SCI2502 · Impact through science 2B

Overview

This unit introduces you to the world of advocacy and its role in addressing the key challenges facing the global community. You are introduced to the key frameworks, considerations and stakeholders to help students critically evaluate the opportunities and limitations of advocacy. This unit enables you to continue practicing core communication skills acquired and honed throughout the degree; through tasks which require students to tailor information to specific audiences to ensure maximum impact. The unit will enable you to identify, define and describe the key ways which corporate and private organisations influence government and social decision making; the role of business and government in enabling both positive and negative change relating to key global issues; and deliver information tailored to diverse audiences.

Offerings

Assessment

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

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. Develop a comprehensive advocacy strategy on how an advocacy group will operate. This includes a brief to a government official, a digital and written appeal to a relevant stakeholder and an organisational memo outlining how you operate as an advocacy group;
2. Consider the ways in which groups of people strategically undertake advocacy campaigns to affect change;
3. Work with others to critically evaluate advocacy opportunities and develop targeted strategies which enable impactful change;
4. Integrate feedback from peers and mentors to make improvements in how you collaborate as a team and organise yourself within an advocacy group pushing for change;
5. Develop a deeper understanding of the importance of tailoring information and content to specific audiences to maximise the accessibility and impact of information;
6. Demonstrate teamwork capacity and knowledge of leadership by using a collaborative approach to examine the advocacy and communication strategies needed to maximise impact and change;
7. Develop a plan for their first internship.

Workload

• One 3-hour workshop per week • During the semester we will host networking events which may be during or outside of normal teaching hours which are optional, but strongly advised to attend. • You should note that you are required to undertake one internship before the start of your level 3 units. 9 hours of external class time per week including study time, pre-class and post-class tasks

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