- International Fees
International fees are typically 3.12 times the domestic tuition. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.
Course Overview
This course is designed to help you use the power of narrative (storytelling) to engage people on matters related to environment, climate change, science and sustainability. The course is designed for everyone from news consumers to aspiring/existing journalists and/or anyone interested in engaging their employees or other (corporate, government, etc.) stakeholders on environmental action and engagement. Taught by Dr. Kamyar Razavi, a climate change journalist and veteran television news producer, the course examines the role of the news media in drawing attention to environmental issues including environmental justice, political mobilization as well as climate mitigation and adaptation. We will examine the evolution of environmental journalism beginning with the 'discovery' of the environment and climate change as a topic worthy of recurring news coverage in the late 1980s and 1990s. We look at the subsequent periods of false balance, apathy/hope, and the turn toward climate solutions. The politics of climate change are examined in depth as are the various social, individual, and psychological barriers impeding action on climate change.
Prerequisite(s)
- No prerequisites are required for this course.
Credits
3.0
Domestic fees
$566.55
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Construct environmental news stories (and other communication) for impact.
- Develop messages that engage stakeholders on climate, the environment and sustainability.
- Examine environmental and energy policy in Canada.
- Describe the political economy of energy transition.
- Discuss how to accelerate sustainable behavioural change.
- Articulate the limitations of an 'information-deficit' model to communication.
- Employ specialized narrative techniques such as solutions journalism and descriptive social norms.
- Explain the basics of journalism (fairness, accuracy, thoroughness); the debates and controversies around objectivity; the problem with 'balance' and 'both sides-ism.'
- Diagnose the blind spots and/or omissions of environmental journalism/communication (and understand what those are).
- Apply a historical lens to environmental communication including the rise of the environmental movement to more current methods and methodologies for engaging the public on the issue.
- Employ storytelling tools to produce effective climate change communication.
Effective as of Fall 2024
Related Programs
Climate Change Storytelling for Social Change (BCST 1510) is offered as a part of the following programs:
- Indicates programs accepting international students.
School of Business + Media
- Broadcast and Digital Journalism
Associate Certificate Part-time
- Radio Arts and Entertainment
Associate Certificate Part-time
Course Offerings
Spring/Summer 2025
Below is one offering of BCST 1510 for the Spring/Summer 2025 term.
CRN 69911
Dates
Apr 15 - Jun 24 Cancelled
- CRN 69911
- $566.55 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
| Dates | Days | Times | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 15 - Jun 24 | N/A | N/A | Online |
Duration
11 weeks
Instructor
TBD
Course outline
Course outline TBD — see Learning Outcomes in the interim.
Important information
- Internet delivery format.
- Important course information will be sent to you prior to your course start date. Check your myBCIT email account to access this information.
- International fees are typically 3.12 times the domestic tuition. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.
- This course will be delivered asynchronously ONLINE, so you are not required to meet online each week at a specific time, however you must access the course Learning Hub within the first week to get started and meet assignment and course deadlines. Prospective students should have solid written and spoken English language skills to be successful in this course. If seats remain, registration is permitted without approval up to April 17th, by calling 604-434-1610.
Status
Cancelled
This course offering has been cancelled. Please check back next term, subscribe to receive email updates or contact us with your comments or questions.
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice.