Science, Technology, and Society

175f    Science in Ancient Greece     Ancient Greek theories about the natural world began in wonder about its constituent elements. But as the Greeks acquired a philosophically sophisticated understanding of the nature of scientific explanations, their speculation soon gave way to the conceptual rigor of Aristotelian physics, the technical and encyclopedic accomplishments of Hippocratic medicine, and the mathematical exactitude of Ptolemaic astronomy. Fosters the skills needed for historical contextualization and textual interpretation enabling us to trace the development of what became the foundations of Western scientific thinking. Part of the three-course Integrated Studies 175, "Ancient Worlds." Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in Anthropology 175 and Philosophy 175. Four credit hours.  H.    COHEN

197Aj    World Environmental History of the 20th Century    In the 20th century, science and technology became synonymous not only with growth and prosperity, but also with their often unintended consequences. An examination of the significant interaction between people, the tools of science and technology, and natural environments. Explores how a society's values and aspirations are imprinted on the land and how the interplay between nature and science has shaped social organization, patterns of power, and production of goods. Stresses the variety and diversity of worldwide human experience and investigates how some societies succeeded or failed in occupying particular environments. Three credit hours.  H.    POTTS

[213]    Astronomy Since 1609     History of astronomy from Galileo's telescope and the publication of Kepler's Astronomia Nova in 1609 through subsequent and recent technologies, theories, and discoveries in astrophysics and space science. Emphasis on primary texts, historical explanation, and observing the sky with Galilean and modern instruments. Three observing evenings TBA. Satisfies the non-laboratory natural science requirement. Four credit hours.  N.    

215f    Weather, Climate, and Society     A comprehensive introduction to the science of global change and its social dimensions. Topics include the composition, structure, and circulation of Earth's atmosphere and oceans; air pollution; ozone depletion; El Niño; and climate change. Four credit hours.  N.    FLEMING

[242]    Rivers    Listed as History 242. Three credit hours.  I.    

245f    Science, Race, and Gender    Listed as History 245. Four credit hours.  H, U.    JOSEPHSON

[246]    Luddite Rantings: A Historical Critique of Big Technology    Listed as History 246. Four credit hours.  H.    

253f    Energy Presence, Energy Futures     We live energy-intensive lives and benefit immensely. However, along with this power have come many social, economic, and environmental problems, as well as concerns about the longevity of energy resources. We will look at uses of energy since the Industrial Revolution and consider fundamental questions about the sustainability of our high-energy lifestyle. Students may not get credit for both this course and Science, Technology, and Society 298 completed in spring 2007 or 2008. Four credit hours.  S.    REICH

[271]    History of Science in America     A seminar on the social, intellectual, and institutional development of science in America from native contact to the present. Topics include scientists' roles in government, education, and industry; science in war; women in science; and the emergence of America as a leading scientific nation. Four credit hours.  H.    

298s    Global Change Science: History and Public Policy    A seminar introducing global change science and the history of the field before and during the space age. Emphasis on the interplay of history, science, and public policy through reading and discussion of primary and original texts and hands-on experience. Student research papers and presentations will be aimed at the need for deeper research and broader synthesis in this emerging field. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor. Four credit hours.  H.    FLEMING

341s    Culture, Mobility, Identity: Encounters in the African Diaspora    Listed as Anthropology 341. Four credit hours.  S, I.    BHIMULL

[356]    The Biography of Oil    Petroleum--it's not just a material, it's a way of life. How the oil industries and the technologies spawned by oil (e.g., automobiles, plastics, fertilizers) have influenced our lives, our economy, and our politics over the last 125 years. Consideration of alternative energy sources to oil as well as energy-related policy issues concerning international relations, human rights, environmental degradation, and resource depletion. Four credit hours.  S.    

358s    Climbing the Oil Peak     Examines the historical bases, contemporary situation, and future prospects of petroleum supply in our energy-dependent lives. Humanity has been "climbing a mountain of oil" for over a century, and it has helped make us very wealthy. However, we will soon reach the greatest rate of oil extraction possible (the "oil peak") and head down the mountain's other side, with less oil available worldwide every year. Why and when this will happen, the dangers and the opportunities it presents, and possible social, political, and economic consequences. Students with prior credit for Science, Technology, and Society 356 may not receive credit for this course. Prerequisite: Junior standing. Four credit hours.  S.    REICH

[445]    Nuclear Madness    Listed as History 445. Four credit hours.  H.    

446f    Research Seminar: Historical Epidemiology    Listed as History 446. Four credit hours.  H.    WEBB

483f, 484s    Honors in Science, Technology, and Society    Majors may apply late in their junior year or early in their senior year for admission into the Science, Technology, and Society Honors Program. These courses require research conducted under the guidance of a faculty member and focused on an approved topic leading to the writing of a thesis. Prerequisite: Senior standing, a 3.50 grade point average in the major, a 3.25 overall grade point average, and permission of the department. Four credit hours.    FACULTY

485f    Technology Matters    A research seminar emphasizing classical and enduring texts by historians, philosophers, and sociologists of science and technology. Each student will identify a research topic, conduct a literature review, and write a formal proposal in preparation for completing a final integrative project. Open to seniors from all majors. Prerequisite: Senior standing. Four credit hours.    FLEMING

486s    Senior Project: The Craft of Research    Written and oral communication of research. Students complete a final integrative project and present a public seminar. Prerequisite: Science, Technology, and Society 485. Four credit hours.    FLEMING

491f, 492s    Independent Study    Independent study in areas in which the student has demonstrated the interest and competence necessary for independent work. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor and the program director. One to four credit hours.    FACULTY