How has Brave New World shaped the human cloning debate? Why did forensic science enrolments boom simultaneously with the popularity of CSI and Silent Witness? How is Doctor Who useful for engaging high school students in science learning? To what extent did Frankenstein establish a negative image of scientists? Why is theatre an effective HIV/AIDS education tool in South Africa and not in Australia? What role did Star Trek's Lt Uhura play in recruiting astronauts to the NASA space program? How might The Day After Tomorrow impact the public understanding of climate change?

This course provides an introduction to the impact of fictional representations of science and scientists on public perceptions of science. It introduces research, theory and methods from this growing area of science communication as applied to fictional works including films, television programs, plays, novels, short stories and comics. Students are encouraged to share their own experiences of science-based fiction and to pursue their areas of interest through assessment. The major piece of assessment is a research project testing students' hypotheses about the impact that a work of fiction might have on public perceptions of science. The research project will be completed individually, but there will be an option to develop the research ideas as a team with a view to obtaining publishable results.

 Upon satisfactorily meeting the course requirements, students will be able to:

1. explain the context and importance of fiction in the discipline of science communication
2. reflect on the social implications of science-based fiction including for their own lives
3. demonstrate the significance of fictional images of scientists for access and equity in science work and study
4. work effectively with others as part of a group
5. work independently through discovery-based learning
6. use social science research methods such as content analysis, focus groups and questionnaires to investigate public perceptions of science
7. access, organise and present material explaining the ways in which science-based fiction has been found to influence public perceptions of science
8. critically evaluate strengths and weaknesses of current research methods for investigating fiction's influence on public attitudes, knowledge and beliefs

1. Learning journal critically reflecting on readings, classes and other learning activities (25%; LO 1,2,3,7,8)
2. 3000 word essay or folio (25% LO 1,3,6,7)
3. Public perceptions research project proposal (25%; LO 1,4,5,6)
4. Public perceptions research project final report (25% LO 2,4,5,6,7,8)

Two x two hour studio classes per week, comprising lecture & tute material

Prerequisite: 36 units of any course

SCOM1001, ENVS1003

Mary Shelley's Frankenstein (the original novel)