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The Science Controversies Project is a "sequenced" assignment. The idea of sequenced writing assignment is to help you work through various stages of putting together a well-researched, cogently argued piece of deliberative writing. Deliberative writing addresses an issue of concern to you and to the community (in this case a scientific controversy) and develops an argument — a supported claim (or thesis) that serves as a good ground for action or a better resolution of problems. In deliberative writing, the writer considers thoughtfully others' research, ideas and positions, trying to understand why others hold these ideas and positions and considering whether they can be adopted (or adapted) to form part of your argument.

In developing and arguing for a useful position on an issue, deliberative writing does not rely solely on common sense. Common sense or what most people believe to be true may or may not be true. Deliberative writing often explores whether or not what seems to be common sense is really true. Deliberative writing always relies on evidence to support a position " empirical research, recorded history, and careful observations.

The Assignments

The Scientific Controversies Project is comprised of four assignments each leading into the other:

• Annotated Bibliography (informal);
• Meetings With Teams (informal; see course calendar);
• Debates;
• Journal and Articles.

The goal of the project is to have you examine your writing process in the context of a sustained research project; to understand communication as an individually and collectively defined endeavor; and to have you successfully communicate the particular aspects of a specialist (or "technical") subject to an educated, non-specialist audience.