CW 104 — Storytelling in Science: Turning Scientific Research into Powerful Narratives
Quarter: Winter
Instructor(s): Lauren E. Oakes
Date(s): Jan 12—Feb 23
Class Recording Available: Yes
Class Meeting Day: Tuesdays
Grade Restriction: No letter grade
Class Meeting Time: 5:30—7:20 pm (PT)
Please Note: No class on February 2
Tuition: $535
Refund Deadline: Jan 14
Unit(s): 1
Enrollment Limit: 18
Status: Registration opens Nov 30, 8:30 am (PT)
Quarter: Winter
Day: Tuesdays
Duration: 6 weeks
Time: 5:30—7:20 pm (PT)
Date(s): Jan 12—Feb 23
Unit(s): 1
Tuition: $535
Refund Deadline: Jan 14
Instructor(s): Lauren E. Oakes
Grade Restriction: No letter grade
Enrollment Limit: 18
Recording Available: Yes
Status: Registration opens Nov 30, 8:30 am (PT)
Please Note: No class on February 2
Every scientific breakthrough contains a story that can change how we see the world. 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 climate change, medical breakthroughs, or emerging technologies. The course also offers an opportunity to develop a standalone essay or one part of a larger work, such as an opening chapter or prologue to a book. You’ll leave with a polished piece that makes science both accessible and unforgettable and guidance from the instructor on how to pitch your work.
This course is designed for scientists, researchers, graduate students, and science communicators who want to make their work more engaging and accessible to wider audiences. Writers, journalists, and professionals from related fields who are curious about narrative science will also benefit. Literary writers interested in exploring how storytelling can illuminate scientific ideas are equally welcome. No prior creative writing experience is required—just curiosity, a willingness to experiment with story, and a commitment to developing a project. The course works well for participants with an existing research topic or idea, as well as those eager to discover one and get started.
LAUREN E. OAKES
Environmental Scientist and Writer
Lauren E. Oakes has held various appointments at Stanford as a researcher and lecturer, and as an adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Earth System Science. She has published forest- and climate-related research in academic journals and written for Scientific American, Emergence Magazine, Nautilus, Undark, The New York Times, Literary Hub, and other outlets. Her award-winning books include In Search of the Canary Tree and Treekeepers, with reporting for the latter supported by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. Textbooks for this course:
(Required) Michelle Nijhuis, The Science Writers’ Essay Handbook: How to Craft Compelling True Stories in Any Medium (ISBN 978-0692654668)