Description:
This course considers the intersections of science, media, and society. With a focus on both theory and practice, we will explore the media’s role in how we understand and communicate about the most critical science issues of our day. Course topics include: public understanding of science; representations of science in journalism and popular culture; the media’s influence on public engagement with science; the strategic uses of media to communicate about science. Special emphasis will be given to understanding the media’s role in shaping perceptions of controversial science issues.
The course is divided into two major units. During the first part of the course, we will study the psychological, social, cultural, and political underpinnings of public opinion about science issues. In other words, we will try to understand, through the lens of various social scientific theories, why people believe what they do about issues such as climate change, and vaccine safety; why their beliefs sometimes conflict with the best available scientific evidence on the topic; and why these beliefs can be so difficult to change. During the second part of the course, we will survey the science media landscape, and use the theories and concepts covered in the first part of the course to evaluate the implications of media for public engagement with science. We will examine science journalism, online media, media campaigns and activism, and representations of science in entertainment and popular culture.
Learning Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Identify and describe the theories and concepts used to explain public perceptions of and attitudes toward science issues.
- Explain how the media, in interaction with other factors, influence public engagement with science issues.
- Develop persuasive, evidence-based arguments about the intersections of science, media, and society.
- Critically analyze and evaluate science media content and practices.
- Interact and communicate effectively with others about media and science.