COMM 5665 - Sci Comm Practicum: Developing Science Communication Tools

(CU-CEL)

Fall. 1 credit. Letter grades only.

Recommended prerequisite: COMM 5660.

L. Chambliss.

In social science, science and technology fields, the ability to translate complex issues into compelling messages is an increasingly important career skill. Graduate students in STEM fields, especially, need practice developing user-friendly content to convey information to multiple audiences, including policymakers, newsmakers and the voting public. Effective communication requires knowledge of information dissemination, audience response, quality writing and presentation. In this course, science and technology students will receive hands-on practice developing several critical forms of information communication for nonscientists. Students will receive individualized attention, critique and editorial support. Creating an effective abstract, press release, writing for the Internet, using visual information and slide presentation will be covered. Students will use their own research – or research in their field – for all assignments. This 1-credit weekend workshop has significant out-of-class work, including readings and video viewing prior to the workshop, a one-on-one editorial review session and a revision of a class assignment after the session. This will allow students time to digest edits and comments by instructor and revise the material. Communicating about politically and socially sensitive topics will be addressed.

Outcome 1: Students will learn to present complex information – their own research – with clear and compelling writing, data visualization, and other forms of communication utilizing new and traditional media formats.

Outcome 2: Students will understand prominent theories of science communication and complexities of communicating to non-science audiences, including general public and policy makers. Course will also touch on communicating politically and socially sensitive topics.

Outcome 3: Students will develop knowledge of and practice with narrative forms of science communication.

Outcome 4: Students will practice and improve oral presentation skills and learn how to connect with diverse audiences.