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This book investigates the phenomenon of science communication events, as spectacles for legitimising and communicating science to the public. With attention to events such as 'Science Slam', where scientists are asked to present their knowledge in new ways and speak to an audience of laymen, the author examines the participants' use of stylistic devices borrowed from other events in order to address a diverse audience in a competitive environment. With attention to the performative appearance of scientists on stage and the manner in which contemporary public performing scientists present, problematise, and communicate knowledge, the author considers the justifications offered by participants in terms of legitimacy and expectations. Illustrating the crucial role of bodies, techniques, visuals, and objects in the communicative construction of (scientific) reality, The New Art of Old Public Science Communication: The Science Slam sheds new light on the construction of improved science communication. As such, it will appeal to social scientists with interests in science communication, the sociology of science and technology, and the sociology of knowledge.
List of contents
1. The Difficulty of Communicating Science to the Public 2. Public Science Communication: From Old Styles to New 3. Developing a Theoretical Framework in Which to Study Science Communication 4. Materials and Methods 5. The Science Slam as Communicative Innovation: How Was the Science Slam Established? 6. Science Slam as a Genre 7. Science Slam in Contemporary Society
About the author
Miira B. Hill is a postdoctoral researcher for Media and Communications at the ZeMKI (Center for Media, Communication and Information Research), University of Bremen, Germany.
Summary
This book investigates the phenomenon of science communication events as spectacles for legitimizing and communicating science to the public, shedding new light on the ways in which public scientists present knowledge, and the role of bodies, techniques, visuals and objects in the communicative construction of (scientific) reality.
