COM-20806 Environmental Communication and Innovation

Course

Credits 6.00

Teaching methodContact hours
Lectures16
Literature study
Project learning24
Course coordinator(s)dr. BC van Mierlo
Lecturer(s)prof. dr. ir. AEJ Wals
dr. BC van Mierlo
Examiner(s)dr. BC van Mierlo
prof. dr. ir. AEJ Wals

Language of instruction:

English

Assumed knowledge on:

ESA-10309, ENP-10806. Students who do not take part in one of the environmental sciences programmes are supposed to have knowledge on environmental policy and to be able to read complex social scientific articles.

Contents:

In a pluralistic society, there is an increasing demand for communication strategies for the resolution of environmental issues. This course provides the foundations of several environmental communication strategies, such as persuasive approaches in environmental communication, interactive environmental policy making and environmental education. These strategies will be explored, related, challenged and illustrated by practical examples. The study of the literature feeds into case study oriented assignments to evaluate existing communication strategies.

Learning outcomes:

At the end of the course students are expected to be able to;
- recognise different types of environmental communication strategies;
- describe the main theoretical and methodological concepts used in environmental communication;
- describe and explain the main potentials and limitations of environmental communication strategies;
- evaluate existing communication strategies.

Activities:

The course consists of lectures, group discussions and case studies.

Examination:

The grade will be based on the case studies (50%) and a written exam (50%). The marks of both have to be at least 5.5.

Literature:

A reader will be provided during the first session.

ProgrammePhaseSpecializationPeriod
Compulsory for: BESEnvironmental SciencesBScA: Environmental Policy and Management2AF
Restricted Optional for: BBNForest and Nature ConservationBScA: Policy and Society2AF
MESEnvironmental SciencesMSc2AF
MESEnvironmental SciencesMSc2AF
MinorPeriod
Compulsory for: WUEPMBSc Minor Environmental Policy and Management2AF
Restricted Optional for: WUPPNBSc Minor People - Nature Interactions2AF