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851-0107-00L 2 Credits DS , DR , MSC D-GESS

Science and the Public: A Problem of Mediation that the Media Have to Solve?

Wissenschaft und Öffentlichkeit - ein Vermittlungsproblem, das die Medien zu lösen haben?

Lecturers & Examiners: Dr. Uwe Justus Wenzel
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:48:16

Abstract

Scientific knowledge is often provisional; it is subject to correction. That is why it cannot always satisfy the need for certainty and clarity that arises in the public as soon as political controversies are linked to questions of (scientific) knowledge. This is shown by the Corona pandemic, but not only by it.

Objective

Gaining insights into the relationship between the sciences, the public and the media, into their historical development and current problems.

Content

The feuilleton of the «Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung» of 27 June 2000 has gone down in the annals of recent media history. The last sequences of the fully mapped human genetic code were printed on six large-format pages: the letters A, G, C and T in various combinations and sequences - a «readable » but incomprehensible jumble of letters. What at the time was astounding journalistic coup and met with enthusiasm as well as head shaking can (also) be read as an allegory of the tense relationship between science and the public. What can, what should, what do «laymen» want to know and understand from scientific findings? Scientific knowledge is often provisional; it is subject to correction. That is why it cannot always satisfy the need for certainty and clarity that arises in the public as soon as political controversies are linked to questions of (scientific) knowledge. This is shown by the Corona pandemic, but not only by it. How can science journalism, how can scientists deal with this problem? Do the natural sciences, medicine and technology differ from the humanities and social sciences in terms of «comprehensibility» and public awareness? These questions will be explored on some excursions into recent and also older media, scientific and cultural history.

General Information

Language
German
Levels
DS , DR , MSC

Examination

Type
graded semester performance
Zwei Punkte (samt Note) gibt es für regelmässige Teilnahme plus Lektüre der Texte und Präsentation eines der Texte in einer Seminarsitzung plus eine schriftliche Hausarbeit in der Länge von 6'000 bis 8'000 Zeichen (incl. Leerschläge).

Registration & Places

Max Places
15

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
seminar Wissenschaft und Öffentlichkeit - ein Vermittlungsproblem, das die Medien zu lösen haben?
Online-Veranstaltung: Diese Lehrveranstaltung findet grundsätzlich online statt. Die reservierten Räume bleiben für die Studierenden auf dem Campus bestehen, um die Lehrveranstaltung dort zu hören.
  • Wed 14:15-16:00 (IFW D 42)
1 h weekly

Offered In