FLS3107 Communicating Research beyond the Academy 5.0 credits

This course is designed for doctoral students and other researchers who wish to develop their skills in communicating research to both experts and lay audiences in a clear and engaging way.
For more information and a link to the application form, please visit KTH Language and Communication: Courses in communication for doctoral students and researchers at KTH | KTH
Information for research students about course offerings
The course is offered every academic year. Current information can be found on the course webpage
Choose semester and course offering
Choose semester and course offering to see information from the correct course syllabus and course offering.
Content and learning outcomes
Course contents
The course involves a blend of rhetorical theories and several practical activities such as presentations, exercises and written assignments, all based on the participants' own research fields. Different forms of presentations and communicative situations are introduced. Large focus is given to audience adaptation and the expert's possibilities and obligations to communicate his or her expertise to different parts of the society. Participants are expected to give feedback on others' texts and presentations. The course also discusses strategies for handling the different challenges involved in communicating research, for example distrust of science.
The course is taught by experts in rhetoric and scientific communication, and the contents is based on current research in the field.
Intended learning outcomes
- Broaden the understanding of the benefits of effective communication to the public
- Gain insight into how scientific research can be communicated to different target groups, using a variety of channels and techniques
- Be able to apply basic rhetorical principles in communicating science to expert and lay audiences
Course disposition
Lectures and practical exercises based on the student's own research
Literature and preparations
Specific prerequisites
The course is primarily aimed for doctoral students who:
- have completed at least one year of their doctoral studies
- have published at least one article or is soon publishing their first article
- have good ability of communicating orally in English
Recommended prerequisites
Equipment
Literature
Course literature will be announced before the start of the course.
Recommended reference literature and electronic resources will be listed in the course information or in a similar way.
Examination and completion
If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.
Grading scale
Examination
- INL1 - Written assignment, 5.0 credits, grading scale: P, F
Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.
The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.
- A short, convincing oral presentation of a research idea
- A short written text relevant to the doctoral student's own research
- A short personal presentation, suitable for online publication
- A poster of the student's own work, intended for a lay audience
Other requirements for final grade
All parts of the examination completed
75% attendance requirement
Opportunity to complete the requirements via supplementary examination
Opportunity to raise an approved grade via renewed examination
Examiner
Ethical approach
- All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
- In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
- In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.
Further information
Course web
Further information about the course can be found on the Course web at the link below. Information on the Course web will later be moved to this site.
Course web FLS3107