AT 14-001_FA21: Course Alias: at14-1-fa@eckerd.edu
Why do some people believe the earth is flat? Why are more and more children unvaccinated? Why is there controversy about climate change? How have scientifically settled topics become matters of public debate? Is there a ?War on Science?? In this class we will try to answer these questions and more (GMOs? Nuclear energy?) by examining social science research on public opinion, trust, and understanding of science. We will discuss the nuances of the public?s relationship with science as a whole, and the multiple perspectives and interests involved in the portrayal of ?controversial? science to the public. We will finish out the course with a unit on effective science communication, applying the ideas and information we have gathered throughout the term. This course aims to expand your understanding of this hot-button phrase, the ?War on Science,? and to help you see where misunderstandings of science, ideology, and worldviews collide in discussions of ethically-charged scientific issues. Throughout this course we will work on learning to understand scientific literature, challenging our preconceived notions, and building effective skills for communicating science to the general public.
Why do some people believe the earth is flat? Why are more and more children unvaccinated? Why is there controversy about climate change? How have scientifically settled topics become matters of public debate? Is there a ?War on Science?? In this class we will try to answer these questions and more (GMOs? Nuclear energy?) by examining social science research on public opinion, trust, and understanding of science. We will discuss the nuances of the public?s relationship with science as a whole, and the multiple perspectives and interests involved in the portrayal of ?controversial? science to the public. We will finish out the course with a unit on effective science communication, applying the ideas and information we have gathered throughout the term. This course aims to expand your understanding of this hot-button phrase, the ?War on Science,? and to help you see where misunderstandings of science, ideology, and worldviews collide in discussions of ethically-charged scientific issues. Throughout this course we will work on learning to understand scientific literature, challenging our preconceived notions, and building effective skills for communicating science to the general public.
- Teacher: Joanna Huxster