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Communication Studies Research Seminar (394-0-1)

Topic

Climate Change, Persuasion, and Social Influence

Instructors

Callie Sartain Kalny

Meeting Info

Frances Searle Building 3220: Mon, Wed 12:30PM - 1:50PM

Overview of class

Climate change is the defining issue of our time, yet nearly half of Americans still contest the idea that global warming is caused by human activity while even fewer believe that they will be harmed by the phenomenon. Why- after nearly three decades of effort- is this the case, and what are we to do about it? This course offers a high-level tour of the processes through which persuasion and social influence spur (or thwart) pro-environmental beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors. As a junior writing seminar, this course is also designed to guide students through the development of strong academic writing and research skills. Over the course of the quarter, students will iteratively develop a 20-25-page research paper exploring a topic of their choosing related to climate change, persuasion, and social influence.