ENGL 21003 Spring 2021
The City College of New York
Welcome to Writing for the Sciences!
Instructor Sonja Killebrew
Monday and Wednesday 11:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Office: Zoom
Office hours: Mondays 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Classroom: Zoom
Email: [email protected]
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This purpose of this course is to help you develop your writing and reading skills in the sciences. The exercises andassignments are designed to engage you as analytical readers of scientific papers, research reports, and other science writing. This course will help you absorb and process information, find answers to research questions, and then synthesize and present ideas in different genres used in science writing. Professional collaboration is an important part of working in the sciences – together, through exchange and interaction we will do the same in classroom discussions andgroup work.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
Acknowledge your classmates’ and your own language differences as a resource – practice ways to cooperate withone another to improve and develop your writing skills.
Improve your approach to reading, drafting, revising, editing and self-reflection.
Determine your own writing goals. Develop and strengthen an appreciation for different audiences. Identify the audienceswho will read your writing — and work to understand them.
Define Rhetorical Situation, Tone and Purpose, Genre, and Stance in your own words via class discussions,assigned readings, and writing exercises. Formulate and articulate a stance through and in your writing.
Collaborate with your classmates on writing projects: research papers, in-class presentations and peer reviews.
Study and practice various genres and modes of expression (visual and oral, included) to explore strong writing across science contexts and beyond.
Use CCNY’s library resources and online databases/the Internet to locate sources appropriate to your writing projects.
Practice and strengthen summarizing, paraphrasing, quoting, analyzing, synthesizing, and citing sources by completing assignments, readings and in-class exercises.
Create a digital portfolio.
REQUIRED MATERIAL
- The New York Times Science Section
Free Access to The New York Times: https://myaccount.nytimes.com/verification/edupass
- All other supplemental essays & handouts will be posted by instructor on Blackboard.
– Other reading and writing materials will be posted on Blackboard and the course website during the semester.
Please Note: You must use your CCNY email address in Blackboard (log into the CCNY Portal, click Blackboard, thenUpdate Email in the Tools menu). If you add a non- CCNY domain email address in this window, you will not receive important course announcements.
ASSIGNMENTS
| ASSIGNMENT GRADE WEIGHTS | |
| Formal Letter of Introduction | 10% |
| Public Awareness Campaign | 10% |
| NYT Science Section Summary & Response | 10% |
| Scientific Rhetorical Analysis | 15% |
| Scientific Controversy Paper | 15% |
| Collaborative Research Project | 15% |
| Digital Portfolio and Reflection Essay | 15% |
| (Attendance/Punctuality; Participation/ In-class Writing) | 10% |
Formal Letter of Introduction
Write a formal letter of introduction to me. Describe your background and interest in science. Reflect on its relevance to your life and the world at large. Tell me some of your goals for this semester and beyond.
Length: 1-2 pages, double spaced, Times New Roman 12 pt. font, 250 words (minimum) – 500 words (maximum)
Due: Wednesday, February 10th 2021
Format: Submit the final draft under Assignments-Turnitin on Blackboard
NYT Science Section Summary & Response
Using your subscription to the New York Times, you will read two articles from the Science section. You will summarize the contents and respond to the information presented in the article. In addition to posting this assignment to a Blackboard thread, you are required to comment on two other of your classmates’ assignments. Who wrote the article? Why is the topic important or unimportant? Why do you find it interesting, if you do?
Length: 250 words (maximum) per entry
Due: Wednesday, February 24th 2021
Format: Submit the final draft under Assignments-Turnitin on Blackboard
Scientific Rhetorical Analysis
You will write a formal analysis of a scientific report (approval required) in which you comment on various aspects of the report. The goal is a rhetorical analysis of how the author writes by analyzing the strategies the author uses to achieve his/her purpose in writing the report. Discuss the author’s rhetorical situation, purpose, audience, genre, and stance. Begin with a general introduction that tells your reader what the subject is. In reviewing the report, think about the publication and its website or source – this may give you clues about the report’s purpose and audience.
Length: 2-3 pages, double spaced, Times New Roman 12 pt. font, 500 words (minimum) – 750 words (maximum)
Draft Due Wednesday, March 3rd 2021
• Submit the first draft of your assignment via Assignments-Turnitin on Blackboard
Final Version Due: Monday, March 8th 2021
Format: Blackboard (Submit your analysis under Assignment-Turnitin)
Scientific Controversy Paper
Identify a controversy or problem in a scientific field or community. Then choose sources that present an opportunity to analyze the problem on a more specific level. Your paper will present this controversy using multiple sources, describing the issue in detail as well as the various opinions or approaches to such an issue. Why is this controversy important? Has any scientific field been isolated, cast off, or created because of it? Has anyone proposed a solution? Your paper should address these questions and perhaps offer solutions of your own. A minimum of 6 sources (3 academic; 3 popular media) are required.
Length: 4-5 pages, double spaced, Times New Roman 12 pt. font, 1,000 words (minimum) – 1,250 words (maximum)
Due: Wednesday, March 17th
Format: Blackboard (Submit your analysis under Assignment-Turnitin)
Public Awareness Campaign
For this assignment you can remember observing an issue that is a concern to you, such as teenage vaping, or a concern to the government, such as homelessness; or you can remember observing the subway campaign: “See something, say something,” and how that has effected the lives of subway passengers. These are examples of the type of issues or concerns or subjects that you can choose.
Length: 2 pages: 1 page infographic and 1 page essay double spaced, Times New Roman 12 pt. font, 250 words (minimum) – 500 words (maximum)
Note: This assignment is about vivid and accurate investigation. When choosing an issue or a problem or something to write about, think about the rhetorical situation. Think about the text, the author, the audience, the purpose, and the setting. You are creating a one-page vivid infographic with photos/drawings and text. Then you will write about the infographic.
For your one-page rhetorical analysis essay of your infographic (about 250 words), describe what your infographic is about. Who is your audience? What are the goals of your description? In that one page (about 250 words) write about the author (you) of the infographic, the audience, the purpose of the infographic, the genre or type of infographic, and the setting (city, state, country?). Include photographs, drawn or painted images, diagrams, and other mixed media. You may also supplement your images with those found online.
Due: Wednesday, April 14th 2021
Format: Blackboard (Post your Public Awareness Campaign on Blackboard Discussion Board)
Collaborative Research Project & Presentation
You will be divided into groups in class. Your group will read up on and research a scientific topic that delves into the fundamentals of science on a more specific level. Your group will describe the nature of this topic using multiple sources and will address industry questions while, perhaps, offering solutions of your own. You will then give an oral presentation to the class. I will give a handout closer to the date of the assignment with more details.
Proposal Due: Wednesday, April 26th 2021
Presentation Length: 15 minutes
Presentation Dates: Monday, May 3rd & Wednesday, May 5th
Digital Portfolio & Reflection
At the end of the semester, you will be required to compile all of your assignments onto your Academic Commons site. The portfolio should be accessible, neat, and organized. It should also include a final analysis and reflection of the class itself, in which you discuss your progress in the class based on the course objectives.
Due: Monday, May 17th 2021
Format: Blackboard Discussion Board Post
COURSE POLICES
- Lecture Attendance 10%
This class will be synchronous learning, meaning students will are required to attend all the Zoom sessions, including the online Library session during class time. On the days that we have one-on-one conferences, there will be no class. Instead students will attend their conference appointment with the professor during class time. You will be required to post your classwork on the Discussion Boards during class time. If you miss six classes, your final grade will be droppedone full letter. If you miss seven classes, you will not be able to pass the course. Consistent late arrivals and earlydepartures will have a negative impact on your grade. If you have special circumstances, please email me.
Excessive late arrivals or early departures could be recorded as absences. If you are ever more than 15 minutes late, please come talk to your instructor. In the rare event you need to leave class early, please notify your instructor beforehand. By the date to drop a class, I will notify you by email if course absences (for full or partial classes) are having an impact on your grade. If you have special circumstances, please see me. I am happy to work with you to help you complete this course.
• Plagiarism and Academic Integrity
Just don’t do it. What is plagiarism? Plagiarism — copying or the use of someone else’s words, ideas, or images without acknowledgement can result in seriousconsequences — you may fail the project or the course automatically, which can lead to academic probation or expulsion. When in doubt: If you are unsure or have questions about how to acknowledge or credit the work of others, please reach out to me. You areexpected to familiarize yourself with CCNY’s Policy on Academic Integrity, which is available here: https://www.ccny.cuny.edu/academicaffairs/integrity-policies.
• Late Policy on Assignments
Please plan ahead to meet assignment deadlines. For each day that the assignment is late, the grade will be dropped. For example, if you turn it in on time, then you’re starting at an A+. If it’s one day late, then you’re starting at an A. If it’s two days late, then you’re starting at an A-. If it’s three days late, then you’re starting at an B+. If it’s four days late, then you’re starting at an B. If it’s five days late, then you’re starting at an B-. If it’s six days late, then you’re starting at an C+. If it’s seven days late, then you’re starting at an C. If it’s eight days late, then you’re starting at an C-. If it’s nine days late, then you’re starting at an D+. If it’s ten days late, then you’re starting at an D. If it’s eleven days late, then you’re starting at an D-. If it’s twelve days late, then you’re starting at an F.
Grade Scale
• Classroom Community
Your presence and participation is important to your own success and to the success of our classroom as a community. Absences and lack of preparation will affect your classmate’s work as well as your own. Please show courtesy toward your classmates.Arrive on time and come prepared.
• Classroom Courtesy
Remember to mute your mic when not speaking in the Zoom classroom. Please keep your cameras on. Email the instructor if you’re not able to keep your camera on during class.
We are a diverse group and we can learn from our varying perspectives and experiences. To co-exist in the classroom, I’ll expect usall to share and respond to one another with respect and kindness. Please review CUNY’s community standards for the learning environment that we will all uphold.
https://www.ccny.cuny.edu/studentaffairs/community-standards
- Computer Use and Assignment Format
Assignments are to be uploaded to Blackboard by the due date.
All assignments must be formatted using Times New Roman, size 12, and double-spaced, one-inch margins.
• Blackboard
The course syllabus will be loaded on Blackboard and the course website. I will post announcements and assignments onBlackboard, too. Also, our regular in-class writing assignments will need to posted to the proper Blackboard thread during class.
RESOURCES/STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES
• The Writing Center: https://www.ccny.cuny.edu/writing
The CCNY Writing Center offers a supportive learning environment where students can have one-on-one tutoring sessions with writing consultants. It is a great resource for you to get extra help as you write and revise your papers. They DO NOT proofread your papers, but help on improving certain aspects of them. They also offer ESL tutoring. To set up an appointment or semester-long sessions, contact them in person at the Writing Center, which is located in the NAC, 3rd floor plaza or call (212) 650-8104.
• Gateway Advising Center, NAC 1/220: http:/www.ccny.cuny.edu/gateway/
Students without a declared major can receive academic advising, especially if you have questions about your course of study, core requirements, etc.
• AccessAbility Center, NAC 1/218: http://www.ccny.cuny.edu/accessability/
The AccessAbility Center/Student Disability Services (AAC/SDS) ensures full participation and meaningful access to all of City College’s services, programs, and activities.
• SEEK Peer Academic Learning Center, NAC 4/224:https://www.ccny.cuny.edu/seek
Offers counseling and peer tutoring for students in need of academic and financial support who have registered for the SEEK Program.
NOTE: This syllabus is subject to change throughout the semester. Any changes made to assignments, due dates, etc.will be communicated through Blackboard and announcements.
Week 1
2/1: Lecture
Introductions
Syllabus review
Introduce Formal Letter of Introduction
2/3: Workshop
READ: Anne Lamott’s Shitty First Drafts excerpt &
“A Teenager Uses the Times to Improve His English and Understand American Culture” by Mathew Tikhonovsky in the NYT
Discuss readings
Week 2
2/8: Workshop
Peer Review exercise
Peer Review Session – post a draft of your formal letter to Blackboard
2/10: Lecture
DUE: Formal Letter of Introduction
Submit the final draft of your letter via Assignments-Turnitin
Introduce NYT Science Section Summary & Response assignment
Week 3
2/15: Lecture
READ: “At the Bottom of the Sea, They Wait to Feast on Alligators” by Asher Elbein NTY
PLUS one extra of your choice – be ready to discuss the similarities and differences between the articles
Discuss readings
2/17: Workshop
Post your New York Times article to Blackboard Discussion Board during class
Group exercises
Week 4
2/22: Workshop
Peer Review Session – post draft to Blackboard Discussion Board
2/24: Lecture
DUE: New York Times Science Section & Response Summary
Submit the final draft of your assignment via Assignments-Turnitin on Blackboard
Introduce Scientific Rhetorical Analysis
Free write & exercise (post to Blackboard Discussion)
Week 5
3/1: Lecture
READ: Lloyd Bitzer’s The Rhetorical Situation
Discuss reading
3/3: Workshop
Scientific Rhetorical Analysis Draft Due Wednesday, March 3rd 2021
• Submit the first draft of your assignment via Assignments-Turnitin on Blackboard
READ: Kinsey Report &
“Don’t Blame the Eater” by David Zinczenko in NYT
Discuss readings
Week 6
3/8: Workshop
DUE: Scientific Rhetorical Analysis
Submit your Scientific Rhetorical Analysis under Assignment-Turnitin
Introduce Scientific Controversy Paper assignment
3/10:
Library Session
Research a controversy or problem in a scientific field or community.
Week 7
3/15: Lecture
READ: “Why Are Scientists So Upset About the First Crispr Babies?” by Kolata & Belluck in NYT
“Why Measles is a Quintessential Political Issue of Our Time” by Masha Gessen in The New Yorker
Discuss readings
3/17: Workshop
Research Session
Research a controversy or problem in a scientific field or community.
Week 8
3/22: Workshop
Peer Review Session – post a draft to Blackboard Discussion Board
3/24: Lecture
DUE: Scientific Controversy Paper
Submit the final draft of your Scientific Controversy Paper via Assignments-Turnitin
Introduce Public Awareness Campaign
Free write & exercise (post to Blackboard Discussion)
Week 9
3/29:
NO CLASS /Spring Recess
3/31:
NO CLASS /Spring Recess
Week 10
4/5: Workshop
READ: Watch the documentary Vanishing of the Bees (currently on YouTube or Amazon Prime)
Discuss the movie
4/7: Lecture
Write about the controversy or problem in Vanishing of the Bees. Discuss the movie. Research your topic for your Scientific Controversy Paper. (Post your writing to Blackboard Discussion.)
Week 11
4/12: Workshop
Peer Review Session – Share your screen in small groups to get feedback on the rough draft of your Public Awareness Campaign from your peers.
4/14:
DUE: Public Awareness Campaign
(Submit your Public Awareness Campaign under Assignment-Turnitin)
Introduce Collaborative Research Project
Free write & exercise (post to Blackboard Discussion)
Week 12
4/19:
Attend your one-on-one Zoom Conferences with instructor.
4/21:
Attend your one -on-one Zoom Conferences with instructor.
Week 13
4/26: Lecture
DUE: Group Proposals for Collaborative Research Project
Post to Blackboard Discussion.
4/28: Workshop
Group project work-day. Work in breakout rooms in groups on Zoom.
Week 14
5/3: Presentations
DUE: Collaborative Research Project & Group Presentations
5/5: Presentations
DUE: Collaborative Research Project & Group Presentations
Week 15
5/5: Lecture
Introduce Digital Portfolio & Reflection Essay
Create your website on CUNY Commons for your Digital Portfolio.
Post a link to your website to Blackboard Discussion Board.
5/7: Workshop
Begin writing your Final Reflection on the 8 course outcomes.
250 words (maximum) per paragraph on each course outcome.
Post one paragraph to Blackboard Discussion.
Week 16
5/12: Workshop
Keep working on your Digital Portfolio & Reflection Essay.
Post one paragraph to Blackboard Discussion.
5/14: Workshop
Update your website on CUNY Commons with your Final Reflection Essay.
DUE: Digital Portfolio & Reflection Essay
Free write about your experience creating a website and writing the Final Reflection. Post on Blackboard Discussion.
This entry is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International license.
