How can humour – and what kind of humour – be used in science communication? What does comic performance offer to understanding the public image and pop cultural narratives of science? What can we learn from comic scientists about science? Humour, this course elucidates, is not only one of the most powerful tools in communication, but it also shapes – and has been shaping – cultural ideas of sciences. The course thus investigates both, the ways science has influenced and generated rich and fascinating comic traditions in popular culture, and how humour and comic performance have shaped cultural ideas of sciences and ‘science humour’. It looks at the exchange between popular entertainment and science in various media (e.g. comics, film, fiction) over the last 150 years and clarifies the power of humour for bringing science and scientists into the general public discussion.
This course is part of the teaching, research and engagement activities of the Popsicule, ANU's Science in Popular Culture and Entertainment Hub (https://popsicule.weblogs.anu.edu.au/). The Popsicule explores the cultural meanings of science with the aim to better understand how pop cultural narratives about science have affected the public discourse and understanding of science, and thus our science-society relationship.
Note: This course is co-taught with postgraduate students but assessed separately.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Explain the importance and value of humour and comic performance in the communication of science and the discipline of science communication.
- Reflect on the social and ethical implications of humour in science-related contexts and for their own lives.
- Map the diversity of pop cultural ideas and fictional narratives around science from the last 150 years in a variety of different media and explain their significance for today’s access to and understanding of science as and in culture.
- Identify, access, organise and (creatively) present material explaining the role of humour, comedy and comic performance for the public perceptions of science.
- Examine science humour contexts through use of appropriate discovery based learning techniques.
- Increase skills to engage with and communicate to a range of stakeholders.
Other Information
This course is conducted entirely online. Students are strongly advised not to miss any of the sessions of the one-week intensive component (as the sessions build on each other).
System Requirements
To participate in this course, you will need:
- A computer or laptop. Mobile devices may work well but in some situations a computer/laptop may be more appropriate.
- Reliable, stable internet connection. Broadband recommended. If using a mobile network or wi-fi then check performance is adequate.
- Webcam.
- Speakers/headset and a microphone.
- Suitable location with minimal interruptions and adequate privacy for classes and assessments.
For more information visit https://www.anu.edu.au/students/systems/recommended-student-system-requirements
Indicative Assessment
- Science and Humour Knowledge Quiz (15) [LO 1,2]
- 3min video exploring one of three questions about the links between science, humour and society (10) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Science and Humour project proposal (including methods and literature review) (30) [LO 1,3,4,5,6]
- Original Science and Humour research project or humour-based science communication product (45) [LO 1,3,4,5,6]
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 session including:
- Five day online intensive (35 hours) including lectures and interactive online and offline activities.
- Approximately 95 hours of self-directed study which will include preparation for lectures, presentations and other assessment tasks.
Students will complete assessments (1) and (2) during the week and complete assessment (3 and 4) in the weeks or months after the intensive week.
Inherent Requirements
No specific inherent requirements have been identified for this course.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
Not required. Two weeks before the course, reading recommendations are given on LMS (these are not compulsory, though).
Preliminary Reading
The Learning Management System page will be used to suggest some readings.
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 |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $4680 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $6720 |
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.
Winter Session
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6345 | 30 Jun 2025 | 03 Jul 2025 | 11 Jul 2025 | 14 Aug 2025 | Online | N/A |