Science Writing

Course Objectives
This will be a training course in English writing skills for future scientists since a competent command of English writing is necessary for your careers. We will work on a variety of skill training exercises and other formats to help improve your writing ability. In addition, I will also give each of you, personal “one-on-one coaching” throughout the semester to help achieve this. The class will be held “Live” in the classroom and English will only be used as the language of instruction.

Course Prerequisites
Students enrolled in graduate programs at the University of Tokyo are welcome. Any level of English writing ability will be accepted. The lecturer has been teaching as a tenured university faculty member for over twenty-five years and also, has over three decades of experience writing for various Japanese magazines.

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授業計画

4/14: Course introduction and syllabus. Training #1. This is a very important class since everything will be explained about the course as well as “one-on-one coaching.” 4/21: Training #2. Overview of Scientific writing with exercises. Definite vs. indefinite articles exercises. Self-introductions by all students. “Golden Rules.” 4/28: Training #3. Scientific writing assignment #1. Definite vs. indefinite articles review. 5/5: No class during Golden Week. 5/12: Training #4. Verb Forms review. Scientific writing exercises. Exercises with Verb Forms. “Golden Rules.” 5/19: Training # 5. Past, Present, Present participle, Future tense. “Golden Rules” Scientific writing exercises. Scientific writing assignment #2. 5/26: Training #6. Punctuation Part I. Scientific writing exercises. “Golden Rules.” 6/2: Training #7. Punctuation Part II. Scientific writing exercises. “Golden Rules.” Scientific writing assignment #3. 6/9: Training #8. Punctuation Part II. Scientific writing exercises. “Golden Rules.” 6/16: Training #9. Vital “Tips “for better writing I. and the “Golden Rules” Scientific writing assignment #4. 6/23: No class 6/30: Training #10. Vital “Tips” for better writing II. And “Golden Rules.” Scientific writing exercises. 7/7: Training #11. Scientific writing with exercises. Scientific writing assignment #5 7/14: .Training #12. Scientific writing with exercises. Take-home examination essay topic announced. 7/21: Training #13. Scientific Writing exercises. Scientific writing assignment #6. 7/28. Training #14. Final review of all material covered during the course and Take-home Examination due. *Please note that there will not be an in-class Final Examination. Instead, there will be a Take-home Examination that students must submit to me at the final class.