International Graduate Summer School
July 9–13, 2018
Online before and after
(3 credits)
Projected Futures 2: Experimental Science Journalism Studies
Projected Futures 2 is an intensive and experiential summer school that will challenge participants to rethink how science is communicated with society. Graduate students will be exposed to the foundations of evidence-based science journalism and then asked to experiment to create new forms of scientific storytelling. This year's school will include a case study on synthetic biology.
The school issues a collaborative, experimental challenge to participants:
What plausible future do you project for science journalism?
Show us and the world in two weeks!
A first of its kind in the Department of Journalism, Projected Futures is being held in collaboration with the World Federation of Science Journalists and the Canadian Science Writers Association. Student work will be presented at a Science Journalism Summit on July 13.
Audience
Local, national and international graduate students from any discipline with an interest in new forms of scientific storytelling and interdisciplinary experimentation. Those interested in communicating about synthetic biology, in particular, should apply.
Academic Leader
David M. Secko, Ph.D.
Chair of Journalism - Associate Professor
Concordia University
The school's faculty include leading science journalists and journalism educators.
Keynote Speaker:
To be announced
Special Lecturer:
Andre Picard
Health Columnist, The Globe and Mail
Author of Matters of Life and Death: Public Health Issues in Canada
Faculty:
David Secko
Chair and Associate Professor
Concordia Journalism
Leader, Concordia Science Journalism Project
Projected Futures 2 is a unique, blended course that occurs both online and in person. It is an unforgettable experience.
Students will complete the following during the course:
July 1 – July 7
Convene online to explore the foundations of evidence-based science journalism and to get to know each other.
July 8
Students arrive in Montreal and head to Concordia University’s residence.
July 9 – 11
In person classes begin in the Department of Journalism to examine a mixture of
(i) Journalism skills workshops for multimedia platforms;
(ii) Theoretical examinations of models of science journalism; and
(iii) Interdisciplinary group-based mapping of science and society connections.
July 12
Teams are issued an all-day collaborative experimental challenge. The day ends with a public lecture and reception from a noted science journalist. (The rest and relaxation will be well earned!)
July 13
In the morning, teams present their work – a projected future – at the Science Journalism Educator Summit.
In the afternoon, everyone heads home.
July 16 to 18
Course debrief online and the creation of an alumni network.
Tuition Waiver Awards
Top applicants are eligible for tuition waiver awards. The first set of tuition waivers is going to applications submitted before April 15, 2018. Those interested in additional awards are encouraged to apply before May 4, 2018.
These awards will take into account your course of study, past accomplishments, particular career and/or research directions, as well as financial need if your home institution, affiliated research center, department or supervisor cannot support your travel or registration costs.
Awarded tuition waivers cover tuition costs and all administrative fees associated with attending the International Graduate Summer School.
Accommodations and Food
Students living outside Montreal are also eligible to apply to recieve free accommodations at Concordia's Grey Nun's Residence. Priority will be given to international students and spaces are limited.
Some breakfasts and lunches are included during the week. Dinners will not be provided.
Travel
Please note students are responsible for their own transportation to and from Montreal.
Application Deadline: This school has rolling admissions and students can apply until the school is full. When the school is full, it will be announced on this page.
Admission is competitive and based on demostrating your interest in the fundamentals of science journalism and new forms of scientific storytelling, as well as your past accomplishments.
Interested students are invited to send:
1. A letter of intent (500 words);
This letter should cover your background, current program of study, motivation for attending the school, academic/professional interests and any other relevant information.
2. A current CV;
3. Optional: 1-2 samples of any journalism, communication or media-related work.
Application packages and queries should be directed to:
david.secko@concordia.ca
Tuition and fees associated with attending this 2018 International Graduate Summer School are based on the origin of the participant:
For Quebec residents: CAD 354.35
For France-based Masters and PhD students: CAD 354.35
For Canadian, non-Quebec residents: CAD 844.31
For international MA and PhD students: CAD 1,715.84
*International students must purchase Health Insurance through Concordia’s International Student Office (ISO) at a cost of CAD 91.58
*Students who have never taken a course at Concordia University must pay the new student fee at a cost of CAD 25.00
*Access to Concordia's facilities (library, gym, shuttle, etc.) requires the use of a Student Identification Card at a cost of CAD 11.50.
If you cannot find what you are looking for, please email us.
- Can I get credit for this course?
Yes, but if you are not registered at Concordia, contact us and we will work with you to provide you with all the information your home institution requires.
- When does the summer school start?
The summer school begins online on July 1st. Students will be given access to an online course platform to participate. Students from outside Montreal should arrive in town on July 8. The first in-person class is on July 9.
- Can I apply for more funding?
Yes, you may absolutely. Funding offered for a student admitted to the school will not decrease if the student has access to other sources of financial support. However, please note that tuition waviersin part, consider finanical need when being awarded to top applicants.
- What is the language of instruction?
The language of instruction is English.
- I am about to start a MA or a PhD at Concordia. Can I apply to the summer school?
Yes, you can. Please contact us at david.secko@concordia.ca for more information about how to proceed.
- Can non-students apply?
Yes, you can. While designed for graduate students to enhance their studies and communication skills, those not in a graduate program can apply as non-students.
- Where do the classes at Concordia take place?
The classes will be held in the CJ Building on Loyola Campus.
Be one of the first to join a new community of students interested in fresh forms of science journalism.
Work with scholars, journalists and students to articulate, debate and project your future science stories.
Share your experiments with the science journalism community.
