Health and Science Reporting (383-0-20)

Instructors

Patti Wolter

Meeting Info

Fisk Hall 206: Wed 9:00AM - 11:50AM

Overview of class

Health and Science Reporting is for students interested in health, medical, environmental, technical and science writing. Whether you have specific interests--such as fitness, NASA, pre-med, COVID19, or climate change--or are simply science curious, this course will give you the tools to write about complicated topics for lay audiences. We will demystify research journals, erase the intimidation of interviewing experts and expand your skills as feature length storytellers in the medium of your choice. In this combination writing workshop and seminar we will read some of the best of the best science and health journalism; meet with expert scientists on campus; and meet the editors and writers from leading scientific journals and publications. Students will learn what makes good science writing, how to find sources, how to evaluate information and how to sort out science from pseudo-science. Assignments include critiques of science coverage in newspapers, magazines, television, radio and the Web, science/health/medicine journal rewrites, news briefs, an in-depth narrative story on a science topic of students' own choosing, and an opportunity to write live copy for a consumer science magazine or website.

Registration Requirements

Pre-Req: Sophomore Standing

Class Attributes

Attendance at 1st class mandatory
No Freshmen

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Reserved for Medill Sophomores, Juniors & Seniors