21W.035

Fall 2019

Jared Berezin

In 21W.035, we explore ways to communicate accurately, meaningfully, and persuasively to the public. We discuss how considering the elements of a rhetorical situation, especially purpose and audience, are critical when crafting effective written communication. As you write your final story, refer back to your notes, the prior readings, and the issues that stick out in your mind from our class discussions and activities. This is your opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge and awareness that you have gained throughout the semester.

 

Due Dates:

1. Monday 11/18: Upload your project proposal (see template) before class.
2. Monday 12/2 by 2PM: Email berezin@mit.edu 2-4 Powerpoint slides, one of which should be an original image.
3. Monday 12/2, Wednesday 12/4: Deliver a 3-5min presentation to share the key aspects of your project, and field questions about your research.
4. Monday 12/9 by 3PM: Upload your final article to the course site.

 

Context: Your investigative research article will be published in a widely read science magazine, such as New Scientist or Discover. Accordingly, your article should be lay-friendly, in-depth, visually appealing, and communicate the context andmeaning of the information that you share.

 

Working with Outside Sources: Rather than strive for consensus among your sources, be sure to describe any uncertainty or areas of conflict that you uncover within the sources you read. This will give the reader a more complete understanding of the issue. Moreover, by acknowledging and countering opposing viewpoints, you will demonstrate your confidence and ability to support your own position with trustworthy evidence.

 

Identifying your perspective: Amidst all of the research you integrate within your article, remember that your perspective matters. Your audience will want to know what you think about the topic. Accordingly, your article should have a thesis—an answer to your central research question. While some topics might generate a clear stance from the author, oftentimes researching a topic reveals more complexity and unanswered questions about the issue. Accordingly, your thesis might be a new question (as opposed to a definite answer) that seeks to move the discussion forward. Assuming a position of uncertainty regarding your topic is appropriate if the research you have conducted supports that uncertainty.

 

Audience: You are writing for a segment of the public that has a general interest in science, though not necessarily a strong interest, understanding, or even awareness of your specific topic. Remember that your audience does not need to read your article. Indeed, they have many other articles, events, and distractions to choose from. You must try to capture and sustain the attention of your readers while accurately educating them. Why should they read your article? Why does your story matter?

 

Since your readers are unfamiliar with the complex topic under discussion, be as precise and accessible as possible. Readers will also expect to hear your own thoughts on your chosen topic, which you can do, in part, by the way you arrange your discussion, including what you emphasize, and how you link ideas (e.g. “While this poses a challenge, many researchers seem to believe that the challenge is well worth solving.”). Clear descriptions, accessible terminology, and logical organization will be critical.

 

Article format guidelines:

• .pdf to preserve formatting
• 2200 words maximum
• Include at least two images, one of which must be original
• In-text citations (APA format) with a Works Cited list
• Outside sources for background and examples, including a targeted interview
• Consider using headings to organize the article and guide the reader

 

Presentation guidelines: Before submitting a written article, you will deliver a 3-5min oral presentation of your research with only 2-4 Powerpoint slides. This brief presentation will serve as your “first draft.” The goal is to get quality feedbackfrom your classmates and teacher that you can use to improve the final draft of your article. Since the presentation is 3-5min maximum, you cannot share all of the information you learn with the audience—that would be too overwhelming—so consider what we will need to know in order to grasp your topic and its importance. You are also encouraged to test the effectiveness of your introduction, scientific translations, your original image, and metaphors, in order to gauge our responses.

 

Additional presentation tips:

• Although you’ll be presenting 2-4 slides only, each image must be explained for your audience.
• In terms of delivery, you may read from notes, present from an outline, or speak without any notes—choose whichever form is most comfortable for you. Or, as a challenge, choose the form that you find least J
• Craft an engaging introduction that immediately captures our interest.
• Prior to your presentation, rehearse out loud and in front of an audience. This will be critical to ensure that you communicate clearly and remain within the time limit without rushing.