- International Fees
International fees are typically 3.12 times the domestic tuition. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.
Course Overview
This course is designed to help you use the power of narrative (storytelling) to engage people on matters related to environment, climate change, science and sustainability. The course is designed for everyone from news consumers to aspiring/existing journalists and/or anyone interested in engaging their employees or other (corporate, government, etc.) stakeholders on environmental action and engagement. Taught by Dr. Kamyar Razavi, a climate change journalist and veteran television news producer, the course examines the role of the news media in drawing attention to environmental issues including environmental justice, political mobilization as well as climate mitigation and adaptation. We will examine the evolution of environmental journalism beginning with the 'discovery' of the environment and climate change as a topic worthy of recurring news coverage in the late 1980s and 1990s. We look at the subsequent periods of false balance, apathy/hope, and the turn toward climate solutions. The politics of climate change are examined in depth as are the various social, individual, and psychological barriers impeding action on climate change.
Prerequisite(s)
- No prerequisites are required for this course.
Credits
3.0
Domestic fees
$498.17 - $608.59 See individual course offerings below for actual costs.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Construct environmental news stories (and other communication) for impact.
- Develop messages that engage stakeholders on climate, the environment and sustainability.
- Examine environmental and energy policy in Canada.
- Describe the political economy of energy transition.
- Discuss how to accelerate sustainable behavioural change.
- Articulate the limitations of an 'information-deficit' model to communication.
- Employ specialized narrative techniques such as solutions journalism and descriptive social norms.
- Explain the basics of journalism (fairness, accuracy, thoroughness); the debates and controversies around objectivity; the problem with 'balance' and 'both sides-ism.'
- Diagnose the blind spots and/or omissions of environmental journalism/communication (and understand what those are).
- Apply a historical lens to environmental communication including the rise of the environmental movement to more current methods and methodologies for engaging the public on the issue.
- Employ storytelling tools to produce effective climate change communication.
Effective as of Fall 2024
Related Programs
Environmental and Climate News and Analysis (BCST 1510) is offered as a part of the following programs:
- Indicates programs accepting international students.
- Indicates programs with a co-op option.
School of Business + Media
- Broadcast and Digital Journalism
Associate Certificate Part-time
- Radio Arts and Entertainment
Associate Certificate Part-time
- Video Production and Editing
Associate Certificate Part-time
Course Offerings
Fall 2024
Below is one offering of BCST 1510 for the Fall 2024 term.
CRN 51308
Dates
Thu Sep 12 - Thu Nov 28
- 12 weeks
- CRN 51308
- Domestic fees $498.17
Status
In Progress
This course offering is in progress. Please check this page for other currently available offerings, subscribe to receive email updates or contact us with your comments or questions.
Class meeting times
Instructor
Kamyar Razavi
Course outline
Important information
- Important course information will be sent to you prior to your course start date. Check your myBCIT email account to access this information.
- International fees are typically 3.12 times the domestic tuition. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.
- This course will be delivered synchronously in person, requiring your attendance and participation in scheduled classes held at Burnaby Campus SE10 building on the days and times noted on the course web page. If seats remain, registration is permitted without approval up to September 18, 2024, by calling 604-434-1610.
Winter 2025
Below is one offering of BCST 1510 for the Winter 2025 term.
CRN 92537
Dates
Tue Jan 07 - Tue Mar 25
- 12 weeks
- CRN 92537
- Domestic fees $608.59
Status
Seats Available
This course offering has seats available.
Class meeting times
Instructor
Kamyar Razavi
Course outline
Course outline TBD — see Learning Outcomes in the interim.
Important information
- Important course information will be sent to you prior to your course start date. Check your myBCIT email account to access this information.
- International fees are typically 3.12 times the domestic tuition. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.
- This course is hybrid delivery – both synchronous online and in person classes. You will be expected to attend online and in person classes during the posted class meeting times as this is not a self-paced course. The in person classes will be held at Burnaby Campus SE10 building on the following DATES: Feb 18, Mar 25. Prospective students should have solid written and spoken English language skills to be successful in this course. If seats remain, registration is permitted without approval up to January 13th, by calling 604-434-1610.
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice.