Natural Resources: Environmental Communication (C)

About NR 2100 C

Focuses on the types of oral communication common in environmental professions, with a focus on an environmental issue that students adapt communications for throughout the semester. Designed to teach students common frameworks for effective science communication and stakeholder engagement, while providing opportunities for students to expand their oral communication, critical analysis and listening skills for a variety of audiences and purposes.

Notes

Open to Degree and PACE students.

Section Description

This 3-credit course is designed to aid you in learning to speak both confidently and effectively in public and to become a more effective science communicator, environmental advocate, stakeholder liaison and active listener. Over the course of the semester, we will cover different strategies for oral and digital communication that focus on a variety of relevant environmental and natural resource applications and audiences.

This course fulfills the OC: Oral Communication and Information Literacy requirement for the Catamount Core Curriculum.

Section Expectation

This course is structured in hybrid format with weekly Modules that include online, independent work and weekly in-person lecture, discussion and coaching sections. Your online work must be completed prior to class.

While theory and frameworks for effective environmental communication are foundational to your learning in this course, the emphasis of this class is on the speaking practicum. Students will prepare and present three formal speeches over the semester around environmental themes of their choosing. Class time will be spent practicing and refining presentations in small group settings with opportunities for peer and faculty feedback.

Evaluation

We are using a points-based grading system, where submission of weekly module preparation assignments, in class participation and three formal presentations contribute points towards your final grade.

Weekly modules include online quizzes to ensure you understand the assigned readings, frameworks and methodologies important to successful environmental communication. These weekly online activities prepare you to develop, practice and deliver your formal presentations. They also require submission of intermediary content to ensure you are on track for your presentations (e.g. formal outline for the group info session or storyboard for the final video submission)

There are three formal assignments throughout the semester that include the development of:
• a 3-minute “Funding Pitch” focused on clear problem framing and designed for small group delivery (individual),
• a 10-minute “Public Information” Session designed for clear science communication to diverse stakeholder groups (group), and
• a 5- minute “Environmental Awareness and Advocacy” media piece designed to persuade a broader audience to engage with environmental solutions (group).

Important Dates

Note: These dates may change before registration begins.

Courses may be cancelled due to low enrollment. Show your interest by enrolling.

Resources

• Parking
• PACE Course Pricing
• Textbooks

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