Document Type
Project
Publication Date
2012
Keywords
Professional writing, Science writing, Rhetorical strategies
Abstract
In order to learn methods for communicating about science in an approachable manner to popular and more advanced audiences, I have rhetorically analyzed five pieces of popular science communication (including written pieces and oral presentations). They are:
1. Big Bang by Simon Singh, Harper Perennial 2005
2. "A Geometric Theory of Everything" by A. Garrett Lisi and James Owen Weatherall, Scientific American Dec. 2010
3. "Blood from Stone" by Mary H. Schweitzer, Scientific American Dec. 2010
4. "Garrett Lisi on his theory of everything," TED 2008 Conference Feb. 2008, http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/en/garrettJisi_on_his_theory_of_everything.html
5. "Patricia Burchat sheds light on dark matter," TED 2008 Conference Feb. 2008, http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/en/patricia_burchat_leads_a_search_for_dark_energy.html
6. "NASA's Spitzer Spies Monster Galaxy Pileup" by Whitney Clavin, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory 6 Aug, 2007, http://www.spitzer.caltech.edu/news/260-ssc2007-13-NASA-s- Spitzer-Spies-Monster-Galaxy-Pileup
By "rhetorically analyzed," I simply mean that I judged each piece based on my perceptions of its approachability, understandability, and appeal to reader interest. To do so, I tried to put myself in the shoes of a layman. At the time of publication, I have almost completed a major in English literature with a minor in astronomy from Western Washington University. As such, I consider myself far from an expert, but rather as a beneficial liaison between experts and laymen.
Department
English
Recommended Citation
Wallace, Michelle, "Rhetorical Strategies for Audience-Specific Science Communication: Professional Writing Portfolio" (2012). WWU Honors College Senior Projects. 292.
https://cedar.wwu.edu/wwu_honors/292
Subjects - Topical (LCSH)
Science--Authorship; Communication in science; Technical writing
Genre/Form
student projects; term papers
Type
Text
Rights
Copying of this document in whole or in part is allowable only for scholarly purposes. It is understood, however, that any copying or publication of this document for commercial purposes, or for financial gain, shall not be allowed without the author’s written permission.
Rights Statement
http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/
Language
English
Format
application/pdf