Science and Technology Outreach 1

This course offers students an introduction to the field of science and technology communication, with a focus on analyzing and exploring various communication strategies. It will provide an opportunity to examine the different forms and strategies employed in the socio-diffusion of science and to undertake an initial characterization of these approaches. Furthermore, it will provide an opportunity to begin identifying the institutions and actors involved in this field and to define the diversity of objectives and challenges that science communication faces in its relationship with society. The mechanisms at work in the contextual processing of knowledge will be the subject of an initial analysis.

On another level, the uniqueness of this course lies in its ability to bring together fields of study and research focused on science communication. We will highlight here the specific contribution of interdisciplinary research in science education and communication studies, and we will examine how these fields are positioned and how they complement other areas of research. 

Demonstrated Skills (Specific, Cross-Functional)

• Be able to explain the main mechanisms at work in the processing of knowledge in the context of mediation
• Be able to identify the general objectives and challenges of science communication, as well as current trends in the field, and outline the challenges highlighted by the SNCSTI,
• Be able to describe the various forms and mechanisms of mediation
• Be able to describe a few institutions and identify the key players in science communication