About PBIO 6330 A
Writing seminar that focuses on close observation of the natural world and interpreting scientific findings for public audiences. Includes preparation of an animal encounter and science brief, as well as reading of published natural history and ecology essays. Prerequisite: Field Naturalist Program Graduate student.
Notes
Field Naturalist Graduate students only; Meeting time and place TBA; Contact instructor for meeting location and time Open to degree and PACE students
Section Description
This course invites students to close observation of the natural world and to regular practice in writing about it. Key assignments include an animal encounter, a tree climb, a close observation of one the “little things” (perhaps an insect or fungi), and a long walk—and then reflective writing to explore these experiences. Each of these explorations is bolstered by reading and discussion of published professional writing on the same topic. For example, students may read Annie Dillard’s seminal essay on an animal encounter, “Living Like Weasels”; Bernd Heinrich’s close observation of burying beetles; Richard Preston’s account in the New Yorker of climbing redwoods. Another thread of this course is writing about science—interpreting technical findings for a more public audience. Students practice and share a science “brief” that interprets a new peer-reviewed journal study.
Section Expectation
Weekly meetings with close readings, peer review, and constructive conversation. Engagement and determination count a lot in this course. A writer’s level of effort is most apparent in words on the page. A genuine interest in writing, which basically means writing with diligence and receptiveness to criticism and revision, is a key to success in this course.
Evaluation
Students are evaluated based on attendance, discussion, in-class writing, in-class presentations, demonstrated joy of learning—and, mostly, writing projects. Engagement and determination count a lot in this course. The extent to which students improve their writing will be as important as what they actually write. Grading rubric: Proficiency and power 35% Improvement of craft 35% Meeting deadlines 10% Participation in class 10%
Important Dates
Note: These dates may change before registration begins.
Note: These dates may not be accurate for select courses during the Summer Session.
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Remind Me Form
PBIO 6330 A is closed to new enrollment.
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