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COMMUNICATION SKILLS
MARCO ARISTIDE GIUSEPPE CASTELLAZZI

Seat Scienze
A.A. 2016/2017
Credits 2
Hours 16
Period 2^ semestre
Language ENG
U-gov code SM05 W000674

Prerequisites

No specific prerequisite is required.

Development of the course

The course is based on theoretical lessons, presentation of case-studies, and specific insights through appropriate exercitations.

Learning outcomes

Knowledges:
The course enables students to acquire knowledge of the most modern and current Public Scientific Communication techniques used to effectively transfer scientific information to a general public, and how to make information understandable and memorable. 

Ability to apply the knowledge:
Students will be able to apply their acquired knowledge in different ways of Public Scientific Communication: how to capture the audience's attention, the "wow effect", how to maintain a high level of attention, reiteration of information through different way of communication, the usage of media (TV, radio, network, popular article, etc), feedback and evaluation of the reception and understanding of the information transmitted.

Soft skills:
Beside the different typologies of models and methodologies of Public Scientific Communication treated during the course, transversal competences also cover the relations between researchers from different disciplines (e.g. biologists studying environment, engineers realizing a monitoring network, IT experts releasing a specific software) that outside of their specific matters react as a generalist audience when they have to deal with alien subjects; the relationships between researchers and scientific mediators (e.g. journalists) and relations with civil society (administrators, financiers, support and interest groups) 

Program

- Basics of Communication Theory
- Historical notes on popular science
- Introduction to Sociology of science
- Relationships between science and society
- Relations between academia and Public Scientific Communication
- Communication of environmental risks
- Degree of scientific literacy of the audience
- Media used in Public Scientific Communication
- Communication Models
- Difference between Scientific Communication and Public Scientific Communication
- Public Scientific Communication Techniques 
- Case studies

Development of the examination

Methods for assessing learning outcomes:
The examination is oral, based on questions and following discussion related to Public Scientific Communication and its application in different practical contexts.

Methods for assessing learning outcomes:
During the examination, it will be evaluated the capability of the student to properly answer and discuss various issues, the general competence on problematics, the use of appropriate terminology, the capability to move from a topic to another one and make transversal links.

Criteria for measuring learning outcomes:
The final assessment is made of thirty. The examination is considered as passed with a vote of 18/30 or higher. The student can decide to decline the proposed vote and give again the examination in the following session.

Criteria for conferring final mark:
The final assessment will be given depending on the capability of the student to answer all the questions, general competence and ability to properly discuss various issues.

Recommended reading

Provided material and scientific literature suggested on specific topics.

Courses

• Rischio ambientale e protezione civile