps most importantly, we will work hard to write polished resumes and cover letters, practice the fine art of interviewing and ultimately post this information on a webpage that can be viewed by career professionals as you move to future educational endeavors and your search for employment. Please note this is an AWR (advanced writing requirement) that requires you to write and present extensively in the science realm. It will be a demanding, challenging, yet invaluable course and will serve to better your ability to communicate sound science.
Course goals
By the end of the semester, students will:
- Become familiar with the difference between writing primary and secondary literature.
- Learn how to critically analyze writing for brevity and content.
- Become confident in their ability to inform the public in a variety of outlets.
- Overcome the fear of public speaking in an encouraging space.
- Prepare a strong resume and cover letter.
- Develop strategies for successful interviews.
- Create your very own webpage to post your information for future employers
Advanced Writing Requirement course goals
Students will:
- Demonstrate the ability to synthesize ideas in writing.
- Be able to articulate clearly in writing concepts relevant to a particular discipline.
- Be able to use writing to communicate ideas to someone outside that particular discipline.
- Demonstrate in their writing mastery of the basic rules of English or the language of instruction.
Oral Expression course goals
Students will:
- Develop proficiency in oral discourse,
- Evaluate an oral presentation according to established criteria, and
- Communicate effectively in spoken English or other language of instruction.
What students say about the course:
“This was a great course and a wonderful teacher. I learned a lot and she always offered helpful constructive criticism on my work. I would strongly recommend this professor and this course.”
“Dr. Alldred is very effective in relating the course material to real-world situations. She also made sure to cover topics that her student showed interest in learning more about.”
“Mary really tried to include everyone in the class in a comfortable manner, and made everyone feel comfortable and confident enough to have great conversations about the topics!”
“I felt as though the assignments and lectures were setting me up for the real world. It was a small class, which made it easier to have discussions.”
“I liked how there were assignments that gradually built up to an end product, it helped to relieve stress and make sure we were making progress.”
Credits:
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