SOCIAL MEDIA FOR THE SCIENCES

LSC 440

Explores how to navigate the complex world of digital and networked communication tools with an eye toward a wide variety of careers in communication. Understand and evaluate social implications of digital media, informed by the most recent scholarship and classical theories. Attention is given to implications for public engagement with controversial scientific issues.

LSC 835

Examines science communication through the framework of strategic communication. Examines frameworks and concepts from marketing, branding, advertising, public relations, organizational communication, and related fields to help inform organizational and individual-level science communication and engagement strategies. Explores topics such as messaging tactics, persuasion, audience segmentation and DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion), and behavior change.

LSC 251

Introduction to communication at the intersection of science, politics and society; overview of the theoretical foundations of science communication and their relevance for societal debates about science and emerging technologies across different parts of the world.

LSC 460

Provides an introduction and practical guide to understanding, collecting, and analyzing data from social media to evaluate their impact on consumer choices, human interaction, and public opinion of scientific issues and industries. Prepares students to apply metrics from current social media platforms (e.g. Instagram, Youtube, Twitter, etc.) to develop strategic communication recommendations for clients, ranging from industry to policymakers.

LSC 270

Explores marketing, promotion, and strategic communication specific to the consumer marketplace. Analyze communication strategies for science products and industries synthesized from business goals and objectives to specific audiences. Coursework includes a variety of readings from a class textbook as well as peer-reviewed papers published in life science, marketing, communication, and general business journals.