SPOC8722 Science Narratives GE

Topic not offered in 2020

2020

4.5

1 x 50-minute lecture weekly
1 x 50-minute tutorial weekly
1 x 50-minute practical weekly
1 x 20-minute on-line tutorial weekly

SPOC3702 has been successfully completed

This topic will lead students through an examination of the roles of language and stories, and the media through which they are expressed, in the communication of science to those who make, operationalise and experience the results of policy decisions.

This topic aims to develop and extend students' understanding of and skills in:

Comparative analysis of fictional, non-fictional and scientific narratives and the media through which they are expressed
The contribution of narratives to the diffusion (passive spread) and dissemination (active spread) of scientific information
Using narratives to familiarise non-expert audiences with the scientific evidence continuum
The linguistic tools available through narratives for the influence of audience thought and behaviour processes

At the completion of this topic, students are expected to be able to:

Identify and analyse a range of narrative techniques (e.g. imagery, hyperbole, personification) and literary elements (e.g. setting, plot, style, structure) across a range of media
Design narratives to disseminate scientific “information” which encourage secondary diffusion of the “information” beyond the active audience
Assess the ways in which narratives use linguistic choices to give social meaning to scientific communication (e.g. hero/villain characterisation, gender identification, socio-economic values)
Understand and demonstrate how narratives can provide translational links between scientists and “non-scientists”, and the limits of that translatability

Key dates and timetable

Timetable details for 2020 are no longer published.

This information is from current details held on the Student Information System. Please report any errors or omissions to the relevant College Office.