General Chemistry C1404 - Spring 2001
The Chemwrite Program in Chemistry
Spring Term, 2001
Chemwrite list:
1) John Emsley: The 13th Element. The Sordid Tale of Murder, Fire,
and Phosphorus.
2) Henry Petroski: The Pencil. A History of Design and Circumstance.
3) Carlo Cerignani: Ludwig Boltzmann. The Man Who Trusted Atoms.
4) Walter Gratzer: The Undergrowth of Science. Delusion, Self-deception,
and Human Frailty.
5) Douglas Starr: Blood. An Epic History of Medicine and Commerce.
6) Roald Hoffmann: The Same and Not the Same. A Literary Illumination
of Some Mysteries of the
Central Science.
1) Read one of the books in the list above. The books are, or will soon
be, available in the Columbia University book store. The books are also
available at most online bookstores.
2) Write a 500-600 word essay describing the material in the book you
have chosen, following these instructions:
-
Construct your report with a title page, abstract,
main body, references and citations, in that order.
-
Give on the title page the title of your essay, the
title of the book on which you are reporting, your name, your email address,
your recitation section, and your TA's name.
-
Write your abstract summarizing the content of your
essay in 75 words or less.
-
Begin the body of your essay with a concise summary of
the book.
-
Devote the remaining part of your essay, the major
part, to a more in-depth report on one major scientific topic in the book,
emphasizing the chemistry in the book.
-
Use notes from your class, material from your
textbook, and quotations from the book to support points that you make in your
report. Add references to and quotations from any other sources that you need
to enhance your essay.
-
Use the Bedford
Handbook 5th ed. by Diana Hacker as a guide to
effective style, correct grammar, and format for citations.
-
Type your essay, double-spaced.
-
Write your report for an audience of intelligent and
educated adults who are not experts in chemistry. Avoid jargon and define any
specialized terms or acronyms that you use.
-
Submit your paper in the envelopes (unsealed) provided in class.
You are to submit a first draft of your essay by 4 PM on Wednesday,
March 21 in 318 Havemeyer Hall. Your report will be returned to you,
with comments and suggestions for revision, the week of April 9 . You must
turn in the final version (including commented first draft) by 4 PM,
Wednesday, April 18.
Please keep a copy of the draft and final versions of your essay.
This assignment is worth 16% of your C1404 grade.