Building & Construction Tech 397X - ST-Comm Bldg Sci & Sustainblty

Effective communication is not always easy or natural but it can be learned. This course introduces principles behind effective communication and the visual thinking skills that are required for connect with an audience. Participants will learn how to simplify language to make messages clear, accessible, and engaging, and how narrative works in effective communication. Students learn from experts in data visualization, visual arts, technical writing and will analyze building science and sustainability-related materials designed to make complex ideas more accessible in an effort to understand how dynamic presentations enable audiences to remember and process information easily. Students work in teams for final projects that may involve "clients" with real-world problems to solve. This course fulfills the BCT communication requirements and is open to other majors.

Students can attend this course in Amherst (a few on-location meetings (ODB 162) or in Newton (in-person), or online as a UWW student. Optional hands-on field trips will be offered. BCT 397X is a designated "service learning" course approved by the office of Civic Engagement and Service Learning (CESL) at UMass