Case Study Summary

“Communication for Changemaking” is a first-year undergraduate course which aims to increase climate change action and adaptation among students. Offered by the Faculty in Media & Communication Studies at the University of Melbourne, students participate in 10 modules on the causes, impacts, inequities, and solutions of climate change and the ways Indigenous justice is represented in the media. The course challenges students to develop cultural and personal beliefs around climate change and climate responsibility through concepts of Place, Country, and care for Country. Students also develop media literacy skills, understandings of Indigenous perspectives and issues, as well as social, emotional, and communicative competences.

This case study explores the course’s impact on students. Interviews and surveys will capture the evolution of student views on climate change issues, as well as the types of climate actions taken or planned. The case study will also collect educator data through workshops introduce teaching staff to the course modules alongside practical tips on how to integrate the modules into their teaching. Follow-up interviews will gauge whether and how likely the teaching staff are to adapt and integrate the module content into their courses.

Ultimately, the case study will provide information about the relationships between learning about climate change and climate justice, and activism amongst students and educators in higher education. The findings are anticipated to have broad relevance for educators and communicators in formal and non-formal education settings.