SciComm Appendix III

Appendix III

Courses in Science Communication Taught in English, Journalism, Media, or Other Non-Communication Departments

Column heads:

Audience:

Public: Public (e.g., popular press)

Scientist: Science discourse communities

Both: Both scientists and public

Subject Focus

ENV Environmental

POL Policy

RISK Risk

SOC Sociology / Social Movements

SUS Sustainability

SciEth Science Ethics

SciTech Science, Technology, & Culture

Number of courses encountered: 28 (16 departments)

	Audience			Subject Focus
	Public	Scientist	Both	ENV	POL	RISK	SOC	SUS	SciEth	SciTech
Column Totals:	20	5	4	12	2	3	3	1	2	7
California Institute of Technology, Division of the Humanities and Social Sciences 1) Division of the Humanities and Social Sciences
1) BEM/Ec/SS 20 Scientific Writing and Oral Presentation in the Social Sciences							✓
This class provides the opportunity for students to improve their written and oral presentation skills in the social sciences. Students should come prepared with complete drafts of papers from another course or a SURF project, which they will substantially revise and improve in a style typical of peer-reviewed journals in their discipline. These papers must be the students' original work and must be papers with social science content. An initial introduction to the art of scientific writing will be provided by the staff of the Hixon Writing Center. In addition, each student will work closely with an HSS mentor whose own research is close to the student's paper topic.
(# courses=1)
	Public	Scientist	Both	ENV	POL	RISK	SOC	SUS	SciEth	SciTech
Carnegie Mellon University, College of Humanities and Social Sciences 2) Department of English
2) 76-319 Environmental Rhetoric	✓	✓	✓	✓		✓	✓
How people think and talk about the environment matters; it reveals what they value and shapes what they do. We will look at how competing discourses define man's relationship to the natural world, frame environmental problems, and argue for public action. As we compare the environmental rhetoric of naturalists, scientists, policy makers, and activists, we will trace an American history that has managed to combine mystical celebration with militant critique, and scientific research with public debate. Equally important, this course will prepare you to act as a rhetorical consultant and writer, studying how writers communicate the three "Rs" of environmental rhetoric: relationship with nature, the presence of risk, and the need for response.
3) 76-476 Rhetoric of Science
Alhough rhetoric of science can be traced back to Philip Wander's 1976 article "The Rhetoric of Science," the field came into its own in the 1980s with the work of Joseph Campbell and was expanded in the early 1990s through the efforts of Alan Gross, Jeanne Fahnestock, Carolyn Miller and others. Since then, the field has become a vibrant new area of research in the discipline of rhetoric. Rhetoricians of science study various aspects of science including the importance of language and argument to the development of scientific knowledge, the use of rhetorical argument in science, and the process of communication within and scientific disciplines as well as between scientists and the public. : In this course, we take the broad view of the rhetoric of science. We will examine many facets of scientific communication including scientific audiences, visuals, and conventions for argument. By exploring these elements of science we will begin to develop the sophisticated understanding of scientific communication and argumentation necessary for undertaking complex rhetorical analyses. Specifically, we will be driven by questions such as: How do scientists argue their case with one another? is scientific information and argument transformed when it is accommodated for popular arguments? How does the social and historical context in which science is done shape the way that science is communicated and/or argued? In what ways do the language and style shape scientific knowledge and communication? What argumentative solutions can visuals supply in science and what argumentative problems.
(# courses=2)
	Public	Scientist	Both	ENV	POL	RISK	SOC	SUS	SciEth	SciTech
Colorado State University, College of Liberal Arts 3) Department of Journalism and Technical Communication
4) JTC 662 Communicating Science and Technology	✓									✓
Examination of theoretical and empirical studies concerning communication of science and technology subject matter.
(# courses=1)
	Public	Scientist	Both	ENV	POL	RISK	SOC	SUS	SciEth	SciTech
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, School of Humanities, Arts, and Sciences 4) Program in Science, Technology, and Society
5) STS.004 Intersections: Science, Technology, and the World	✓	✓	✓							✓
Introduces students to multidisciplinary studies in Science, Technology, and Society (STS), using four case studies to illustrate a broad range of approaches to basic principles of STS studies. Case studies vary from year to year, but always include a current MIT event. Other topics are drawn from legal and political conflicts, and arts and communication media. Teaching modes include guest presenters, discussion groups, field activities, visual media, and a practicum style of learning.
6) STS.032 Energy, Environment, and Society				✓						✓
Examines national and global energy debates, namely energy security, climate change, and energy access. Explores technological, market, environmental, cultural and political "fixes" to the energy question, as well as a wide variety of energy forms and stakeholders. Evaluates development, nuclear security, environment ethics, and conflicts between energy and food security. Includes debates, presentations, group projects (in class and in the Cambridge community), grant-writing, and individual written assignments.
7) STS.034 Science Communication: A Practical Guide	✓									✓
Develops students' abilities to communicate science effectively in a variety of real-world contexts. Covers strategies for dealing with complex areas like theoretical physics, genomics and neuroscience, and addresses challenges in communicating about topics such as climate change and evolution. Projects focus on speaking and writing, being an expert witness, preparing briefings for policy-makers, writing blogs, giving live interviews for broadcast, and creating a prospectus for a science exhibit in the MIT Museum.
(# courses=3)
	Public	Scientist	Both	ENV	POL	RISK	SOC	SUS	SciEth	SciTech
Ohio State University, College of Food, Agriculture, and Environmental Sciences 5) School of Environment and Natural Resources
8) ENR 2367 Communicating Environmental and Natural Resources Information	✓			✓
Concepts, skills development, and practice in accessing and communicating information about the environment and natural resources to varied audiences; emphasis on written and oral communication.
9) ENR 3611 Foundations of Environmental Communications, Education and Interpretation	✓			✓
Foundational course that prepares students for understanding the theoretical bases that relate to and differentiate between environmental communications, education, and interpretation.
(# courses=2)
	Public	Scientist	Both	ENV	POL	RISK	SOC	SUS	SciEth	SciTech
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences 6) BS in Science, Technology, and Society
10) STSS 2350 Law, Values, and Public Policy: Perspectives on Science and Technology	✓					✓				✓
This course examines the interconnections between values and law, seeking to understand how these affect and are affected by science and technology by examining such topics as computers and privacy, medical malpractice, abortion, and other legal conflicts surrounding new reproductive technologies, problems of expert witnesses, sexual harassment, patent infringement, auto safety litigation, and siting of hazardous facilities, among others. This is a communication-intensive course.
11) STSS 4270 Sustainability Problems	✓			✓				✓
In this course students will map the matrix of problems that make sustainability difficult--problems with the U.S. political, legal, and educational system, with media, culture, and individual behavior. Students will also identify sustainability pathways in transportation, urban design, education, alternative energy, etc. Throughout, students will analyze and try to produce effective environmental communication.
(# courses=2)
	Public	Scientist	Both	ENV	POL	RISK	SOC	SUS	SciEth	SciTech
Texas A & M , College of Agriculture and Life Sciences 7) Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communications
12) AGCJ 404 Communicating Agricultural Information to the Public	✓
Use of agricultural education principles and techniques to communicate scientific information related to agriculture, agribusiness, natural resources and life sciences to the general public; communication processes include audience identification, writing, editing and production of agricultural science-based manuscripts for popular and refereed publications.
(# courses=1)
	Public	Scientist	Both	ENV	POL	RISK	SOC	SUS	SciEth	SciTech
Texas Tech University, College of Arts and Sciences 8) Department of English
13) Engl 3386 Literature and Science										✓
An exploration of the relations between science and technology and literature and discourse.
14) Engl 5384 Rhetoric of Scientific Literature		✓
Study of the role of rhetoric in the texts of scientific inquiry.
(# courses=2)
	Public	Scientist	Both	ENV	POL	RISK	SOC	SUS	SciEth	SciTech
University of Arizona, College of Social and Behavioral Sciences 9) School of Journalism
15) JOUR 465 Principles of Science Journalism	✓								✓
Science is one of the most powerful forces of change in the world. This discussion course introduces students to the professional, legal, economic and ethical factors that affect the science news agenda and the work of science journalists. We'll study the principles of science journalism, the scientific process and the differences between science journalism and science communication. We'll examine reporting methods used by print, television and online news organizations. Guest speakers' prominent science journalists and scientists will explore the ways in which science news both reflects and influences the attitudes of the public and policymakers. Readings, case studies and discussions will look at issues of balance, scientific uncertainty, accuracy and ethical codes for science journalists.
16) JOUR 472 Science Journalism	✓								✓
Science is one of the most powerful forces of change in the world. This applied course covers the fundamental elements of producing news reports about science events and issues. We will examine the principles of journalism, the scientific process and the differences between science journalism and science communication. Guest speakers (prominent science journalists and scientists) will explore key issues involved in communicating with the public about science. Readings, case studies and discussions will examine issues of balance, scientific uncertainty, accuracy and ethical codes for science journalists. You'll write professional-quality science articles for general interest and specialized news media. You'll learn how to gather, evaluate and organize information in ways that will produce accurate, comprehensive information for the public. Each student will write one short piece, and in pairs you'll research and produce an in-depth article.
(# courses=2)
	Public	Scientist	Both	ENV	POL	RISK	SOC	SUS	SciEth	SciTech
University of California Berkley, School of Information 10) All courses (lower and upper divisions)
17) INFO 212 Information in Society	✓						✓
The role of information and information technology in organizations and society. Topics include societal needs and demands, sociology of knowledge and science, diffusion of knowledge and technology, information seeking and use, information and culture, and technology and culture.
(# courses=1)
	Public	Scientist	Both	ENV	POL	RISK	SOC	SUS	SciEth	SciTech
University of Maine, College of Natural Sciences, Forestry, and Agriculture 11) Ecology and Environmental Sciences Undergraduate Program
18) SFR222 Environmental Communication Skills	✓			✓
The nature and problems of environmental communication, with opportunities to practice communication through a range of exercises.
(# courses=1)
	Public	Scientist	Both	ENV	POL	RISK	SOC	SUS	SciEth	SciTech
University of Missouri, College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources 12) Minor in Science and Agricultural Journalism
19) SCI_AG_J 2210 Communicating Science to the Public
For science majors. Introduction to the history, theory and practice of communicating science to the general public. Emphasis on the interplay of science, human values and politics; also, the art and craft of writing and talking to lay audiences.
20) SCI_AG_J 4301 Topics in Science and Agricultural Journalism				✓
Instruction in select subject matter areas in the field of communications.
(# courses=2)
	Public	Scientist	Both	ENV	POL	RISK	SOC	SUS	SciEth	SciTech
University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, College of Arts and Sciences 13) Curriculum for the Environment and Ecology
21) ENST 375 Environmental Advocacy	✓			✓
Rhetorical means of citizen influence of practices affecting our natural and human environment. (Cross-listed as COMM 375)
22) ENST 675 Environmental Communication in the Public Sphere	✓			✓		✓
Examines communication practices that accompany citizen participation in environmental decisions, including public education campaigns of nonprofit organizations, "risk communication," media representations, and mediation in environmental disputes. (cross-listed as COMM 675)
(# courses=2)
	Public	Scientist	Both	ENV	POL	RISK	SOC	SUS	SciEth	SciTech
University of Washington Seattle, College of the Environment 14) Program on the Environment
23) ENVIR200 Environmental Studies: Communication and Information	✓	✓	✓
A practical course for developing the skills necessary to engage, analyze, write, and speak about complex environmental issues in a variety of disciplinary contexts with particular values and emphases. Focus on reading, writing, presentation, and critical analysis of written material.
24) ENVIR418 Communications and the Environment	✓			✓	✓
Examines the role of mass media in the resolution of environmental problems. Topics include strengths and weaknesses of media coverage, use of media by environmental groups and government agencies, media effects on public opinion, and mass communication and social movements. (Cross-listed as COM 418)
25) ENVIR500 Science Communication and the Media	✓	✓	✓	✓
Evidenced based policy depends on effective media communication by environmental leaders. The training, language, culture and pace that characterize news outlets are fundamentally different, and often at odds with the disciplinary training that graduate students receive. Thus, many young environmental professionals are completely unprepared for interactions with the press, and they often fail to communicate effectively and forcefully. This course is designed to train future environmental leaders to be effective media communicators including hands on training in interview techniques, lectures and tips by leading environmental reporters, and case studies on media communications. The course is team taught by Cate Goethals, from the UW Foster School of Business, and Liz Neeley, associate director of COMPASS - Communication Partnership for Science and Sea - a leading NGO founded by Jane Lubchenco and focused exclusively on science communications by scientists.
26) ENVIR500(b) Environmental Science Writing for Impact	✓			✓	✓
Influential scientists can express themselves clearly and memorably, and successful people are often skilled communicators. Unfortunately, the world is full of geniuses with valuable, painstakingly-acquired knowledge whose achievements remain hidden due to failures of communication. Many feel uncomfortable giving expression to ideas outside an audience of immediate peers. But writing well is a skill. It can be learned. This class aims to transform writing-related anxieties into anticipation. We will lay down lasting foundations for a daily writing practice, a key to getting that which is bottled up inside out and onto the page. Writers will learn principles of persuasion and rhetorical technique. Experimentation is encouraged.
(# courses=4)
	Public	Scientist	Both	ENV	POL	RISK	SOC	SUS	SciEth	SciTech
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences 15) Department of English
27) ENGL 4874 Issues in Professional and Public Discourse	✓
In this course, students will focus on the ways in which scientific, technical, and professional communication influence, and are influenced by, public discourse. Drawing on strategies of rhetorical criticism, students will gain an understanding of the persuasive value of style, arrangement, and delivery by investigating their professional roles in helping to structure public debate.
(# courses=1)
	Public	Scientist	Both	ENV	POL	RISK	SOC	SUS	SciEth	SciTech
Washington State University, College of Arts and Sciences 16) Department of English
28) Engl 495 Rhetoric of Science and Technology										✓
Written, visual, and verbal conventions of scientific disciplines for academic, scientific, technical, and public audiences.