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SoSe 18: American Science Diplomacy and Science Communication since the 19th Century

Sönke Kunkel

Kommentar

This class explores a relatively new field of historical research: the history of science communication in the United States and its relationships with America’s global science diplomacy. Taking a cue from current debates about fake news, alternative facts, the march for science, and rising calls for a better and more efficient science communication vis-à-vis a growing anti-scientism in societies around the world – Trump’s America among them – we will do two things in this class: On the one hand, we will examine how ideas and practices of science communication have evolved since the nineteenth century, and what approaches various actors have taken. Themes we will cover include the history of science journalism, of science museums, and science fiction, but also concepts such as “public understanding of science,” “public engagement,” “intercultural communication,” and “citizen science”. On the other hand, a special focus will be on the interrelationships between science communication and America’s global science diplomacy in the context of American public diplomacy abroad, including for example the founding of the Free University. Combining history with practice, this class also has the goal to equip students with some hands-on skills required for internships or careers in science communication. We will therefore also meet with some practitioners in the field to discuss current challenges and approaches. Schließen