Offered in Fall 2015 to UC Berkeley students

Course description: This course provides a framework for discussion of the challenges of communicating science with the public. We will discuss the cultural, social and policy-related role of science communication in our society and the critical role of scientists in participating in this discussion. Particular emphasis will be placed on effective writing and speaking, with opportunities to practice these skills. Some principles of writing and speaking, contained in Anne Green’s book “Writing Science in Plain English”, will be discussed and practiced. Guest lecturers will be added to address various topics in science communication, including sociology of science denial and writing for and speaking with a general audience.