94332 - Journalism and Scientific Dissemination

Academic Year 2021/2022

  • Docente: Marco Ciardi
  • Credits: 9
  • SSD: M-STO/05
  • Language: Italian
  • Moduli: Marco Ciardi (Modulo 1) Maria Giulia Andretta (Modulo 2)
  • Teaching Mode: Traditional lectures (Modulo 1) Traditional lectures (Modulo 2)
  • Campus: Bologna
  • Corso: Second cycle degree programme (LM) in Teaching and Communication of Natural Sciences (cod. 5704)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student has a thorough knowledge of the role of science and technology in contemporary society, he has acquired the skills of mediation between experts and the general public, he is able to expose the contents effectively in oral and written form with the appropriate terminology, also with reference to the relevant bibliography/references and to the different audiences. He can critically evaluate the strengths of the dissemination of scientific culture, is able to deal with the different modes of communication in the field of science and its dissemination: he can realize reviews, posters, articles, professional essays, interviews and plan thematic events with a popular character.

Course contents

Starting from the historical analysis of the social role of science, we will deal with the key stages of the process of diffusion of scientific culture and the techniques of communication and dissemination that have been used in the past for its diffusion. We will focus on the role of scientists, the role of mediators and the reception of the general public with selected case studies which have particular relevance to public opinion in the past and in the present, in order to reflect on the different strategies identified. The relationship between science and other fields of knowledge will be examined, and the most widespread techniques for disseminating and communicating discoveries and news will be analyzed, from the article to the essay to the poster and the social media post, in order to learn the basic techniques for the forms most used today. During the lessons, simulations will be carried out in the form of exercises, when possible also in groups, both for research, selection and verification of sources, and for the actual production of written texts and short oral expositions in the form of debate. During the course, experts will be involved for specific focuses.

General structure of the course:

First module (12 hours): Introduction to science communication. Online.

Second module (42 hours): Journalism and scientific divulgation. Contents and exercises.

 

 

Readings/Bibliography

Attending students:

One text of your choice from:

1) M. Ciardi, Galileo e Harry Potter. La magia può aiutare la scienza?, Roma, Carocci, 2014.

2) N. Pitrelli, Il giornalismo scientifico, Roma, Carocci, 2021.

3) D. Gouthier, Scrivere di scienza. Esercizi e buone pratiche per divulgatori, giornalisti, insegnanti e ricercatori di oggi, Torino, Codice Edizioni, 2019.

 

A science textbook to be agreed with the teachers linked to the themes of the final paper.

Not attending students:

Two texts of your choice from:

1) M. Ciardi, Galileo e Harry Potter. La magia può aiutare la scienza?, Roma, Carocci, 2014.

2) N. Pitrelli, Il giornalismo scientifico, Roma, Carocci, 2021.

3) D. Gouthier, Scrivere di scienza. Esercizi e buone pratiche per divulgatori, giornalisti, insegnanti e ricercatori di oggi, Torino, Codice Edizioni, 2019.

4) P. Greco (a cura di), Scienza&Società 29/30. Le parole della scienza, Milano, Egea, 2017.

 

A science textbook to be agreed with the teachers linked to the themes of the final paper.

 

Teaching methods

Lessons will alternate lectures and practical exercises (in groups). Discussions, comparisons and dialogues will be favored. Teaching methods such as the flipped classroom and cooperative learning will be adopted to encourage training in teamwork and problem solving. The lessons will include, where possible, insights studies by experts.

Attendance of the course is particularly recommended for the achievement of the objectives.

Assessment methods

The exam consist of the evaluation of a written paper and a short oral discussion based on the same and on the texts chosen from the agreed bibliography.

Students who attend at least 75% of the lessons are considered to be attending.

 

The paper can be chosen among the following types:

1) agreed essay on topics related to the books chosen from the bibliography. Length of the paper: 10.000 characters, spaces included (notes and bibliography included).

2) agreed planning of a popular event (exhibition, review, workshop, exhibit) on topics related to the books chosen in the bibliography. Length of the project: 10,000 characters, including spaces.

3) agreed thematic poster on topics related to the books chosen in the bibliography. Length of the textual part: 5,000 characters, including spaces; the graphic design will also be evaluated.

 

The paper must be submitted by e-mail no later than one week before the exam.

 

Teaching tools

Power point, online materials, audio-video files, virtual visits.

Office hours

See the website of Marco Ciardi

See the website of Maria Giulia Andretta

SDGs

Quality education Gender equality Climate Action

This teaching activity contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN 2030 Agenda.