• improve their scientific writing skills
• know how to incorporate data into their writings
• discern when an argument is based on data or not
• construct cohesive arguments by integrating graphical data with compelling text

• appreciate a good argument founded on data
• demand supporting evidence when claims are made in the absence of data
• express pride in their own writing

• comprehension
• identify structural components of an argument
• explain the differences between good and bad writing samples
• application
• apply good writing techniques in their own writing
• employ peer review guidelines to text written by others or themselves
• analysis
• analyze data displayed graphically 
• criticize arguments that lack supporting evidence 
• appraise the coherence of data and text within an argument
• synthesis
• formulate a cohesive argument from multiple datasets 
• construct a well written explanation and summary of data
• write compelling and concise documents to communicate science broadly
• evaluation
• assess arguments with and without supporting data
• attack arguments that lack data

Graded Assignments
Your grades are based on three types of contributions:

1. class participation = 5%
2. multiple short assignments = 70%
3. one cumulative assignment = 25%

As explained on the linked Excel file, you will have

• 8 drafts versions graded (six 1-pagers, one storyboard, and one 10-pager)
• 9 peer reviews graded (six 1-pagers, two storyboards, and one 10-pager)
• 10 final versions graded (seven 1-pagers, two storyboards, and one 10-pager)

I will take attendance each day to facilitate a more objective means for assigning the participation grade. You may not miss any class without a legitimate reason. Legitimate reasons include illness requiring physician’s care, family emergency, etc. Unacceptable reasons include over-sleeping, exam in another class, social function, etc. I will be flexible about religious holidays if you come speak to me personally.

All of your graded assignments are covered by the Honor Code. If you violate my trust in you and the Honor Code, we will have to reevaluate how you are graded in this course. The entire system will break down when individuals make exceptions to the rule in order to spare their friends. I was a student at Davidson, so I know how important the Honor Code is. The best place to read about plagiarism is on this writing page (scroll down to plagiarism header).

References

• Elliot, Leslie Atkins, Kim Jaxon and Irene Salter. 2017. Composing Science: A facilitator's guide to writing in the science classroom. 163 pages. Teacher's College Press. NY, NY. ISBN: 978-0-8077-5806-9.
• Greene, Anne E. 2013. Writing Science in Plain English. 124 pages. The University of Chicago Press. Chicago, IL. ISBN: 978-0-226-02637-4
  

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