This course provides an opportunity for a deep dive, in the company of internationally recognised scientists, writers and artists in various media, into the science underlying the process by which we make sense of the world and how we can use this knowledge to become more effective communicators in the service of liberation. In addition to a study of the science underlying effective communication, there will be ample opportunity for solo and/or collaborative creativity, coached by our team of writers and artists. This course is now full, please sign up to the waiting list here.
Changing the Frame 2019 - The Science and Art of Communicating for Transition

- Join internationally recognised scientists, writers and artists in various media, into the science underlying the process by which we make sense of the world and how we can use this knowledge to become more effective communicators
- Explore the importance of framing, values and metaphor in transforming individual and societal narratives
- Learn how to harness modern vehicles of mythology: television, film, internet memes
With Kate Raworth, Rob Hopkins, Tom Crompton, Jonathan Dawson, Manda Scott, Chris Rapley and Robin Webster
We live in a precarious moment in the fortunes of our civilisation, and indeed in those of the many species, ecosystems and future generations that find themselves threatened by it. It is a moment where a deeper and broader understanding is needed into the systemic roots of the various crises converging upon us – as well as how we might creatively respond to them.
Politically progressive researchers and writers have often laboured under the illusion that providing ‘the strongest arguments’, substantiated by copious data, would be enough to win the day. However, it is becoming increasingly recognised that effective communication is a science as well as an art, and that at least as much attention needs to be devoted to the "how" of communication as to the "what".
Of particular importance is the growing understanding of the importance of values and frames in how people make sense of the world and in guiding their attitudes and behaviours. So, campaigns to promote pro-social behaviours that appeal to people’s extrinsic values (to do, for example, with economic benefit or increased social status) may in the long run have the perverse effect of diminishing motivations deriving from intrinsic values associated with love and generosity.
Similarly, skilful use of visual and verbal/written metaphor is increasingly recognised as central to effective communication.
This course provides an opportunity for a deep dive, in the company of internationally recognised scientists, writers and artists in various media, into the science underlying the process by which we make sense of the world and how we can use this knowledge to become more effective communicators in the service of liberation. In addition to a study of the science underlying effective communication, there will be ample opportunity for solo and/or collaborative creativity, coached by our team of writers and artists.
The course will provide an exploration of:
• insights derived from behavioural economics and neuro-neuroscience into the process by which people make meaning in the world and form (and change) their worldviews
• the importance of framing, values and metaphor in transforming individual and societal narratives
• a history of the rise of today’s dominant economic narrative, neoliberalism, and the role played by skilful communication strategies in its emergence
• the framing of alternative models and how they might be constructed in different narrative and artistic structures
• experimenting with creative expression in the company of a gifted, international, multi-modal learning community and teachers
• how to harness modern vehicles of mythology: television, film, internet memes
• personal life-frames and habits; how these are conditioned by the dominant societal narratives; and how to shift inner and outer frames as mutually supportive processes
This course will be taught at Schumacher College, an innovative centre of ecological excellence that for the last quarter century has been pioneering holistic approaches to learning across many disciplines. The learning journey will take place in the beautiful surroundings of the Dartington estate in South Devon.
This course is an elective on our Economics for Transition postgraduate programme. It is open to external participants who would like to deeply explore this subject material and who can join us for the whole three-week programme.
Residential accommodation for this course is at Higher Close, a 20 minute walk from Schumacher College. All meals will be provided at the college.
The course is designed to support:
• socially engaged writers seeking to make their work more effective, informed by the science of communication
• writers and artists of all kinds seeking to collaborate across artistic forms
• campaigners seeking to integrate the arts intelligently into their work to make it more effective, fun and engaging