Time Schedule:
Patrick G. Blaine
B CUSP 131
Bothell Campus
Various topics designed to respond to curricular interests and needs for first-year students. Offered: AWSp.
Class description
Investigation and Discovery: In this course, you will think about how research and discoveries are made in a number of different fields. We will look at literary and cinematic texts from historians, scientists, philosophers, and others, with a particular emphasis on Charles Darwin and evolution. The goal is to think about your own learning process as one of personal evolution and change, as well as to think about the relationship between the arts, philosophy, and the sciences. You will be asked to write a number essays, ranging from one paragraph to several pages, which should help you in your future studies.
The essays will be based on your readings from the novel "Sophie's World," which we'll be reading throughout the quarter. There will also be at least one writing assignment based on the graphic novel version of Darwin's "On the Origin of Species." You will be asked to revise a number of the writing assignments, and also participate in writing workshops. Writing one brief short story will also be required.
One goal of this work will be to explore ideas about science and philosophy through the literary: narrative form, style, and content will be vital to this endeavor.
The course's museum visit will be to the Burke Museum of Natural History, and mixes painting and other plastic arts with paleontology.
Finally, we will watch and discuss two films that focus on the interplay between quantum physics, religion, and philosophy.
Student learning goals
Inclusive Practices
Critical and Creative Inquiry
Ethics and Social Responsibility
Quantitative and Qualitative Literacies
Communication
General method of instruction
Lecture, small group work, writing assignments.
Recommended preparation
None. Buy all required texts.
Class assignments and grading
Mostly written, of varying lengths.
