Language of instruction: |
English |
Type of course: |
Departmental Elective |
Course Level: |
Bachelor’s Degree (First Cycle)
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Mode of Delivery: |
Face to face
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Course Coordinator : |
RA NİLÜFER GEYSİ |
Course Objectives: |
The aim of this course is to provide students with fundamental knowledge about science communication, enhance their scientific literacy skills, and help them understand the impact of science on society. The course explores the historical development and evolving nature of science communication while addressing the relationship between science and communication. It also discusses how science is marketed in popular culture, the importance of trust in scientists and scientific institutions, and the effects of misinformation and misdirection.
The course examines various models of science communication and the theories used to understand these models. By focusing on topics such as health communication, environmental communication, and nutrition communication, it informs students about the significance and impact of science communication in these fields. Additionally, by addressing subjects like science communication in the age of artificial intelligence, science journalism, and science communication and public relations, it enables students to comprehend contemporary practices in science communication.
Moreover, the course aims to increase awareness in the field of science communication, foster the development of critical thinking skills, and enhance competence in accessing and understanding scientific knowledge. It also contributes to students' understanding of the importance of science communication by highlighting the role it plays in society. |
The students who have succeeded in this course;
1) Define the concept of science and science communication,
2) Examine the topic of science communication from ethical, sociological, and psychological perspectives,
3) Discuss approaches and models related to science communication,
4) Understand the challenges of conveying scientific messages to different target audiences and discover effective ways to overcome them,
5) Learn about various tools used in science communication, such as visuals, storytelling, games, films, activities, advertising, advocacy, and new media.
6) Conduct case analyses in health communication, nutrition communication, environmental communication, and technology communication within the framework of science communication,
7) Debate the role of science communication in democracy. |
Week |
Subject |
Related Preparation |
1) |
Introduction to the course: aim and contributions of the course |
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2) |
What is science? The historical development of science and communication. Introduction to science communication. The changing nature of science communication. |
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3) |
Scientific literacy, understanding scientific knowledge, scientific citizenship, the role of science communication in democracy. |
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4) |
Science in popular culture, commercialization of science, trust in scientists and scientific institutions, science communicators, misinformation/disinformation |
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5) |
Models of science communication, theories to understand science communication: situational target audience theory, situational problem-solving theory, relationship and dialogue theories |
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6) |
Health communication: Vaccine hesitancy, obesity, cancer, smoking addiction, GMOs |
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7) |
Environmental communication: Nuclear energy, climate change |
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8) |
Nutrition communication: Popular media and nutrition |
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9) |
Science communication in the era of artificial intelligence |
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10) |
Science journalism |
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11) |
Science communication and public relations |
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12) |
Activities, festivals, and science: Case studies |
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13) |
The present and future of science communication
New media, games and VR: New tools for science communication |
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14) |
Review of the semester |
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Program Outcomes |
Level of Contribution |
1) |
To prepare the students to become communication professionals by focusing on strategic thinking, professional writing, ethical practice and innovative use of traditional and new media |
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2) |
To be able to create effective public relations plans using fundamental planning components that include situation analysis, public profile, objectives, strategies and tactics. |
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3) |
To be able to apply theoretical concepts related to mass communication, consumer behavior, psychology, persuasion,sociology, marketing, and other related fields to understand how public realtions works. |
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4) |
To be able to have the ability to explain and identify problems associated with the relationships between events and facts in the areas of public relations, persuasive communication, communication management, corporate communications. |
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5) |
To be able to analyze primary and secondary research data in the fields of perception and reputation management and corporate communication practices. |
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6) |
To be able to search, write, and design articles, newsletters, and fliers, brochures, and announcements, in styles and formats appropraite various audiences, mediums and settings. |
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7) |
To be able to apply the underlying theories of communication and the necessities of work safety to different types of public relations processes and campaigns. |
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8) |
To be able to develop creative and persuasive management skills in terms of reputation, employee relations, leadership and similar corporate practices. |
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9) |
To be able to take responsibility in an individual capacity or as a team in generating solutions to given scenarios which can occur in public relations processes. |
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10) |
To be able to understand how an organizational culture works and how employees and leaders create messages as a communication tool. |
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11) |
To be able to critically discuss and interpret theories, concepts, methods, tools and ideas in the field of public relations. |
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12) |
To be able to to use information, communication technologies and computer software with the required level of public relations, marketing communication, persuasive communication, communication management, corporate communications. |
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13) |
To be able to explain and describe business marketing activities, economics, business law and global business practices. |
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14) |
To be able to recognize national and international, social and cultural dimensions of public relations. |
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