Registration for this course is closed.
Email us to add yourself to the waiting list for our next offering.
Course runs Mondays, Sep. 12–Nov. 7 @ 7–8:30pm ET
(No classes on Oct. 10th and 24th)
Department
Journalismn
Instructor
Christina Frangou
Capacity
25 seats
From new discoveries in space and technology to investigating the underlying causes of social issues through the fields of medicine and sociology, navigating the universe of science is a daunting task for any writer.
This eight-week course with award-winning journalist Christina Frangou teaches students how to filter out the goop and write clear, impactful science stories that stand out. Students will develop skills to debunk shoddy scientific claims, tell the difference between a topic and story, find the personal in the academic, learn how to navigate ethical challenges in science writing and much more.
The class is open to 25 students with capacity for 16 students to upgrade to Tier 2 for an additional fee. Tier 2 students will complete a draft of two op-eds up to 750 words each OR finish a reported feature of up to 2,000 words.
CLASS RECORDINGS/PARTICIPATION
The course is intended for live participation, however, if you can’t be present for a class, or must leave early, a recording will be provided the morning after each class.
STUDENT TIERS
Tier 1 ($315 🇨🇦): Students in Tier 1 will be able to attend classes and participate in the lectures, class discussions and weekly reading assignments, but will not develop their ideas into articles with Christina.
Tier 2 ($450 🇨🇦): Students in Tier 2 will have the opportunity to bring two 750-word op-eds OR one reported feature up to 2,000 words from concept to polished draft with feedback from Christina and classmates during the course.
TAKEAWAYS:
- Learn the foundations of science writing
- Develop practical skills and techniques to write vividly and clearly about science
- Learn how to fact-check and debunk dubious scientific claims and studies
- Acquire skills for editing, rewriting and pitching
Upgrade to a Tier 2 package and …
- Complete a draft of two 750-word op-eds OR one reported 2,000-word feature
- Receive constructive feedback on drafts from fellow students
- Receive feedback on the final draft of op-eds and features directly from Christina
- Have access to one-on-one consultations with Christina if needed
COURSE SCHEDULE
Mondays, 7–8:30pm ET, Sep. 12–Nov. 7
(No classes on Oct. 10th and 24th)
Tier 2 pre-course homework: Have at least two possible ideas for two op-eds OR one idea for a reported feature, which you will write and workshop in this course.
- Class 1, Sep. 12th: Introduction to science writing
- Class 2, Sep. 19th: Finding a story and dealing with evidence and uncertainty
- Class 3, Sep. 26th: Finding and interviewing sources
- Class 4, Oct. 3rd: Writing science stories that people want to read: Structure
- No class October 10
- Class 5. Oct. 17th: Writing science stories that people want to read: Scenes
- No class October 24 / Final projects due
- Class 6, Oct. 31: Dealing with the things you didn’t see coming
- Class 7, Nov. 7: Pitching for publication and fact checking
REGISTRATION
After checkout, you’ll receive a receipt with a link to download your syllabus, which will include Zoom passcodes, pre-class homework, and additional course information. You will also receive an emailed reminder a few days before your first class.
ELIGIBILITY AND PREREQUISITE
Some writing and/or journalism experience is helpful but not required required for enrolment. Tier 2 students should have ideas for two, 750-word op-ed pieces or one, 2,000-word feature story.
ACCESSIBILITY
Pandemic University is committed to offering a fulfilling and inclusive education. Classes are held via Zoom with Closed Captioning features enabled through auto-transcription technology. A teaching assistant will be present to correct transcription mistakes and assist in other ways. The course includes workshops and class discussions, thus students are required to participate through audio; accommodations can be made for people with speaking or other disabilities if they inform us ahead of schedule. Video is encouraged of all students in order to optimize everyone’s virtual classroom experience.
CAPACITY AND REFUNDS
Space is limited to 25 students, including 16 students who’ve upgraded their registration to Tier 2. A minimum of approximately 10 enrollments is required for the course to proceed. In the event that we don’t reach this threshold, customers will get a full refund.
Anyone wishing to cancel their registration have until Sep. 5, 2022 to receive a guaranteed refund. If you cancel after Sep. 5 but before Sep. 11, 2022 we will only offer a refund if and after the vacated spot is filled. No refunds whatsoever will be offered after the course begins on Sep. 12. Violations of the Code of Conduct may also result in your removal from the course without compensation.
CODE OF CONDUCT
Although PanU is technically a fake university, we’re committed to high standards of artistic integrity, quality education, and maintaining a safe virtual environment for students. Abusive behaviour toward classmates or instructors will not be tolerated at any point during the course, including in private messages, and will result in expulsion without refund.
Other violations that could have you expelled from this course include: refusing to participate in group workshops; plagiarism and misrepresentation of others’ ideas as your own; sharing recordings of classes; sharing classmates’ work without their consent; and racism, sexism, homophobia, and transphobia either in your notes feedback to classmates or in your written work.
The final say on whether or not you continue in class belongs to the instructor alone. If you have any questions, email info@pandemicuniversity.com.