An on-campus course offered during the Winter or May term. May be offered for .5 course credits or as a co-curricular (0 credit). Counts toward satisfying the Extended Studies requirement.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Variable |
Winter Term information
184A: Society, Culture, and Science
Course Time: TBD
Fees:
Prerequisites: None, although it will be helpful to have had an introductory science class.
When we learn about the history of scientific thought and the scientific method, we invariably learn about Classical Greek and Roman thinkers, the Age of Enlightenment and Scientific Revolution in Europe, and some influential modern scientists from the Global North-Western Hemisphere. But what about the history of scientific thinking in other parts of the world? What were (and are) other approaches that people have taken towards science? And how has our culture and society influenced the way we conduct science today? In this class we will examine the history of science in the West and how that culture influenced the development of scientific thought. We will also look at how American society and institutions influence how we conduct science today. We will then explore alternative approaches to science globally throughout history and in other cultures, particularly Indigenous cultures, today. As this is a Biology course, we will be mainly exploring this topic through the lens of biological research and understanding nature and living systems, however this course will be accessible and relevant to students outside the Biology major.