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20801256 Science Communication
Course Information
Description
Science Communication examines the history and communication processes behind grand challenges and controversies in science. Students apply quantitative and qualitative skills, alongside AI to investigate scientific claims and evaluate newsworthiness of a scientific finding. Students learn to communicate research with clarity in a compelling format while staying true to the facts. Students will learn to communicate to broad audiences and examine the role of scientific evidence in policymaking.
Total Credits
3

Course Competencies (Course Outcomes)
  1. Examine social expectations for science communications platforms; audience, purpose, and tone
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Products (technical journal review, film review, blogs), Quizzes, Exam, Presentation, Project
    Criteria
    Identify key moments in science communications through history including major scientific topic areas and how they have been covered through time
    Examine the role social media, AI, and online communications platforms play in science communications
    Explore the role popular culture and art play in science communications
    Evaluate the quality of information sources
    Distinguish between facts and opinions
    Summarize original research and interviews with sources
    Describe scientific practices such as laboratory, computer, and field work

  2. Analyze the historical development of science communication and its influence on public understanding of science
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Products, Quiz, Exam
    Criteria
    Identify key moments in science communications through history including major scientific topic areas and how they have been covered through time
    Identify key figures in the history of science communication
    Examine the role social media, AI and online communications platforms play in science communications

  3. Apply critical thinking skills
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Products (technical journal review, blogs), Quizzes, Exam, Presentation, and/or Project
    Criteria
    Examine the role social media, AI, and other online communications platforms play in science communications
    Evaluate the quality of information sources
    Distinguish between facts and opinions
    Summarize original research and interviews with sources
    Describe scientific practices such as laboratory, computer, and field work

  4. Adapt science communication messages for specific audiences, purposes, and platforms
    Assessment Strategies
    Quizzes, Exam, Presentation, and/or Project
    Criteria
    Examine the role social media, AI and online communications platforms play in science communications
    Evaluate the quality of information sources
    Distinguish between facts and opinions
    Summarize original research and interviews with sources
    Describe scientific practices such as laboratory, computer, and field work

  5. Evaluate a science communication product intended to assist individuals in comprehending mass media messages
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Products, Presentation, and/or Project
    Criteria
    Analyze the structure of data types including numbers, texts and documents
    Use knowledge of visual features of text such as headings, bolded print, graphics and text structures as aids to comprehension
    Describe the overall structure (e.g., chronology, comparison, cause/effect, and problem/solution) of events, ideas, or information in a text or part of a text
    Illustrate sensitivity to ethical concerns associated with the data
    Identify scientific jargon
    Use alternative words and phrases to explain the same concepts (jargon) in more accessible ways for a general audience
    Apply advanced active reading strategies for complex texts

  6. Describe how science communications influences attitudes and beliefs
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Products, Quizzes, Exam, Project
    Criteria
    Define the concept/term of science communications literacy
    Defend why science communications is important
    Critique a science communication product or campaign to assess its effectiveness
    Explain the conflicting role that media plays in perpetuating racial, ethnic, and gender stereotypes and in advancing diversity in science communication
    Identify conflicts of interest, HIPAA, FERPA and other potential research sensitivities to avoid violating research participant rights
    Identify diverse voices in science storytelling and sources for finding diverse voices

  7. Summarize media law and media ethics
    Assessment Strategies
    Quizzes and Exam
    Criteria
    Describe the role of the First Amendment in the evolution of American mass media law and democracy
    Identify attempts at media censorship
    Articulate the conflict between individual privacy rights and the freedom of the press, as well as the media's legal responsibilities
    Relate the open records law and the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) media monitoring and reporting on the actions of government
    Explain the relationship between mass media ethics and media law and the influence on media regulations

  8. Write evidence-based documents utilizing the writing process
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Products, Quizzes, Exam, Project
    Criteria
    Cite documents and other credible source materials
    Use the Associated Press style and MLA, APA as appropriate to audience
    Apply basic news writing and feature writing structures including lead and nut graph
    Write using paraphrase, summary, and quotes
    Apply fact-checking and proofreading techniques for accuracy
    Use transitional words or phrases and patterns of organization
    Apply strategies for revision/editing

  9. Apply feedback to improve science communication products
    Assessment Strategies
    Peer Review Response, Written Discussion Posts
    Criteria
    Identify feedback in given tutor or peer situations
    Incorporate strategies for giving positive verbal or written feedback
    Apply feedback into your own communications product