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Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://arks.princeton.edu/ark:/88435/dsp015d86p2916
Title: THE SCIENTIFIC STORYTELLERS: HOW EDUCATORS, SCIENTISTS, AND ACTORS TELEVISED SCIENCE
Authors: Ockert, Ingrid Mikulik
Advisors: Milam, Erika L
Contributors: History of Science Department
Keywords: Bill Nye
fan mail
Mr. Wizard
NOVA
PBS
television
Subjects: Science history
Science education
Multimedia communications
Issue Date: 2018
Publisher: Princeton, NJ : Princeton University
Abstract: This dissertation explores the history of science television in the United States. My project is centered on the flows of knowledge between scientific storytellers of television: the scientists, television creators, and audience members who contributed to the development of the television genre. I examine five national programs (The John Hopkins Science Review, Watch Mr. Wizard, NOVA, 3-2-1 Contact, and Cosmos), which aired on American television sets between the late 1940s and late 1970s. This history charts science television from the early days of broadcasting to the end of the “network era.” Over thirty years, scientific storytellers produced a new form of discourse. Their distinct professional backgrounds, as actors, journalists, and scientists, affected the ways that they depicted science and scientists on screen. Early programs emphasized a technological understanding of science based around everyday experiences. Later, scientific programming focused on understanding the connections between political and social movements and science. Current events, advances in cinematography, and new pedagogical styles greatly affected the types of narratives told on television. The creation of science television series created an important space of dialogue for scientists and nonscientists.
URI: http://arks.princeton.edu/ark:/88435/dsp015d86p2916
Alternate format: The Mudd Manuscript Library retains one bound copy of each dissertation. Search for these copies in the library's main catalog: catalog.princeton.edu
Type of Material: Academic dissertations (Ph.D.)
Language: en
Appears in Collections:History of Science

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