COMM 2413 - Science Communication: Media for creative, fun, and effective STEM communication

Science communication is the practice of communicating scientific ideas, methods, research and knowledge to non-expert publics in a way that is accessible, understandable, and useful. This creative course considers how science is communicated to diverse audiences, and how we come to make sense of the scientific world through our exposure to and interaction with many media forms: the news, TV, advertising, popular culture, and social media. The course considers a wide range of topics and issues in the field of science communication such as media bias, agenda setting, framing, audience analysis, strategic messaging, and the value of humor and entertainment. In this course, students practice communicating scientific ideas through everyday media such as video platforms (e.g., YouTube, Reels, and TikTok), social media sites (e.g., Twitter and Facebook), press releases, abstracts, infographics, and memes. Students will work collaboratively on small creative projects toward a final summative presentation on science communication. Students with STEM backgrounds are welcome, as are any students seeking to enhance their writing, storytelling, and digital media presentations. The course will include a mix of students and perspectives from across faculties and programs to make this experience of science communication collaborative, interdisciplinary, and lively.