Course 1
Title: Science Communication Workshop (COMM 5660) (SAMPLE SYLLABUS)
Semester(s) offered: Fall, Spring
Length of course: 2-day workshop - March 3-5, 2017 (Flyer for Spring 2017 Course)
Brief course description: This intensive weekend workshop introduces graduate students and post-docs in the sciences (including natural sciences, engineering, experimental social sciences, etc.) to communication of science and technology (including controversial topics such as climate change or GMOs) with nonscientists such as policy makers, political stakeholders, the media, and the general public. Activities include panel discussions, role-playing, mini-lectures, hands-on practice in writing a lay abstract for different audiences – for a personal blog or webpage, for a departmental site, or to accompany a conference program.  There will also be real-time practice in being interviewed for the media, and discussion with invited speakers.

Course 2
Title: Science Communication Practicum (COMM 5665) (SAMPLE SYLLABUS)
Semester(s) offered: Fall
Length of course: 2-day workshop - December 2-4, 2016
Brief course description: This workshop will build on the existing Science Communication Workshop (which introduces many types of public communication of science) by focusing on writing for and speaking to non-science audiences. It will feature didactic instruction on writing and speaking, with particular attention paid to crafting a press release, online writing, and effective presentation of complex science information. Practical exercises will have the students prepare written materials and instructors will be on-hand to provide critique and support. Faculty instructors and community members will provide additional feedback for short (3-minute) presentations on the last day.  Students will receive one-on-one input from instructors..

Course 3
Title: Social Issues in Community Engagement by Cancer Scientists (BIOMS 5660) (SAMPLE SYLLABUS)
Semester(s) offered: Spring
Length of course: March 25/26, 2017 (Warren Hall 401)
Brief course description: The goal of this intensive weekend workshop is to provide students an understanding of social issues of relevance to cancer patients. Examples of topics to be covered include: decision making and emotional issues for cancer patients; drug pricing and the costs of cancer therapy for individuals and society; population-specific variations in cancer risk; and patient rights and privacy issues. In addition to conventional lectures, the workshop will include a panel discussion by cancer patients and survivors on their experiences and the challenges of battling cancer. Individual students also will interview a community member from the CRCFL, which they will summarize in oral presentations to the class. Bob Riter, CRCFL Director and author of the book "When Your Life is Touched by Cancer: Practical Advice and Insights for Patients, Professionals, and Those Who Care" will present on empathic listening and supporting others with cancer.

Course 4
Title: Community-based Cancer Research Presentations and Discussions (BIOMS 5665) (SAMPLE SYLLABUS)
Semester(s) offered: Spring
Length of course: Full academic semester (Warren Hall 173 - Flyer for Spring 2017 Course)
Brief course description: This seminar series will provide a forum for interactions between cancer research trainees and cancer patients. The primary activity will be student presentations on topics in cancer research in lay terms to a public audience, followed by interactive discussions. Enrolled students will form teams, with 1-2 students giving the presentation and others disseminating information about the presentation by writing blog posts and tweets, as well as producing short summary videos for posting online. Additional class meetings will include seminars by speakers from various cancer-related areas (government agencies, private foundations, pharmaceutical and healthcare industry, etc.) as well as book discussions. Through this course, students will meet and interact with cancer patients and develop skills in communicating science to the public. Community members will learn about cancer biology while engaging in discussions with cancer trainees and thereby helping shape the future of cancer research.