Env H 590
Advanced Technical Writing in Public Health
MW 3:30- 5:20 Room: E216 Credits: 5 SLN 22305
Instructor: Dr. Deborah L. Illman, illman@u.washington.edu
Description
This graduate-level course helps graduate students to
- Convey information effectively to technical audiences,
- Translate that information for general audiences in the public arena, &
- Craft effective commentaries and essays on topics of professional
interest.
We will explore the principles of effective writing for technical articles
and reports with attention to structure, clarity, style, and language
usage. Students will craft an executive summary of a research report for
technical audiences. Then, they translate that same content into the form
of a press release that could be disseminated through the media and on the
Web. Students explore framing of science issues and learn to distill the
essence of an issue for headlines and short spots.
The course is designed to build communication proficiency through a
combination of writing and revising assignments, selected readings,
lecture/discussion sessions, oral presentations, and hands-on activities.
On selected assignments, students will have the opportunity to share
drafts with the group, practice their reviewing skills, and receive
feedback from classmates and the instructor. Students completing the class
will have several professional writing samples to add to their portfolios.
