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
Spring 2025
Instructors
Meeting Patterns
Classes Start:
January 6, 2025
Classes End:
April 22, 2025
Location:
00029 Winston Hall
Class Days:
T H
Class Start Time:
10:15am
Class End Time:
11:30am
Class Type:
Lecture
Credits:
3.00
Restrictions:
None