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)
Student learning Outcomes
Students will identify the thematic and conceptual issues in communicating science through surveying important literature and examining key issues around communicating science.
Students will 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.
Students will apply principles of media literacy to science communication through various media texts focused on ecological and environmental issues.
Students will 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”).
Students will 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 in Environmental Communication
Scientific Reporting and Press releases
Key issues in communicating ecological issues to diverse audiences
Extension writing
Audio interviews and report writing
Visual communication through photography and documentaries
