Course Description
An introduction to the field and careers of science communication, with an emphasis on ecological/environmental issues and narratives. As global change takes center stage as the defining concern of our time, telling the story of science is arguably as important as the research itself.
Athena Title
Science Communication for Ecol
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in ECOL 3440E
Prerequisite
ENGL 1102 or ENGL 1102E or ENGL 1103 or ENGL 1050H or ENGL 1060H
Corequisite
[(BIOL 1104 or BIOL 1104H) and BIOL 1104L] or (BIOL 1108 and BIOL 1108L) or (BIOL 2108H and BIOL 2108L)
Semester Course Offered
Offered spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
Students enrolled in this course will be able to: 1. Identify the thematic and conceptual issues in communicating science through surveying important literature and examining key issues around communicating science. 2. Interpret how to “read” media critically across print, visual, and digital contexts. Students will learn about the rules and conventions that underlie communication texts—including books, films, documentaries, and new media, with a focus on blogs and photographs. 3. Apply principles of media literacy to science communication through various media texts focused on ecological and environmental issues. 4. Design and evaluate communications on ecological and environmental issues using the basic rules and principles of science communication—this includes writing (e.g., blogs, articles) and visual communication (e.g., “smartphone storytelling”). 5. Develop skills to act as translators between the scientific community and the public at large.
Topical Outline
Thematic and conceptual issues in communicating ecological science Survey of foundational literature What is great science writing in ecology? Key issues in communicating ecological issues to diverse audiences Survey current media landscape around ecology Examine various media texts focused on ecological and environmental issues Audio interviews and report writing Visual communication through photography and videos Finding ways to translate ecology in a politicized environment Writing on an ecological issue Writing based on an interview The art of pitching Environmental Ethics Storytelling: the geometry of an ecological narrative
Syllabus