Course Overview
This course aims to train students to develop their critical abilities for more effective communication both with a scientific audience and when communicating about science with the general population. There's a misconception that scientific communication is strictly about explanation and facts – that when done properly, it does not include elements of persuasion but is primarily or exclusively the description of uncontested empirical claims supported by hard proof. If this were true, effective communication in science would merely require reasonable clarity, good grammar and adequate scientific knowledge. But it's not so. Effective scientific communication is not possible while taking the reductive approach that it can be done by merely informing and understanding without taking into account critical and persuasive components. Those working in science do influence (properly or not), must persuade, need to resist undue influence, and must be able to communicate with others partly or entirely outside their field of expertise. Through the use of elements of logic, rhetorical analysis, academic writing, epistemology and philosophy of science, this course will guide students to become better communicators in discussions of science or that involve science.
Prerequisite(s)
- BCIT ENGL 1177, or 6 credits BCIT Communication at 1100-level or above, or 3 credits of a university/college first-year social science or humanities course.
Credits
3.0
- Not offered this term
- This course is not offered this term. Notify me to receive email notifications when the course opens for registration next term.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Define and distinguish between deductive and inductive arguments.
- Identify, analyze, and evaluate arguments- both deductive and inductive.
- Identify forms of fallacious reasoning.
- Define and evaluate theories of knowledge in relation to scientific practice.
- Define and evaluate epistemological skepticism and relativism in relation to scientific practice.
- Assess the merits and limitations of the scientific method.
- Research, organize, and write an argumentative essay.
Effective as of Fall 2021
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice. Find out more about BCIT course cancellations.