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Science Communication and Outreach (B-KUL-G0R44A)

6 ECTSEnglish33 Second term
Kolenberg Katrien
Facultaire POC Wetenschappen

Aims

The course wants to stimulate reflection on the social meaning of science and the role of communication, information and popularization. In addition the course offers an
introduction to the scientific literature and empirical studies on science communication. Finally the concrete process of science communication (communication media,
typology of communication, communication sociology) is investigated.
 

Previous knowledge

The course does not presuppose specific foreknowledge.

Identical courses

This course is identical to the following courses:
G0R76A : Wetenschapscommunicatie en outreach (No longer offered this academic year)

Is included in these courses of study

Activities

6 ects. Science Communication and Outreach (B-KUL-G0R44a)

6 ECTSEnglishFormat: Lecture33 Second term
Kolenberg Katrien
Facultaire POC Wetenschappen

Content

Science communication aims at making science more accessible to the general public, a.o. by increasing scientific literarcy of citizens. Of crucial importance is the
creation of a relation of trust among scientists and the public. This requires a clear understanding of the aims of science communication, as well as its channels and
strategies.
The course focuses on the gap between science an the public, in particular in relation to the place of science in public media. Different forms of science communication
are related to different intended target audiences.
The topics to be treated can be arranged our four general themes.

1. Science in Public
This model introduces basic concepts in the understanding of the process of science communication: theories about of definitions and models of science communication,
the role of the expert, scientific literacy, the image of science in society.

2. Science and the media
Media play an important part in science communication, but, as they are working withintheir proper cultural value system and with speficif formats, they may also be seen
as a potential threat to the reliability and accuracy of scientific messages and of the representation of science. Attention is given to the differences and tensions between
the cultures of science and journalism. Students will also prepare written expositions on scientific themes.

3. Controversial science and risk communication
A special challenge to science communicators is to speak out on themes where no scientific certainty is avalaible, or when the topics are framed in a larger (political)
debate. To represent scientific views often merges with a taking of sides, which then may threaten the neutrality of science. This form of communication is often preferred
by audiovisual media. Also science blogs tend in this direction.

4. Interactive and participative communication
Science in the public sphere has to be viewed as an interactive process, in which the dominating role of the expert cannot be taken for granted. In this form of
communication the public takes a central role. This theme focuses on science centres, science cafés, citizen science,... and the approach to disseminate scientific
information through informal learning, based on psychological models of leanring. The course analyses the use of interactive and participative communication in different settings.
 

Course material

Slides and literature are made available by the lecturer.

Language of instruction: more information

Dit opo wordt aangeboden in de doctoraatsopleiding.  Een groot deel van de doctoraatsstudenten zijn niet-Nederlandstalig.

Evaluation

Evaluation: Science Communication and Outreach (B-KUL-G2R44a)

Type : Continuous assessment without exam during the examination period
Description of evaluation : Paper/Project
Learning material : Course material

Explanation

The grading scale of this course unit is pass/fail.
 

Information about retaking exams

No 2nd examination opportunity.