My syllabus is for an upper division or intro graduate course in science writing. The purpose of the course is the introduce the students to good examples of science writing via reading and to have them communicate science in a variety of formal and informal ways. As you can imagine each scientific discipline has very specific jargon that can present a barrier to entry into the conversation. Knowing the jargon and associated ideas in crucial to joining the community. Science writing can be addressed to the academic or lay communities, therefore knowing one's audience is crucial. Depending on the audience different rhetorical strategies may be relied upon more or less. Logos and pathos will be heavily relied upon in academic writing, while pathos may be highlighted in writing directed at the general public.
Academic discourse
Grammatically correct writing that is directed to academic peers; may present a barrier to basic writers or those who are previously unfamiliar with this form of communication
Academic writing
Writing at the university level; is formal and grammatically correct; generally it presents new knowledge or the author’s expert opinion
Discourse community
A group with similar interests that communicates in a preferred manner with discipline specific jargon
Audience
The intended reader in terms of age, education, politics, gender, experiences, etc.
Rhetorical Triangle
Employing logos (reason; how well the argument is communicated), ethos (related to the authors credibility or that of the sources) and pathos (appeals to emotion) in writing; understanding the relationship between author, audience and message; all elements should be employed in balanced strong writing
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