SCIENCE, MEDIA AND SOCIETY

LSC 912

Focuses on the intersections of science, politics, and communication, and their implications for public opinion and public understanding of science, particularly in the context of controversial science and technology issues. A solid understanding of public opinion and communication dynamics surrounding today's controversial science issues requires deep knowledge of core concepts and theories of political polarization, attitudes, and information processing, especially in the context of contemporary digital media environments. Focus on how these concepts and theories are applied in contemporary research on public opinion about science and science-related issues. Consider how such applications may potentially offer new and unique opportunities for deeper understanding of broader dynamics of contemporary communication.

LSC 155

Introduces students to the field of science communication and the importance of effectively communicating about controversial and complex science and technology topics. Engage with science communication faculty and staff, campus resources, and opportunities to explore academic and career goals. Appropriate for students across a wide variety of disciplines. Examples of topics that may be discussed in the course include climate change, artificial intelligence, gene editing, and public health.

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 640

Examination of social scientific research addressing characteristics of science, public understanding of science, science news, and relationships between scientists and journalists. Application of this knowledge to several case studies examining the function of communication in specific scientific or technical contexts.

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.