EI reading pp1-29

Wow -- objectivity, situation, academic community, observational lens... there are so many things to think about! The question is, how do I become a real, contributing member to the academic community? Do I want to join this club, even? Will I be able to apply what I learn here to my job outside the university? If I take the time to learn the discourse of my area of study, am I limiting my ability to communicate well with others, outside?

Reading this material from the perspective of someone who has done undergraduate and graduate work at the university, AND as someone who has worked as a professional writer, I can safely say that most of the writing I did for my classes I did for the sake of learning the academy. Did it help me in my professional life -- of course, since I had to adapt to a number of different disciplines in my academic career. I learned a certain mental agility -- the ability to adapt my writing to the situation -- oh, and the ability to recognize various situations... First priority? Assess the needs of my audience. Second? Learn about what I need to write about. In my experience as a science writer, those are the important steps I have to take to do my job well. The benefits of a science writing course as I see it?

learn to assess your situation
learn how to write in various genres
learn to stay flexible and adaptable as you write
learn how to apply your knowledge of science/technical subjects

I learned these things myself, and it has made me a much better writer, a much more valuable employee, since I can think my way through a writing dilemma without much outside guidance. Oh, time's up! So much more to say about objectivity and all the rest. I guess we'll get to that in class!