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

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

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