Science and environmental communication\u00a0 COMS 407 \/ COMS 498<\/p>\n
Prof. Bill Kovarik<\/strong> 1) To understand the field of science and environment writing, and to appreciate the work of public scientists and writers who interpret science for the public through non-fiction genres of writing styles, including news, investigative and literary\u00a0styles.<\/p>\n 2) To learn how to write about\u00a0scientific and environmental issues;\u00a0 to find and interview a variety of stakeholders; to\u00a0 profile scientists and explain their work; to fathom public documents such as pollution permits and\u00a0 environmental impact studies; to explain the nuances of environmental controversy to the public; to be appropriately concerned about environmental justice;\u00a0 and to illustrate and visualize scientific materials for the public.<\/p>\n A. Keeping up:<\/strong><\/p>\n B. Practice in basic reporting:\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><\/p>\n C. Research assignments\u00a0 <\/strong><\/p>\n D. Writing assignments\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><\/p>\n E. Professional orientation: <\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0 \u00a0 Careers and controversy\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0 \u00a0History of Science writing\u00a0 \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Media law and ethics\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n 1. Become familiar<\/strong> with the Society of Professional Journalists code of ethics Your grade will be assessed\u00a0as follows:<\/p>\n A. Ongoing —\u00a0 5% — Keep up with the news and be prepared to discuss recent events\u00a0 in weekly meetings. Attendance policy:<\/strong>\u00a0Attendance is important. Systematic absences will affect your grades, both in terms of poor test performance and penalties imposed for unexcused absences. Absences approaching 15 percent or more result in step-wise reduction of the grade.<\/p>\n Disabilities policy:\u00a0<\/b>\u00a0\u00a0If you are seeking academic accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act at Radford University, you are required to register with the Disability Resource Office (DRO). \u00a0 To receive academic accommodations for this class, please submit your documentation to the DRO in the lower level of Tyler Hall Suites 54-69, by fax to 540-831-6525, by email to\u00a0dro@radford.edu<\/a>. After submitting documentation to our office, you will set up an interview with a Disability Services Specialist to discuss accommodations. You will be notified via email once your accommodation package is complete and ready to be picked up. Once you have picked up your accommodation package, you will need to meet with each course professor during their office hours to review and discuss your package. \u00a0For more information and\/or for documentation guidelines, visit\u00a0www.radford.edu\/dro<\/a>\u00a0or call 540-831-6350.<\/p>\n RU Honor code:<\/strong>\u00a0By accepting admission to Radford University, each student makes a commitment to understand, support and abide by the University Honor Code without compromise or exception.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" SYLLABUS Science and environmental communication\u00a0 COMS 407 \/ COMS 498 Prof. Bill Kovarik Contact — Email: wkovarik at radford dot edu\/ phone 540 831 6033 GOALS 1) To understand the field of science and environment writing, and to appreciate the … Continue reading
\nContact — Email: wkovarik at radford dot edu\/ phone 540 831 6033<\/p>\nGOALS <\/strong><\/h3>\n
Reading & Assignments\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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\n2. Learn<\/strong> how to avoid libel and privacy lawsuits\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n Assessment and Grading<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\nB.\u00a0Basic Reporting — 10% —\u00a0 Write the “10 leads” exercise and five short reaction memos from the reading
\nC. Research — 20% — Complete all assignments, but with greatest emphasis on C 3.
\nD.Write\u00a0 —\u00a0 60% — Write at least three items\u00a0as described in Section
\nE.\u00a0Additional information\u00a0 — 5% — Become familiar with the issues\u00a0and be prepared to discuss\u00a0them \u00a0in weekly meetings.<\/p>\nPolicies<\/h3>\n