"Cynical Politics" versus "Scientific Truth:" communication crisis at Brookhaven National Lab

The Brookhaven story illustrates how a research facility, driven by scientific and technological expediency, fails to negotiate their interests with the interests and values of the neighboring communities. As environmental damage at stake is arguably nonessential, the case allows instructors to concentrate strictly on communication issues. A series of short, related assignments raise students´ awareness of communication challenges various public groups face in a contemporary democratic society. The case allows instructors to engage students in solving communication problems, building arguments, analyzing websites, and writing workplace documents-letter, report, or proposal-that respond to the complex context.