Communicating Science & Policy (Cross-listed as ESRM 327)

Catalog description

Three hours lecture a week Definition: Provides an introduction and overview of environmental science communication in the broader contexts of (a) the role of communication in science, and (b) the cultural, practical and policy-related role of science communication to a variety of audiences and the wider society. This course focuses on best practices for environmental science communication and the translation of complex material in terms of persuasiveness and accuracy intended for a variety of audiences, including the science community, stakeholders, media representatives, policy makers, and public audiences. Cultivate students’ practical communication skills, with particular emphasis on effective speaking, writing and exhibiting on scientific and science-related topics to effectively engage non-scientific audiences via a variety of formats such as elevator speeches, narratives and analogies, social media, grant-writing, and advocacy papers. Provides students with the opportunity to undertake a substantial practical project in grant writing or science exhibiting.