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Science & Culture RAP Fall 2022

Students in the Science & Culture RAP will have an opportunity to take a close look at how science and technology influence our experiences. Whether through the lens of food science or comparative literature (two options available), students will explore the many effects scientific progress has had on the modern world. This RAP is a good choice for students who are either declared or interested in a variety of science majors.

Through class discussion and conversation, students will have an opportunity to explore the impact science has had on their own lives, and discover new opinions and viewpoints. These conversations can grow and evolve outside of the classroom as students make deeper connections through programs and events that are offered through the residence hall and by our programming partners.

This RAP is offered in two locations - each with a different associated course - see specific course and location information below!

Gen Ed Course and Residential Locations - Choose One

"History of Western Science & Technology" History 181 (Gen Ed HS) - Fall 2022

Students will live together in Kennedy Hall in Southwest Residential Area

Read what Fall 2022 instructor Shay Olmstead has to say about the course:

This course investigates Scientific Thinking by examining Western science and technology from the Scientific Revolution to the Cold War through a social and cultural lens. Over the course of the semester, we will read about, research, and discuss the following questions:

What is “science”? Who are “scientists”?
How does science happen?
How has science changed the way we see, interpret, and understand the world around us?
How has science been used to explore, explain, and predict the human condition?
How have industry and the state promoted, regulated, and utilized scientific inquiry?

In exploring this topic, we will do three things:

Learn about some of the key scientific ideas, discoveries, and players of the modern age
Critically examine science’s historical interaction with culture, politics, and religion
Build important critical thinking, logic, research, and organization skills.

By the end of the semester, students should be able to critically evaluate, analyze, and otherwise engage with both primary and secondary sources and discuss their thoughts with their colleagues in a lively and respectful manner. Please note: this course is equivalent in content, credit, and workload to the course section taught on the main campus.

"Introduction to Science Fiction": Comparative Literature 133 (GenEd ALDU) Fall 2022

Students will live together in Dickinson Hall in the Orchard Hill residential area.

Read what Fall 2022 instructor Robert Louis has to say about the course:

Science fiction has become one of the most popular genres in contemporary culture in the United States and around the world. Science fiction comments on the present moment as it imagines alternative futures or universes. We will work to understand these works in their historical and geographical contexts, while also attempting to understand their relevance to our present day. In order to understand the scope of this genre, we will read and watch a series of short stories, films, and novels together with critical articles and theoretical texts.

This class is project- and discussion-based. That is, the class is divided in individual work, group discussions, and group projects. You will be expected to participate, both in person and online, and to work in small groups throughout the semester. For this reason, one of our main goals will be to create a learning community that allows for free and open conversation and thought. You will all be encouraged to share your thoughts, feelings, and ideas, demonstrating that you are an engaged participant.

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