ATS2324 · Climate change communication

Overview

In this unit, you will examine the intersection of science, politics and media relating to climate change, using the Australian context as a case study. You will consider six barriers to the successful communication of climate change: the nature of climate change itself; the nature of scientific cultures; the denialist industry around the world; the characteristics of social media, mass media, and generative AI; audience attitudes, behaviours and issues of justice; and the roles of imagery and imagination. You will develop the skills to effectively communicate about climate change for diverse audiences using appropriate tools and strategies.

Areas of study: Communications and media studies Journalism Media Public relations

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

Within semester assessment: 100%

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

1. discuss the climate change communication problem and the roles of diverse media in both the problem and solutions;
2. explain the challenges faced by scientists and other communicators when presenting climate science and solutions;
3. critically analyse aspects of human beliefs and behaviour associated with climate change and how they relate to climate change communication;
4. critically evaluate the political context of climate change in Australia and internationally (including issues of justice) and their impact on climate change communication and action;
5. responsibly communicate climate change and related issues to a broad range of audiences using appropriate tools and strategies.

Workload

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. A unit requires on average three/four hours of scheduled activities per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.