Course Description
Focuses on how to be prepared to communicate science effectively as agricultural and environmental science issues emerge. Outcomes include an ability to think critically, articulate the central role of science communication, and develop communication philosophies grounded in strategies used when posed with emerging Agricultural and Environmental Science issues.
Athena Title
Comm Emerging AES Issues
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
Following the completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Identify and articulate the diversity of emerging topics facing the agricultural and environmental industries from a systems-level perspective. 2. Describe the role emergence plays as the scientific community strives to communicate about agricultural and environmental science (AES) issues. 3. Incorporate the benefits and shortfalls of emerging AES issues as they arise and clearly articulate a strategy for addressing them grounded in a personal communication philosophy. 4. Critically analyze an emerging AES issue and develop an appropriate communication response from the scientific community.
Topical Outline
• Co-identification/discussion of emerging agricultural and environmental issues • Divergent scientific strategies and creating your own communication philosophy • Role of systems thinking when communicating about emerging issues • Trust, credibility, and the public domain • When science communication goes wrong • Unique partnerships: Social media influencers and online power dynamics influence on emerging AES issues • Applications of science communication to relevant and timely issues • Communicating about emerging effects: Case study application • The role gender plays in disseminating/communicating about emerging AES issues • Historical and modern integration of art and science in addressing emerging scientific issues • Art and science applications to AES communication • Working strategically with interdisciplinary partners to address emerging science communication challenges • Bringing divergent strategies together to create a united communication front • Chasing a moving target: Staying in front of emerging AES topics
Syllabus
Public CV