COURSE DESCRIPTION: In "Persuasive
Writing in Contemporary Science" students begin by creating an
internet blog on such contemporary topics in science as stem cell
research, global warming, genetic modification of food, medical
genetics, and/or other important issues. The course would meet as a
T/R course. One day a week would be facilitated by the biology
professor who will teach students on the principles behind the most
up-to-date relevant science. The other class period will be taught by
the English faculty on argument based writing and composition. This
course would exist as a 2 credit course in biology listed with a 2
credit course in English (4 credits overall to the student; 2 cr hours
for each of two faculty members). Assignments will involve writing
blogs where students take positions on contemporary issues in science
and must support their ideas with the best up-to-date research and
science in that area and do so in a persuasive, well written and
finely articulated, manner. Critical thinking and critical evaluation
skills will be fostered as the instructors use other relevant blog
articles as examples to evaluate for science content and writing
effectiveness and then students write their own responses. By virtue
of its presence in the blogosphere, the potential audience of the
students work extends far beyond classroom peers and the faculty
members. It represents a novel way to create enthusiasm in students
and attract both science and humanities majors.
This course provides a strategy to
specifically address a learning outcome that graduates would be
familiar with contemporary issues in science which an estimated 75% of
universities has listed as a specific learning outcome for their
graduate and undergraduate programs.
This course also introduces a NEW PARADIGM that can be used in several
other disciplines. It specifically addresses development of writing
skills while at the same time prepares undergraduate students for
discourse heavily rooted in the concepts of their chosen field.
It can provide a form for almost any discipline to develop critical
thinking skills as well as discipline specific knowledge. If proposed
in partnering with other universities it can not only increase
intercollegiate discussion but could create a new model for
peer-to-peer discussions between sister institutions in various
disciplines.
BIOL XXX Persuasive Writing in
Contemporary Science
2 Credit Hours English.
2 Credit Hours Biology.
DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGY
DIVISION OF NATURAL SCIENCES AND
MATHEMATICS
DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH
DIVISION OF HUMANITIES
CLAFLIN UNIVERSITY
Instructor
Office Phone Email
Dr. Nicholas Panasik Jr.
JST 221 803.937.9600 npanasik@claflin.edu
Yahoo Messenger ID:
Protein_structure_lab
Office Hours &
Consultation
MW 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. & 1:30 p.m. – 3:00
p.m.; R 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
We can always set an appointment for another
time via email and I am also happy to answer questions via email or
through the Blackboard Discussion board.
You can drop by at other times but I may be
busy. Feel free to send a text message to my phone to see when I am
free, or to Instant Message with me using Yahoo Messenger with screen
name: protein_structure_lab
Blackboard
There is a course module for this lab at
http://blackboard.claflin.edu
Sign in with your normal Claflin ID and
password
Expectations (of You):
1.
You are expected to attend ALL classroom sessions and be on
time. Material will be discussed in a manner that can't be replaced by
another method.
2.
You are expected to check your email regularly (daily) for
announcements, added instructions, or discussion.
3.
You are expected to use check Blackboard regularly
for course announcements, etc
4.
You are expected to create an anonymous public blog and engage
in polite, scientifically based discourse with the world community.
5. All written assignments will
be submitted electronically through blog assignments.
6.
You are expected to participate in all discussions in a
professional and scholarly manner and follow the Claflin Honor Code.
Expectations (of Me):
1.
I am expected to provide a rich, intellectually challenging,
and useful series of exercises to enhance your skills in teaching &
leadership.
2.
I am expected to be available and accessible to answer
questions, and facilitate your understanding of course and workshop
material.
3.
I am expected to return graded materials in a timely fashion.
4.
I am expected to be fair and equal in grading and dealing with
students.
I. COURSE DESCRIPTION
.
See above
Program includes:
Internet Blog
Classroom discussions
Peer evaluations (Peers
may include others in the world community)
Quizzes and exams
Faculty mentored
development of scientific arguments
Frequent online
discussions and development of a discipline specific community
More to follow.
