Modern science reaches way beyond laboratories and scholarly institutions. It is part of an integrated world where scientists routinely explain their work to non-scientists – to secure funding, or drive policy, or build a career. Scientists communicate beyond their scientific colleagues to promote innovations, to improve how we live, or secure justice. By communicating with the public, scientists affect how science is done, how it impacts our lives, and who gets to do it. Communicating creates a feedback loop between science and the world, conveying science to the public and affecting scientific practice.
This course is about the history of science communication and the ways in which talking to non-scientists about science has contributed to scientific endeavour and its impact on society. It traces developments in science communication from 19th century science showmen whose public demonstrations built scientists’ professional standing, through the use of communication to gain support for ‘big science’, like the space race in the 20th century, through to the need for scientists to communicate with influence to address serious challenges, such as climate change. On the way, the course traverses key questions, theories and critical moments in the global history of science, to explore topics including communicating science in the law and in public health, through pop culture and science fiction, and hijacking science communication, as in the case of the tobacco wars.
Course assessment emphasises reflection on the integral role of science communication in modern science and its global history, as well as developing science communication research skills.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Map the development of science communication through time, place and culture.
- Describe and evaluate competing influences shaping science communication.
- Identify and describe links between science communication and science practice.
- Apply a historical view of science communication institutions, ideologies and practices to reflect on scientific activity.
Indicative Assessment
- Lead tutorial discussion and reflection (group work) (30) [LO 1,2,4]
- Historical research paper plan (20) [LO 1,2]
- Historical research paper requiring original research, analysis and development of an argument (50) [LO 1,2,3,4]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
The expected workload will consist of approximately 130 hours throughout the semester including:
- Face-to face component which may consist of 1x1-hour lecture and 1x1-hour tutorial per week.
- Approximately 106 hours of self-directed study which will include preparation for lectures, tutorials and other assessment tasks.
Inherent Requirements
No specific inherent requirements have been identified for this course.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
There are no prescribed texts. Links to all required readings will be provided through the Wattle site.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $4440 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $6360 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
Second Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9029 | 22 Jul 2024 | 29 Jul 2024 | 31 Aug 2024 | 25 Oct 2024 | In Person | View |