University
Honors 330
Science and Society: Diversity Issues in Western
Culture (Spring 2001)
Instructor: Dr.
Carol Sheppard
Course Objectives (posed as 3 questions
for exploration and discussion).
1) What is "science", and what influences our perceptions
of it?
2) Can we trace contemporary bases for racial, ethnic, gender-based,
and environmental views to historical, "scientifically"
based perceptions?
3) Should there be a "scientific ethic" for society and
if so, what should define it? If not, why not?
Course Content
This course explores scientific and popular assumptions, preconceptions,
myths and thinking underlying past and present diversity issues
in Western culture. The emphasis is on the interplay between science
and society. We will begin with a brief discussion of what science
is (and what it is not), and move to an examination of Darwinian
theory, which will provide us the background necessary to consider
its societal impacts and ramifications. Our readings, discussions,
and group presentations will consider both historical and contemporary
perspectives of these topics: racism, sexism, social classism, homophobia,
environmental policies and technological advances. Grading will
be based on class discussion, 3 short written assignments, 1 peer
review of a colleague's written assignment, and 1 group presentation
(which bears its own deadlines for written assignments).
Course Activities have the following points:
| participation: class discussions |
30 |
| written assignment (5-6 pages): Gould book |
15 |
| written assignment (4 pages): Jacobs & Weisel |
10 |
| written assignment (4 pages): Carson book |
10 |
| peer review of draft of colleague's J & W
paper |
5 |
| group presentation (oral-- 20-25 min & 5 disc.) |
30 |
TOTAL POSSIBLE POINTS = 100
Please note that 60% of your grade comes from oral contributions
that you make to the course, in the form of weekly discussions plus
1 group presentation at semester's end. There are no hourly exams
nor quizzes in this course. However, in lieu of such assessment
tools, I am relying heavily on readings, and your response to them
in both written and oral formats.
It is my hope that all of you will take an active role in class
discussion of the weekly readings. I would like the atmosphere to
be open, scholarly, and cordial. While at times we may stray somewhat
from the topic at hand, I will try to keep us "on track."
However, I will also strive to let you do the discussing-- I view
this as your course. Thus, please come to class fully prepared to
share your ideas with us; it is a good idea to jot down notes as
you do your readings.
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