Dec 30, 2024  
Catalog 2019-2020 
    
Catalog 2019-2020 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

ENSTU 130 - Science, Media, & Society


This communication course examines the mediated intersection between science and society.  It offers students the tools to comprehend and analyze science messages found in a variety of communication contexts, including science news messages found in a variety of print, broadcast, and online communication channels from a variety of sources.  By examining how science is portrayed in public communication contexts regarding issues such as climate change, medical research, agricultural science, and engineering and technology, we will learn how to interpret and critically assess the science messages that surround us.  For each topic, we will examine a variety of messages and evaluate the credibility of claims and sources, inductive and deductive reasoning, and identify fallacies.  For each science message, we will reflect on the role of values, ideologies, and ethics involved in shaping our understanding of science and our world. (Recommend prior completion of GE  Area A2)

Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Units: 3