RECM-Research Communication

RECM 701. Oral and Visual Communication. 3 Hours.

This course is designed to enhance students' skills in effectively communicating scientific research through oral and visual means. Students will learn the principles of public speaking, presentation design, and visual storytelling to engage diverse audiences. The course covers techniques for creating compelling presentations, utilizing visual aids such as infographics and data visualizations, and delivering clear and impactful oral presentations. Emphasis will be placed on tailoring communication strategies to different audience types, including academic peers, policymakers, and the general public. Through practical exercises, peer reviews, and real-world applications, students will develop the confidence and proficiency needed to convey complex scientific concepts in an accessible and engaging manner.

RECM 707. Presenting Effectively. 1 Hour.

Provides an overview of giving effective oral presentations in academic and professional settings. Topics include analyzing audience and purpose, characteristics of an effective delivery, strategies for planning and design, handling questions and answers, boosting confidence, and using technology in presentations. One-day workshop.

RECM 708. Writing Successfully. 1 Hour.

Addresses issues involved in writing for academic and professional settings. Topics include analyzing audience and purpose, addressing common writing problems, developing effective writing practices, writing for publication, communicating research to the general public, and productivity strategies for writers. One-day workshop.

RECM 722. Storytelling and Narratives for Research Communication. 3 Hours.

This course explores the art of crafting written narratives that bridge the gap between complex research and diverse audiences. Students will learn to integrate storytelling techniques into scientific writing, creating compelling and accessible content across genres such as popular science articles, research summaries, policy briefs, and press releases. The curriculum emphasizes the interplay of clarity, creativity, and ethical responsibility in communicating scientific ideas. Through hands-on exercises, iterative drafting, and peer feedback, participants will develop skills to engage readers, evoke curiosity, and foster understanding. By the end of the course, students will produce a portfolio of impactful science stories.

RECM 727. Writing & Reviewing Research. 3 Hours.

Introduces writers to research writing “best practices,” criteria for evaluating writing, plus editing and peer review. Writers analyze and write short, strategic texts (on their own topics) in 5 research genres – critiques, annotated bibliographies, introductions, empirical, and review articles – based on peer and instructor feedback, for a draft presentation or proposal. For anyone writing course papers, theses, and/or proposals.

RECM 729. Writing a Journal Article in 12 Weeks. 3 Hours.

Introduces writers to a systematic approach to writing a journal article, including essential structures, stylistic conventions, and smart strategies for planning and completing projects under a deadline. Writers begin with their own working manuscripts (unpublished course paper, thesis, dissertation, etc.), identify a target journal, and draft short, strategic sections, based on peer review and instructor feedback, to create a final submission, per author’s guidelines. For anyone with active publishing goals.

RECM 739. Research Communication Portfolio. 3 Hours.

This portfolio course integrates portfolio curation with the creation of a comprehensive research communication project. Students will demonstrate their mastery of research communication by developing a professional portfolio that showcases their ability to engage diverse audiences across formats. Additionally, students will conceptualize, design, and execute an independent communication project, applying storytelling, ethical practices, and audience-specific strategies. The course culminates in a portfolio and project presentation, highlighting each student’s unique communication philosophy and approach.

RECM 745. Research Communication and Diverse Audiences. 3 Hours.

This course focuses on the written and oral communication of scientific and technical knowledge to diverse audiences, including those facing high levels of technical uncertainty and normative diversity, such as climate change, vaccine acceptance, and genetically modified crops. We will explore various forms of scientific communication, emphasizing the importance of conveying complex information to nonexperts about scientific processes, outcomes, and implications. Given the pervasive role of science and technology in modern life, effective communication is essential in numerous settings, including medical offices, community meetings, classrooms, museums, journalism, and legislative bodies. This course will address key questions: What constitutes effective science communication? What skills and competencies are necessary? How can we enhance our communication, understand our audiences, and improve our effectiveness as science communicators?.