Fall 2008 Preceptorial: Do Science & Technology Make the World a Better Place?
IDS 1000A: Section 10
Prof. John Murray
Tuesdays and Fridays 3:00
An examination of developments in science and technology that have had extraordinary social and personal consequences, both historically and in the modern world. What roles have science and technology played in furthering human aspirations and in improving the human condition? Are the utopian technological worlds of the future found in science fiction realistic? Is social control over research and discovery in modern science desirable? This class will explore these and related questions, using materials from social science and contemporary literature.
Consult the Preceptorial Web site to read the goals of the Preceptorial. The Web site also provides access to useful reference material. The reading assignments for our section differ from the common syllabus assignments listed at the Preceptorial Web site. In addition, we shall make regular use of The New York Times throughout the course. We also shall use weekly a Discussion Board for posting responses to issues raised in the assigned reading.
Writing assignments: You regularly will be required to write short responses to the assigned reading with thoughtful, developed postings on our BlackBoard Discussion Board. In addition, you will be assigned several longer papers, preferably composed with an eye on the spring preceptorial requirement of a substantial research paper. All writing assignments must be submitted by the specified due date.
Attendance: This preceptorial section is run as a seminar. Attendance is mandatory, as is class participation.
Grading: Every class assignment will receive a grade. You will have the option to revise several of the papers you submit. Class participation, including postings to our Discussion Board, will be 50 percent of your final grade. Your papers will be the additional 50 percent of your final grade.
Required Readings:
Daniel Boorstin, The Discoverers, Vintage Books, 1985
Alan Lightman, Einstein's Dreams, Warner Books, 2004
George Johnson, The Ten Most Beautiful Experiments, Knopf Books, 2008.
Dava Sobel, Longitude, Penguin Books, 1996
Mary Doria Russell, The Sparrow, Ballantine Books, 1997
A series of articles on the applications of science and technology will be available on ERes
Regular reading of The New York Times