Effective advocacy is essential in contemporary society. When discussing social issues, critical thinking and speaking are needed to effect change. This is certainly true in the field of environmental science and policy. Bountiful research and scientific evidence demonstrate various environmental impacts of humans on the environment—deforestation, water pollution, climate change, species extinction, and many more. The context of the course is environmental advocacy and students will examine movements (social and environmental), scientific research, public policy, and other topics to gain understanding. This course develops basic skill in advocacy—critical thinking, research, evidence, and argument construction. By the end of the course, students will integrate advocacy skills with knowledge of environmental policy to debate public policy and engage in advocacy.

Effective advocacy is essential in contemporary society. When discussing social issues, critical thinking and speaking are needed to effect change. These statements are particularly true in public health. Whether it is COVID-19, cancer or the common cold, the health care system suffers from inadequate, inconsistent, and often incorrect communication. Consequently, students will critically analyze the current state of public health communication to develop compelling arguments. Students will also develop critical messaging skills to inform, persuade, and motivate people with better public health communication. Topics covered in this class will include the nature of public health advocacy, audience analysis and adaptation focused on public health concerns, translating scientific information in the public sphere, effective language/persuasive strategies, visual persuasion, effective rhetorical/oral form and style. We will analyze public health communication in a variety of contexts, from the standard “beside manner, take 2 of these and call me in the morning” doctor’s office to social media memes and classic public health communication campaigns. 

This course develops essential skills in effective oral communication and critical thinking. Students will craft ethical, audience-centered messages, integrate appropriate evidence, and deliver presentations confidently. They will also analyze, evaluate, and respond to arguments, recognizing deductive and inductive reasoning, identifying fallacies, and critiquing public communication for greater rhetorical effectiveness.

An introduction to the theory and research findings involving interpersonal and nonverbal communication. Emphasis will be on the principles for effective communication in dyadic settings. Course content will be supplemented by a variety of exercises designed to enhance communication competence.