Environmental Communications: Writing and Reporting

Description:

Develop skills for plain-language written communication of environmental science to non-scientific audiences (general public, community groups, decision-makers, media, government and interdisciplinary workplace groups). Public science literacy, evolving media, and new communications technologies are examined. Written assignments in popular formats are emphasized.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand and articulate the importance of public communication of environmental science
• Communicate environmental scientific concepts to a non-scientific audience using several methodologies
• Manage readability and accessibility of writing 
• Strategic use of social media, online and print publications to communicate environmental science topics to target audiences
• Develop a considered view of how scientists and science knowledge can be communicated and represented in the media
• Appreciation for how communications can influence human behaviors in order to contribute to the environmental movement
• Ability to develop a strategically aligned environmental advocacy campaign