This course will prepare you to communicate science across cultural boundaries. It will increase your understanding about issues and effective strategies of communicating science and technology with culturally diverse audiences. You will explore how values, beliefs and expectations differentiate science from other knowledge systems, and examine the Eurocentric privileging of modern science and its communication, which are integral parts of Western culture. In doing so, you will look closely at communities that are alienated from science, with particular reference to current science communication research.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Reflect critically upon contemporary practices used to communicate science with culturally diverse groups of audiences;
2. Research and describe the problems and issues of culture in the broader discourses of public awareness of science;
3. Identify and analyse popular cultural beliefs and attitudes that underpin the communication of scientific and technological advancements; and
4. Propose effective and appropriate approaches to communicating science and technology issues to culturally diverse audiences.

Research-Led Teaching

The course content is structured in terms of key themes from research literature in the field of social and cultural studies of science and technology, including examples of research conducted by the course convener/lecturer. Students will have an opportunity to reflect on, extend and critique research insights, and apply insights to examples of cross-cultural science and technology communication. Finally, students will apply core themes and insights to define and propose a concrete problem for cross-cultural engagement around science/technology issues, and translate their learning in the form of a 'mock' report for a key stakeholder (e.g., a scientific community, government body, industry body, professional association). This will give them experience of the research process.

Additional Course Costs

N/A

Examination Material or equipment

N/A

Required Resources

Links to readings available through ANU library and associated online materials will be placed on Wattle

Recommended Resources

Recommended student system requirements 

ANU courses commonly use a number of online resources and activities including:

• video material, similar to YouTube, for lectures and other instruction
• two-way video conferencing for interactive learning
• email and other messaging tools for communication
• interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities
• print and photo/scan for handwritten work
• home-based assessment.

To fully participate in ANU learning, students need:

• A computer or laptop. Mobile devices may work well but in some situations a computer/laptop may be more appropriate.
• Webcam
• Speakers and a microphone (e.g. headset)
• Reliable, stable internet connection. Broadband recommended. If using a mobile network or wi-fi then check performance is adequate.
• Suitable location with minimal interruptions and adequate privacy for classes and assessments.
• Printing, and photo/scanning equipment

For more information please see https://www.anu.edu.au/students/systems/recommended-student-system-requirements

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• written comments
• verbal comments
• feedback to whole class and in group discussions

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). The feedback given in these surveys is anonymous and provides the Colleges, University Education Committee and Academic Board with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement. The Surveys and Evaluation website provides more information on student surveys at ANU and reports on the feedback provided on ANU courses.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Introduction & Conceptual foundations in cross-cultural sci comm	Day 1. 13.9.2021. Combined lecture + small group and plenary discussion on Zoom due to COVID; Assessments 1, 2, 3, 4
2	Community Priorities and Scientific Visions	Day 1. 13.9.2021. Combined lecture + small group and plenary discussion on Zoom due to COVID; Assessments 1, 2, 3, 4
3	Cultures of Non-knowledge and Controversy	Day 2. 14.9.2021. Combined lecture + small group and plenary discussion on Zoom due to COVID; Assessments 1, 2, 3, 4
4	Lessons from Cross-Cultural Non-Communication in Science History	Day 2. 14.9.2021. Combined lecture + small group and plenary discussion on Zoom due to COVID; Assessments 1, 2, 3, 4
5	Indigenous knowledges and Western science	Day 3. 15.9.2021. Combined lecture + small group and plenary discussion on Zoom due to COVID; Assessments 2, 3, 4
6	Science and Technology for Global Challenges	Day 3. 15.9.2021. Combined lecture + small group and plenary discussion on Zoom due to COVID; Assessments 2, 3, 4
7	The Promise of Collaboration and Co-design	Day 4. 16.9.2021. Combined lecture + small group and plenary discussion on Zoom due to COVID; Assessments 2, 3, 4
8	Cross-cultural sci comm Case Project: Problem definition and structuring	Day 4. 16.9.2021. Group work and feedback in plenary on Zoom due to COVID; Assessment 3
9	Cross-cultural sci comm Case Project: Analysis and reporting	Day 5. 17.9.2021. Group work and feedback in plenary on Zoom due to COVID; Assessment 4

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Reflective Summary	5 %	21/09/2021	26/09/2021	1
Blogpost	20 %	30/09/2021	10/10/2021	3
Mock Stakeholder Project Proposal	25 %	07/10/2021	17/10/2021	2, 4
Mock Stakeholder Project Report	50 %	11/11/2021	25/11/2021	2, 4

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines, which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Misconduct Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Policy and General Information 
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using 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. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Integrity . In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

Participating in the Zoom classes will enhance your understanding of and engagement with course themes. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you're having problems joining the classes.

Examination(s)

N/A

Assessment Task 1

Reflective Summary

200-300 word summary of key insight/insights gained from course content to date for communicating science.

It is expected that marked assignments will be returned to students within 2 weeks of submission.

Assessment Task 2

Blogpost

600-700 word blogpost-style piece, drawing on selected readings from the course to develop a compelling argument on why a specific course theme (chosen by the student from what we cover) is important for improved cross-cultural communication around science and technology.

It is expected that marked assignments will be returned to students within 2 weeks of submission.

Assessment Task 3

Mock Stakeholder Project Proposal

1000 word piece engaging with relevant academic and online sources to define a problem that calls for a cross-cultural approach to science and technology communication, explain the significance of the problem and your approach, and describe how you will go about addressing it.

Assessment Task 4

Mock Stakeholder Project Report

3000 word piece reporting on the project you proposed in Assessment 3, drawing on course materials and other relevant sources to explain the problem and elaborating specific insights and approaches to sci comm communication from a cross-cultural perspective.

It is expected that marked assignments will be returned to students within 2 weeks of submission.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically, committing to honest and responsible scholarly practice and upholding these values with respect and fairness.

The ANU commits to assisting all members of our community to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. The ANU expects staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle and Academic Misconduct Rule, uphold high standards of academic integrity and act ethically and honestly, to ensure the quality and value of the qualification that you will graduate with.

The Academic Misconduct Rule is in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Very minor breaches of the academic integrity principle may result in a reduction of marks of up to 10% of the total marks available for the assessment. The ANU offers a number of online and in person services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. Visit the Academic Skills website for more information about academic integrity, your responsibilities and for assistance with your assignments, writing skills and study.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

• Late submission permitted. Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Referencing Requirements

Accepted academic practice for referencing sources that you use in presentations can be found via the links on the Wattle site, under the file named “ANU and College Policies, Program Information, Student Support Services and Assessment”. Alternatively, you can seek help through the Students Learning Development website.

Returning Assignments

Assignments will be returned via Wattle

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

No

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Diversity and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
• PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students