21W.783 homework #1
due by second class meeting

• Read `The Science of Scientific Writing'.
• Submit a one-page, preliminary proposal for your term paper. The proposal should include a title and a starting list of sources. It should briefly describe the intended audience. Most importantly, it should refer to the scientific context of the paper and explain why the paper is being written. You should think about your ideas and plans, and then have at least one meeting or telephone conversation with me before submitting your proposal. Plan to have this meeting at least two days before the next class, so that you'll have time to revise and I'll have time to think. (This is a deadline, not a guideline. Deadlines are important.)
• With the other members of your workshop group, select a published technical document (for example a research article, a technical report, a manual, or an RFC) that you'll discuss in class. Each member of the group should select one paragraph from this document to analyse in detail. On your own, write up some notes (for your own use) on the strengths and weaknesses of the document as a whole, and on the details of your particular paragraph. Bring your document and your notes to the next class. You don't need to submit them to me.