3 credits
Fall 2025 Lecture Upper Division
This is an interactive course in science and environmental communication with a strong emphasis on development of practical writing and communication skills for students who will become professionals in environment or natural resources. The public primarily obtains environmental information through the media, as such, scientists need to develop the understanding and skills necessary to engage with a range of audiences through the design of effective communication products. This course provides a unique balance of communication theory and skills training in which students develop the confidence to meaningfully communicate environmental issues. Permission of instructor required if not Junior or Senior standing.
Learning Outcomes1Develop a working understanding of the practical fundamentals of communicating complex environmental science to non-technical and technical audiences.
2Apply foundational communication theory across a range of writing forms including academic writing form, explanatory short-form, poetry, white papers, and TED talks.
3Analyze book-length environmental nonfiction to identify effective writing techniques and strategies.
4Investigate strategies used in environmental and nature writing in poetry and fiction to engage audiences and write compelling science stories.
5Understand key elements of human nature (information processing, risk perceptions, social norms, etc.) that are contributing to environmental controversy and apply that knowledge in strategic design of communication products.
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