Science Communication: Culture

Subject EDUC90621 (2010)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2010.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2010:

Semester 1, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 24 hours
Total Time Commitment: 125 hours
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements: Attendance at all classes (tutorial/seminars/practical classes/lectures/labs) is obligatory. Failure to attend 80% of classes will normally result in failure in the subject.

Coordinator

Dr Christine Redman

Contact

Education Student Centre
Subject Overview: This subject examines the intersection between science and culture as it experienced and communicated by individuals, groups and institutions. Science communication is critical in these present times, for educators, media specialists, scientists, businesses and industries and for every citizen. At a time when there is increased participation in communication through personal, social and mobile technologies, an understanding of both your place and potential as an interpreter and communicator of science is essential. This course will provide you with the benefits of skills that will assist you to interrogate our contemporary culture and the place of science within it. These skills would include the means by which to question and respond to the communication challenges inherent in such agendas as the promotion of science, the constructing of public awareness and knowledge of science and the developments of critical, scientifically literate citizens. While this subject has its starting point in the world out there, it culminates in a personal understanding of your own capacities and opportunities in the field of science communication.
Objectives: At the conclusion of this subject students will be able to :

  • Identify and communicate an understanding of the cultural factors that impact on everyone’s daily perspectives and experiences of science;
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the interactions between science cultures and everyday science;
  • Utilise a theoretical framework that critical interrogates the issues arising from the place of science in our culture.
Assessment: There are four (4) assessment tasks:
  • 3 minor essays (each 500 words and worth 10%) due in weeks 2, 5 and 8
  • 1 major essay (3500 words, 70%) due at end of semester
Prescribed Texts: Stocklmayer, S.M., Gore, M.M., & Bryant, C. (Eds.). (2001) Science communication in theory and practice. Dordrecht: Kluwer.
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills: On completion of this subject students will have the knowledge, skills and understandings to enable them to:
  • Use reflection to inform and refine their everyday practices;
  • Be skilled communicators who can effectively articulate and justify their practices as knowledgeable agents of change;
  • Value the use of research evidence as a basis for enhancing their practices;
  • Cooperatively work in teams to achieve realistic, negotiated outcomes and goals;
  • Communicate their personal and social values appropriately and effectively in a range of contexts.
Related Course(s): Master of Education (Stream 100B)Coursework
Master of Education (Stream 150)

Download PDF version.