Seminar: Science Journalism

Covering Science, Health, and Medicine, and the Environment Part I:

Roles Science Journalists Play in the Science Journalism Ecosystem

Speaker: Susan E. Swanberg, M.S., M.S., J.D., Ph.D., Associate Professor, UA School of Journalism

Science journalists write about science, health and medicine, technology, and the environment. A wide-ranging field, science journalism offers a variety of career options to talented writers able to unravel and interpret scientific discoveries, concepts, and issues. According to researchers Declan Fahy and Matthew Nisbet (2011) roles science journalists play include the following: the conduit, the public intellectual, the agenda setter, the watchdog, the investigative reporter, the civic educator, the curator, the convener, and the advocate. Using Fahy and Nisbet’s typology as a vehicle, this portion of the presentation will discuss the roles science journalists play and the importance of science journalism to society. An example of each role will be provided.

Covering Science and the Environment Part II:

Writing, Pitching, and Placing Your Article

Speaker: Carol Schwalbe, Professor, UA School of Journalism

Science journalism is more than just writing. Unlike other science communicators such as public information officers or public relations representatives who owe a duty to their clients to portray those clients in the best light possible, journalists owe a duty to work in the public interest. The challenges of science journalism include identifying newsworthy stories that will improve the public understanding of science; engaging in careful, detailed reporting that incorporates a variety of voices and perspectives; and writing accurately in a jargon-free style that the non-scientific public can understand. This portion of the program will discuss factors you should consider before submitting your article and how to pitch and submit your article to an appropriate publication.

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