What are the promises and pitfalls of humour in science communication? What if the comic side of science is also where some of the most serious cultural questions begin?
In our upcoming online Winter intensive course SCOM2006/SCOM6006: “Science, Humour and Popular Culture”, we’ll explore humour as one of the most fascinating ways science enters public life, popular imagination and cultural debate.
From comic scientists and Frankenstein to memes, movies, zombies and the Joker, we’ll examine how comedy and popular culture shape the way science is seen, trusted, questioned, imagined – and sometimes feared.
Along the way, we’ll ask:
When does humour make science more accessible – and when does it risk distorting, excluding or trivialising?
What do comic scientists tell us about expertise, authority and public trust?
How do comedy and popular culture shape ideas about what science is – and who it is for?
How can humour help communicate complexity without reducing it?
This course is for students interested in science, media, culture, storytelling, creativity and the public life of knowledge.
SCOM2006 / SCOM6006: “Science, Humour and Popular Culture”
Online Winter Intensive (online only!)
6–10 July, 9–5pm
Last day to enrol: 1 July (!)
More information:
SCOM2006: https://programsandcourses.anu.edu.au/course/SCOM2006
SCOM6006: https://programsandcourses.anu.edu.au/course/SCOM6006
