COM 289
Science Communication and Public Engagement
Section: 001

Course Description

This course is an introduction to the principles and practices of communicating scientific and technological issues to public audiences, through interpersonal discussion, mass media, social media, and other means. It is open to students in all majors who want to deepen and broaden their understanding of how citizens make sense of science and technology in their everyday lives. The course features a mixture of theory-based readings and discussion with practical skill-building for communication in real-world contexts. Equal emphasis is given to humanities and social science perspectives. The application of communication concepts to controversial science contexts is emphasized, including case studies of issues such as GMOs, climate change, vaccines, and gene editing. Theoretical perspectives covered include argumentation and debate; audience analysis (through quantitative survey data and metrics); philosophy and ethics of communicating science; using narratives, framing, and metaphors to communicate science; and the cultural image of science in popular media.

GEP

Humanities GEP Course

Interdisciplinary Perspectives GEP Course

Social Sciences GEP Course

Fall 2024

Instructors

Meeting Patterns

Classes Start:
August 19, 2024
Classes End:
December 3, 2024
Location:
00123 Tompkins Hall
Class Days:
M W
Class Start Time:
3:00pm
Class End Time:
4:15pm

Class Type:
Lecture
Credits:
3.00
Restrictions:
None

Tools