Science Communications Series
The Program on the Environment trains emerging environmental leaders in science, engineering, policy and management to make an impact by better communicating their work to a broader audience.
Science Communication and the Media (ENVIR 500, 2 cr)
Evidenced based policy depends on effective media communication by environmental leaders. The training, language, culture and pace that characterize news outlets are fundamentally different, and often at odds with the disciplinary training that graduate students receive. Thus, many young environmental professionals are completely unprepared for interactions with the press, and they often fail to communicate effectively and forcefully. This course is designed to train future environmental leaders to be effective media communicators including hands on training in interview techniques, lectures and tips by leading environmental reporters, and case studies on media communications. The course is team taught by Cate Goethals, from the UW Foster School of Business, and Liz Neeley, associate director of COMPASS - Communication Partnership for Science and Sea - a leading NGO founded by Jane Lubchenco and focused exclusively on science communications by scientists.
Environmental Science Writing for Impact (ENVIR 500, 2cr)
Influential scientists can express themselves clearly and memorably, and successful people are often skilled communicators. Unfortunately, the world is full of geniuses with valuable, painstakingly-acquired knowledge whose achievements remain hidden due to failures of communication. Many feel uncomfortable giving expression to ideas outside an audience of immediate peers. But writing well is a skill. It can be learned.
This class aims to transform writing-related anxieties into anticipation. We will lay down lasting foundations for a daily writing practice, a key to getting that which is bottled up inside out and onto the page. Writers will learn principles of persuasion and rhetorical technique. Experimentation is encouraged.