CW 104 — Storytelling in Science: Turning Scientific Research into Powerful Narratives
Quarter: Winter
Instructor(s): Lauren E. Oakes
Date(s): Jan 22—Mar 5
Class Recording Available: Yes
Class Meeting Day: Thursdays
Grade Restriction: No letter grade
Class Meeting Time: 5:30—7:20 pm (PT)
Please Note: This course has a different schedule than what was previously published. The course will meet on 6 Thursdays, January 22 to March 5, 5:30 - 7:20 pm (PT). No class on February 19.
Tuition: $515
Refund Deadline: Jan 24
Unit(s): 1
Enrollment Limit: 20
Status: Closed
Quarter: Winter
Day: Thursdays
Duration: 6 weeks
Time: 5:30—7:20 pm (PT)
Date(s): Jan 22—Mar 5
Unit(s): 1
Tuition: $515
Refund Deadline: Jan 24
Instructor(s): Lauren E. Oakes
Grade Restriction: No letter grade
Enrollment Limit: 20
Recording Available: Yes
Status: Closed
Please Note: This course has a different schedule than what was previously published. The course will meet on 6 Thursdays, January 22 to March 5, 5:30 - 7:20 pm (PT). No class on February 19.
Every scientific breakthrough contains a story that can change how we see the world. This course is designed for scientists, researchers, and science communicators who want to translate complex findings and technical topics into compelling narratives that will resonate with both experts and general audiences.
Emphasizing the balance between scientific accuracy and emotional resonance, the course invites you to explore the human connections that make science journalism so powerful. You’ll bring research to life through creative writing techniques: developing vibrant characters, structuring strong narratives, and crafting vivid scenes that captivate readers. For inspiration, we’ll study clear, creative, and impactful examples of science stories. You’ll develop a long-form project (2,000–3,000 words) on a topic of personal and scientific significance—such as artificial intelligence, medical breakthroughs, or renewable energy. You’ll leave with a polished essay that makes science both accessible and unforgettable and guidance from the instructor on how to pitch your work.
LAUREN E. OAKES
Environmental Scientist and Writer
Lauren E. Oakes has held various appointments at Stanford as a researcher, lecturer, and adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Earth System Science. In addition to publishing her forest- and climate-related research in academic journals, she has also written for Undark, Literary Hub, The New York Times, Scientific American, Emergence Magazine, Nautilus, and other outlets. Her book In Search of the Canary Tree was the second place winner of the 2019 Rachel Carson Environment Book Award and was a finalist for the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Communication Award. The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation supported reporting for Treekeepers, her new book about the global reforestation movement.Textbooks for this course:
(Required) Michelle Nijhuis, The Science Writers’ Essay Handbook: How to Craft Compelling True Stories in Any Medium (ISBN 978-0692654668)