COM 585 - Communicating Science and Health Risks to the Public

An exploration of risk communication theories and strategies, and their application to effective communication in science, environmental, and public health settings. The processes and effects of persuasive communication as they relate to message framing are also explored. Students will learn to use effective communication to advance individual and community-level decision-making about science and public health issues. Specifically, risk communication through interpersonal, organizational, and mediated channels will be explored, with particular attention paid to message features that are believed to generate predictable effects. Students will explore how communication impacts the public’s experience of risk, and practice designing and delivering culturally competent messages about potential science, health, and environmental hazards. This hands-on course provides opportunities to practice designing and delivering a variety of risk messages.

3 credits

Grading Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.)