Computing Writer's Workshop

			      Homework 1

1. On January 22, 2004, we will discuss the paper by George D. Gopen and
Judith A. Swan, "the Science of Scientific Writing", American
scientist, vol. 78, pages 550-558.  So read it ahead of time, and be
prepared to discuss it.

2. By January 28, 2004, you should email to the instructor and all the
workshop participants a short written review (1 page) about some book
on technical or scientific writing.  To find such a book, see the
course course web site:

  http://www.cs.iastate.edu/~leavens/writers-workshop.html

or go to the library, or a bookstore.  Look at several books about
scientific or technical writing, find a good one, read it in some
detail, and be prepared to give a short (about five minutes) report on
it to the rest of the class on January 29.  You can use the blackboard
if you wish, but to save time, don't plan to use the overhead
projector or powerpoint.  The class should give you minor feedback on
your presentation, but mostly we'll only be interested in the content.

Following this, will start functioning as a workshop.  You will be
expected to submit at least one draft to the workshop, and to
participate in constructively criticizing the work of others.

3. Sign up for a meeting when you will present your paper for review
by the workshop.