97% of scientists have confirmed that climate change is real and caused by humans while only 58% of Americans believe the same. In other words, this clearly isn’t a scientific problem; it’s a communication one.

Why are Americans so disinterested in addressing pressing environmental issues? Why do environmentalists choose the public communication strategies they implement? 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).

Grading Policy:
40% Class attendance (can only miss two classes or else will lose full credit)
20% Participation
40% Final project

Methods of Instruction:
The course will incorporate lectures from guest speakers and collaborative learning through group discussion and group or individual projects. In the final course, students will demonstrate what they have learned by presenting their final projects and will learn collectively through each other’s projects.

NOTE: THIS CLASS IS WORTH TWO UNITS (BE SURE TO SELECT ON CALCENTRAL)