Why are Americans often disillusioned or uninterested in addressing pressing environmental issues? Are people turned off by the way scientists, politicians, or activists present information about environmental issues and sustainability? How is the environment depicted and constructed within the media? And how do we change these communication strategies for the better?

This class aims to encourage students to collaborate and critically assess the ways in which environmental issues are presented via various media outlets (including blogs/websites, advertisements, documentary films, political campaigns/speeches, non-profit outreach, the popular press, demonstrations, YouTube, radio, and print literature) in order to form their own conclusions about how environmental issues can best be presented.

This class relies upon guest speakers, class discussions, and the analysis of popular media representations of environmental issues. A final written or visual media project is required by students working by themselves or in small groups at the end of the semester.

Grading policy:
40% attendance and participation. Students may miss only two classes in order to gain full credit. Participation includes engagement in class discussions, as well as the submission of weekly discussion questions.
40% final project.
20% assisting others on their final project.

SYLLABUS LINK: https://docs.google.com/a/berkeley.edu/document/d/1SOk454JAgYyTEgjNLIATAr9I6Y176krqa2FnAUbMeVY/edit?usp=sharing

Everyone who applies to the DeCal will be accepted on a first come, first served basis. The class number will be given out on the first day of class!