SGPS 9104: Communicating Research to General Audiences

Course Description

Communicating Research to General Audiences develops researchers’ abilities to effectively communicate complex, disciplinary specific ideas to individuals without specialist knowledge in ways that are clear, concise and captivating. Participants will refine their written and oral research communication skills to reach and engage the widest possible range of audience members.

Students will participate in a mixture of writing and presentation assignments to craft short and compelling written explanations and oral presentations of their research for a general, non-specialist audience. Written explanations are suitable as lay abstracts for theses, funding applications, personal websites, and submission to Western’s Inspiring Minds Project, which seeks to broaden awareness and impact of graduate student research beyond the academic community. Oral explanations are beneficial to public outreach, building cross-sector partnerships, and/or showcasing expertise to prospective employers. 

Students will receive a Western digital badge upon completion of this course. This microcredential is designed for advanced researchers who are strong academic communicators. PhD students receive priority registration.

View the Course Syllabus