Professor: Nicole Dudukovic
4 credits
Public Writing Seminars are advanced-level, writing-intensive courses that engage students in a review of areas of special interest. These seminars emphasize public writing—the ability to translate complex arguments and professional jargon to a broad audience— which is a central feature of a liberal arts education. These seminars will have a collaborative format, with students writing frequently and rewriting their work in response to comments by their professors and input from classmates. You have learned how to write for college, now learn how to write for life.
The human brain has been called the most complex object in the known universe. It is also, arguably, one of the most fascinating. Over the past several decades, neuroscience research has become increasingly sophisticated and interdisciplinary. At the same time, neuroscience findings are attracting broad appeal. News stories, blog posts, magazine articles, and social media posts that include information about the brain or pictures of the brain are alluring and convincing; therefore, the accuracy of this information is paramount. How can we clearly and faithfully communicate about the intricacies of neuroscience in a way that is accessible to the public? In this course, we will grapple with this question. We will work together in the role of science writers and editors, reading primary sources in neuroscience and hearing from neuroscientists, writing about neuroscience findings for an audience of non-experts, and reviewing and editing each other’s work.