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ENGL 597 Special Topics

Rhetoric of Science (3-0-3) (F/S). This is a seminar course that analyzes the rhetorical principles influencing writing in the scientific and social-scientific professions. “Rhetoric” here simply means that the course will focus on the persuasive elements of science writing. We will study contemporary rhetoricians and philosophers of science for their historical and rhetorical perspectives on science writing. In conjunction with our study, we will apply these principles to writing in the professional sciences. Topics will include 1.) a study of the function of documents, such as environmental impact statements, grant proposals, and the scientific report, within the various discourse communities they influence; 2.) a historical overview of the development of scientific writing; and 3.) the interrelation among politics, society, and scientific endeavo PREREQ: ENGL 512 or PERM/INST.

Revised 30 July 2003.