Spring 2018  |  CSCL 3323 Section 001: Science and Culture (51431)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/16/2018 - 05/04/2018
Mon, Wed 11:15AM - 12:30PM
UMTC, East Bank
Folwell Hall 108
Enrollment Status:
Closed (60 of 60 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Science and technology engaged through historical and cultural manifestations from film, literature, and YouTube to scientific and philosophical essays. Relations among humanities, science, economics, politics, philosophy and history. Psychiatry and drugs, food and agriculture, sexuality, religion and science, climate change.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?CSCL3323+Spring2018 This course was previously listed as CSCL 3331 under the same title. CSCL 3331 and CSCL 3323 are equivalent.
Class Description:
Remember Shkreli, the 'Drug Bro'? We all hate him, right? But his drug deal is only one we know about. And what he did is 'perfectly legal.' They'll teach you how to do it over in Carlson. One unit of this spring's course looks deeply at the relations among drugs, money, law, and human nature(s). Psychiatry. Pharmacology. Politics. The Art of the Deal (thanks, Donald Trump), lots more.

Science and Culture ranges widely, looking at food, climate-science, medicine, a popular novel, classics of philosophy, genetic engineering - and topics we all identify from our interests.

• Are GMO foods 'poison'? Or will they save us from starving?

• Why 'organic'? Why 'local'? Why 'vegan'? And should we eat animals?

• Designer babies? Designer breasts? Designer amputations? What's ethical medicine?

• Are we different with bots, 4Chan, trolls - and us, glued to our phones?

This course takes on the Big Questions

It lets you do original work in a supportive community

It welcomes real scientists, real cultural theorists and anyone else interested in seeing how science and culture create each other - and us. No prior knowledge assumed or required. Bring what you've got. And it meets the CLE 'Arts / Humanities' requirement.

Who Should Take This Class?:
Science and Culture welcomes real scientists, real cultural theorists, and anyone else interested in seeing how science and culture create each other - and us. No prior knowledge assumed or required. Bring what you've got. And it meets the CLE 'Arts / Humanities' requirement.
Learning Objectives:
We often say that in Science and Culture we 'build knowledge together.' All of us, actually producing new ideas that we own and value. It is not a passive, information-distributing experience. We work together.

'Buehller? Buehller? Anyone?' Not.
Grading:
Many, different, low stakes projects. Constant feedback on 'how we're doing so far.' No 'bell-curve' assumption. Ongoing blog. Group production and presentation. 'Active learning.' Do what we ask you to do, and you will do fine. If you 'need' a set grade, talk with us, and we'll help you get it. Word.
Exam Format:
No exams. It's not that kind of course. Lots of different types of projects, some individual and some group-based.
Class Format:
The new hip term is 'flipped class,' which means no (or few-and-focused) lectures. A big 'seminar' in which we explore things that really matter to us. Instructor help and guidance at every point: want to apply to med school or grad school? We'll help you use your course work to get in. By the end of the course, you should have made relationships with people you want to stay in touch with.
Workload:
Yes, it can be a lot of work, and sort of constant - not the 3-exams and '2-papers-that-I-have-to-write.' BUT it's well-defined in terms of what you need to do, and how everything is evaluated. You WILL need to be engaged: come to class, keep up with the reading, bring your stuff to share, and work with your community. Again: do what we ask and you will do fine.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/51431/1183
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
31 October 2017

ClassInfo Links - Spring 2018 Cultural Stdy/Comparative Lit Classes

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