How has Brave New World shaped the human cloning debate? Why did forensic science enrolments boom simultaneously with the popularity of CSI and Silent Witness? How is Doctor Who useful for engaging high school students in science learning? To what extent did Frankenstein establish a negative image of scientists? Why is theatre an effective HIV/AIDS education tool in South Africa and not in Australia? What role did Star Trek's Lt Uhura play in recruiting astronauts to the NASA space program? How might The Day After Tomorrow impact the public understanding of climate change?
This course provides an introduction to the impact of fictional representations of science and scientists on public perceptions of science. It introduces research, theory and methods from this growing area of science communication as applied to fictional works including films, television programs, plays, novels, short stories and comics. Students are encouraged to share their own experiences of science-based fiction and to pursue their areas of interest through assessment. The major piece of assessment is a research project testing students' hypotheses about the impact that a work of fiction might have on public perceptions of science. The research project will be completed individually, but there will be an option to develop the research ideas as a team with a view to obtaining publishable results.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
Upon satisfactorily meeting the course requirements, students will be able to:
- explain the context and importance of fiction in the discipline of science communication
- reflect on the social implications of science-based fiction including for their own lives
- demonstrate the significance of fictional images of scientists for access and equity in science work and study
- work effectively with others as part of a group
- work independently through discovery-based learning
- use social science research methods such as content analysis, focus groups and questionnaires to investigate public perceptions of science
- access, organise and present material explaining the ways in which science-based fiction has been found to influence public perceptions of science
- critically evaluate strengths and weaknesses of current research methods for investigating fiction's influence on public attitudes, knowledge and beliefs
Indicative Assessment
1. Learning journal critically reflecting on readings (15%; LO 1,2,3,7,8)
2. Written contribution to online wiki (10%; LO 1,3,6,7)
3. Public perceptions research project literature review and content analysis (25% LO 1,3,5,7)
4. Public perceptions research project methods proposal (25%; LO 2,4,5,6,8)
5. Public perceptions research project final report (25% LO 4,5,6,7,8)
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
This course requires students to attend a week
intensive course (35 hrs) in person. The other coursework requirements can be
completed online. The intensive week is held in the June/July teaching break
each year. There may be some short online tutorials or pre-reading before the
intensive week, and students will complete the assessment in the weeks or
months after the intensive week. See http://cpas.anu.edu.au/study/short-courses/anu-scom-intensive-course-schedule
for exact dates.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
Gilbert J.K. & Stocklmayer S. (eds.) (2013) Communication and Engagement with Science and Technology: Issues and Dilemmas. A reader in science communication. New York and London: Routledge.Other readings provided online.
Assumed Knowledge
SCOM1001 and SCOM1002Majors
Minors
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
If you are a domestic graduate coursework or international student you will be required to pay tuition fees. Tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are an undergraduate student and have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). You can find your student contribution amount for each course at Fees. Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2017 | $3444 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2017 | $4590 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
Winter Session
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6826 | 26 Jun 2017 | 23 Jun 2017 | 07 Jul 2017 | 21 Jul 2017 | In Person | N/A |
