 |
Biology 374: Science and Society
COURSE SYLLABUS & SCHEDULE
Download PDF
COURSE SYLLABUS: Dr. Sheridan “Dan” Merritt MA 152D
Fall (909) 593 3511 x 4605
Class time: Thur 6:30-9:50 pm
I. COURSE DESCRIPTION
An examination of science within its cultural context. Some of the
ways ideas and discoveries in
science have influenced and continue to influence the Western worldview.
The role of science and technology in solving some local and global
problems while causing others. The topics vary, but may include: Science
as a Way of Knowing and Discovery; Growth of Scientific Thought; Images
of Modern Science in the Media; Science and Nature; Science and
Religion; Biology and Race/Gender; Ethical Issues in Biomedical Science
and Technology; Global and Environmental Processes and Problems;
Science, Technology, and a Sustainable Planet; Nuclear Arms
Proliferation. The course is designed to promote exchange of ideas among
students of various backgrounds and interests. Prerequisites: Curiosity
and an open mind--tempered by skepticism.
II. GOALS AND NATURE OF THE COURSE
In this course we will examine some of the ways that science and
technology influence our institutions, our culture, our environment, and
our individual lives. It is expected that the participants will gain
insight into the following:
- The nature of science as both a process and as a way of
viewing reality.
- Some of the fundamental processes of nature as understood by
scientists.
- The relationship of science to other ways of knowing.
- The relationship of science and technology to the rest of
Nature.
- Relationship between of scientific knowledge and religious
beliefs and spirituality.
- Ethical questions arising when technology and engineering are
used to exert control over various aspects of Nature, including
humans.
- Conditions under which relying on technology contributes to or
detracts from sustainable solutions to social or environmental
problems.
Through the analysis, discussion, and debate of specific issues and
cases--some real and some simulated, we will better understand our
values and the assumptions that underlie them. The importance of
attaining understanding of currently accepted basic scientific concepts
and of exerting an influence on the policy-making decisions regarding
wise use of technology will be emphasized throughout the course.
III. COURSE ACTIVITIES
Much of the content of this course lends itself well to discussion. In
expressing our ideas, our knowledge, and our opinions we often achieve
greater clarity and understanding of our own views and those of other
people. Understanding the processes of nature, as revealed by science
often requires explanation. Therefore, in the classroom we will
alternate between lecture and small group discussions, as the nature of
the material requires. There will be assigned readings, homework
assignments, and a couple of movies (I love a good, thought-provoking
film.). See the Course Schedule for specific topics and reading
assignments.
IV. COURSE REQUIREMENTS
- Regular attendance and participation are essential.
- Written assignments and written responses to questions about
readings will be announced as new topics are addressed.
- There will be two essay exams. You will be expected to take them
on the date scheduled. Please note that the University Of La Verne
academic honesty policy, as stated in the catalogue, applies to this
course.
Each student is required to submit a Science and Society
Notebook, which is described as follows:
Your notebook will be devoted to the issues of science, technology
and society that you explore, both within and outside the formal
course materials, during the coming weeks.
It may include your thoughts and ideas, essays, poems, sketches,
short stories written about or in response to readings, films,
WEB-searches, personal experiences. It is an opportunity to be
creative, expressive. Just keep it relevant to the course.
The notebook may include copies of articles or WEB pages, but each
must be accompanied by a summary of the article and your response to
it. I do not want, and will not accept, just a scrapbook of
unexamined clippings.
You may create and submit your own WEB page as one entry in your
notebook.
Your notebook should be well organized with topical categories being
clearly indicated with tabs. It should include material on at least
five of the following topics:
a. Images of science. Ways that science is portrayed in the
popular media. (Nerd in a white lab coat, evil manipulative
genius, heroic rescuer etc.)
b. Alternative images of, or metaphors for, Nature. (Benevolent
mother, Raging beast, Defeated adversary, etc) Different ways of
relating to Nature (Honoring, worshiping, exploiting,
destroying, etc. Do the metaphors we hold influence these
behaviors toward the earth?)
c. Developments occurring (since 1950) in science, medicine, and
technology. The benefits they bring and the challenges they
pose. Ethical choices brought by developments in science and
technology.
d. Global challenges--the problems and alternative strategies
for their solutions--such as air-water-land pollution, ozone
depletion, species diversity depletion, global climate change,
population growth, world hunger, world health, nuclear weapons
proliferation, weapons of mass destruction, terrorism, global
arms trade, energy availability, AIDS, ...
e. Other issues, such as science and racism, science and sexism,
animal rights, research on human and animal subjects, technology
and privacy rights, biological vs environmental determinism, ...
f. Science as a subject of the arts. (Include your creations or
someone else's.) Could be science fiction, poetry, art, film,
cartoons, ...
g. Your personal encounter with Nature.
h. Science and religion. Science and spirituality. Religion and
Nature. Spirituality and Nature. (These could be related to
modern or tribal cultures.)
There are no upper or lower limits on the number of pages. It need
not be typed if it is neatly written. Please use a 3-hole binder
notebook cover so that material can be inserted and removed. Use tabs to
separate and identify the sections.
V. EVALUATION
Grades will be based on:
The notebook (25%)
Two essay exams (30% X 2 = 60%)
Attendance, participation, & written assignments (15%)
100%
VI. TEXT AND SUPPLEMENTARY READINGS
(A & B) Allen and Baker, Biology: Scientific Process and Social
Issues (2001)
Capra, The Turning Point: Science, Society and the Rising Culture (1987)
Ecology, Spurgeon (from the series: Usborne Science and Experiments) I
highly recommend this inexpensive paperback for basic background
information in ecology. It is available on the Internet from Amazon.com
and other booksellers.
Supplementary materials will be provided as handouts from time to time.
VI. OFFICE HOURS, PHONE, ETC.
Dan Merritt's office hours: M 10-11am, WF 11am-12N*
MA 152D, Ext 4605, merrittd@ulv.edu
* or call for appointment
|
 |
