Communication 494RI - Rhetoric, Science & Public Cul

This courses focuses on the relationship between the rhetorical and the scientific, and will demonstrate the myriad ways in which they share investments, particularly in US American public culture. The course will: (1) examine the rhetoric of science, a decades-old subfield in rhetorical studies; (2) examine issues in which rhetorical studies and certain scientific work may collaborate; (3) examine the politics of science in the United States, especially concerning debates around evolution, climate change, and vaccinations; and (4) examine significant events around science that educated citizens should understand. Students will engage a number of scholars from rhetorical studies and social theory, as well as scientists writing in popular venues and public deliberations. The major assignment is a semester-long portfolio in which students will investigate and critically respond to the rhetoric surrounding a scientific issue in their local community. Satisfies the IE require for BA-Comm majors.

Open to Senior and Junior Communication majors only. This course was formerly numbered COMM 397AU. If you have already taken COMM 397AU you cannot take this course.