GLS 8002 - Public Intellectual Practicum

People who share academic knowledge with the general public are sometimes called public intellectuals, people like Carl Sagan, Edward Said, Susan Sontag, Henry Louis Gates, E.O. Wilson, and Camille Paglia. These men and women are original thinkers who can write well and who wish to explore and debate real-world issues and problems and share their ideas with a wider audience. Since the great issues of our time defy easy or simple solutions, the public intellectual often explores diverse fields of inquiry, seeking to draw connections that result in deeper understanding. Students in the practicum will choose a subject or issue to investigate using interdisciplinary methods of inquiry and research. They will explore writing and presentation strategies appropriate for different kinds of audiences (e.g., essay, radio commentary, podcast, video script, blog, public presentation, etc.). Students will learn how to communicate clearly and persuasively with a wider audience, to conduct interdisciplinary research, and to act upon their creative and intellectual potential.

Credits: (4 credits)