In this class, you'll be working on a series of short writing assignments that tackle different types of writing. Although they'll all be relatively short, and geared toward a general audience, each one will require thinking differently about what you are trying to accomplish with the piece. You might be comparing and contrasting different approaches to a sustainability problem, or describing the results of a scientific study. Each type of writing will require a different approach to research. 

Before you start thinking about the type of writing you're going to do, and what kind of research you'll need to do, you're going to need to dig into a topic, and figure out what aspect of that topic you are going to engage with. As with all short writing, you'll need to learn a lot more about your topic than you can ultimately fit into your finished piece. How will you decide what's most important about your topic?

Let's practice together. Watch the video below and consider:

• What is going on here? 
• Who are the stakeholders involved?
• What choices can you see being made (now, or in the past)?
• Do you think they are good or bad choices, and what makes you think so?

Ask a Librarian 24/7 service: Anytime, anywhere! This instant messaging reference service lets you chat with a librarian no matter what time it is. Puget Sound librarians can follow up if you leave your email address.

Best for: Questions that can't wait but come up when the library is closed; citation questions; tracking down specific books and articles.