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701-0785-00L 4 Credits BSC D-USYS
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Introduction to Science Communication (Universitiy of Zurich)

Einführung in die Wissenschaftskommunikation (Universität Zürich)

Does not take place this semester. No enrolment to this course at ETH Zurich. Book the corresponding module directly at UZH. UZH Module Code: 251403 Mind the enrolment deadlines at UZH: Diese Lerneinheit wurde bis HS16 unter denTitel "Environmental- and Science Communication" angeboten.
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:34:16

Abstract

The course gives an introductionary overview in research questions, theoretical perspectives and empirical results of science communication and environmental communication. They will be illustrated by concrete examples and via lectures from external guests. .

Objective

Goals: Learning to understand structures and processes of environmental and science communication, becoming more sensitive for problems of science public relations, getting an insight into public debates about environmental issues. Methods: invitation of media practitioners and experts, discussions, lectures on key theoretical concepts of communication. Topics: Concrete communication instruments like media conferences, theoretical perspectives of public relations, basic principles and examples of information campaigns, environment and science as media topics, functions and structures of science communication, relations between science, media and politics.

Content

I. Introduction - Topics: Environment, Science, Risks, Media - Forms, Functions, Effects of Public and Mass Communication II. Stakeholders and their Public Relations Efforts - Public Relations and Science PR: Theoretical Perspectives, Instruments III. Science and Environmental Issues in the Media - Forms and Functions of Science Journalism - Problems of Selection, Interpretation, Quality - Media Content Analysis - Online Communication IV. Uses and Effects of Science and Environmental Communication - Extent of Media Use - Effects on Knowledge, Risk Perceptions, Environmental Attitudes - Effects on Science itself

Resources

Lecture Notes

Literature and powerpoint presentations will be provided on the OLAT platform.

Literature

Boykoff, Maxwell T. (2011): Who Speaks for the Climate? Making Sense of Media Reporting on Climate Change. Cambridge, New York. Brossard, Dominique / Scheufele, Dietram A. (2013): Science, New Media, and the Public. In: Science 339, H. 6115, S. 40-41. Bubela, Tania / Nisbet, Matthew C. / Borchelt, Rick / Brunger, Fern / Critchley, Cristine / Einsiedel, Edna et al. (2009): Science Communication Reconsidered. In: Nature Biotechnology 27, H. 6, S. 514-518. Göpfert, Winfried (2007): The Strength of PR and the Weakness of Science Journalism. In: Bauer, Martin / Bucchi, Massimiano (Hg.): Journalism, Science and Society. Science Communication Between News and Public Relations. New York, S. 215-226. Gregory, Jane / Miller, Steve (1998): Science in Public. Communication, Culture, and Credibility. New York. Hansen, Anders (2011): Communication, Media and Environment: Towards Reconnecting Research on the Production, Content and Social Implications of Environmental Communication. In: International Communication Gazette 73, H. 1-2, S. 7-25. Renn, Ortwin (2008): Concepts of Risk: An Interdisciplinary Review. In: GAIA 17, H. 1 & 2, S. 50-66 / 196-204. Rödder, Simone / Franzen, Martina / Weingart, Peter (Hg.): The Sciences' Media Connection - Public Communication and its Repercussions. Dordrecht, S. 59-85. Schäfer, Mike S. (2011): Sources, Characteristics and Effects of Mass Media Communication on Science: A Review of the Literature, Current Trends and Areas for Future Research. In: Sociology Compass 5, H. 6, S. 399-412. Sjöberg, Lennart (2000): Factors in Risk Perception. In: Risk Analysis 20, H. 1, S. 1-11. Slovic, Paul (1987): Perception of Risk. In: Science 236, H. 4799, S. 280-285.

Learning Materials (Links)

General Information

Language
German
Levels
BSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
graded semester performance
Anmeldemodalitäten, Datum und Ort dieser Leistungskontrolle werden ausschliesslich von der UZH festgelegt.

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture Einführung in die Wissenschaftskommunikation (Universität Zürich)
Does not take place this semester. **gemeinsam mit der Universität Zürich** Detaillierte Informationen entnehmen Sie bitte dem VVZ der Universität Zürich.
No time listed 2 h weekly

Offered In