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In this module we look at the opportunities and possibilities inherent in the ways that experts seek to communicate their specialist knowledge to non-expert audiences. The module will incorporate a critical consideration of the concept of expertise, and the extent to which specialist knowledge needs to undergo transformation in order for it to be communicated to a non-expert audience. A key focus is on the presentation of knowledge to the general public; examples include an educationalist explaining matters of policy, scientists developing the understanding of a non-expert audience, and the effective curation of an art exhibition for a public museum. The module will contrast the communication of knowledge from STEM areas with those in the arts and humanities.

Another major concern of the module is the responsibility of experts. We will look at how they can challenge ‘fake news’ and avoid fuelling this problem when communicating knowledge. The module is suitable for students on a range of programmes, as it encompasses communication in a range of disciplines; there is no requirement to have prior knowledge of the scholars and concepts introduced in the module.

Teaching delivery:

This module is taught in 10 weekly sessions, which comprise of a lecture element, followed by a seminar discussion and group activities.

Indicative Topics: The topics listed are based on module content in 2023/24, and may be subject to possible changes:

• Models of Communication
• Introductory Semiotics
• Pedagogical Spaces – Museums and Heritage Sites
• Mapping and Communication
• Communicating Arts and Science
• Communicating Climate Change

Module Aims:

The module aims to allow students to identify their own particular expertise and specialisms, and how this may be communicated to others.

By the end of this module, students will be able to:

• Understand key theories of communication.
• Identify and use the types of strategies used in effective successful communication.
• Recognise the limits of successful communication.
• Develop their own strategies for communicating specialist knowledge to others in an accessible way.

This will be valuable to students in education, but also any field which requires practitioners to communicate information in a way that can be easily understood, e.g. employment in journalism and media, policy dissemination, documentary film making.

Recommended readings:

The following readings help indicate the type of texts to be used in the module:

• Eco, U. (1979). The Role of the Reader: Explorations in the Semiotics of Texts. pp 3-11.
• Introduction by Trofanenko, B. & Segall, A. pp.1-9 in Trofanenko, B. (ed.). (2014). Beyond pedagogy: Reconsidering the public purpose of museums. Rotterdam: Sense
• Southwick, L. et al. (2021). Characterizing COVID-19 content posted to TikTok: public sentiment and response during the first phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. Journal of Adolescent Health, 69(2), pp.234-241.

Additional costs: There no additional costs associated with this module. Any museum visits recommended are for those with free admission.