T CORE 122
Introduces students to university work by focusing on a core curriculum from multiple and interdisciplinary perspectives. Emphasizes learning in the sciences, including biology, health, computer science, geology, physics, chemistry, and ecology. Offered: Sp.
We will be reading about and discussing concepts of nature as they pertain to technology – where it comes from, how it develops, and the ways that the technologies we need, want and fascinate us evolve over time. Beginning with an exploration of our relationship to the stuff we create and exchange (The Plenitude), then moving into questions about technological evolution and innovation (The Nature of Technology), we conclude with examples of how information technologies continue to shape our concepts of what is natural and artificial, and how those perspectives have changed our lives (Hamlet’s Blackberry).
Student learning goals
• Express ideas clearly in writing and speaking in orders to synthesize and evaluate information before presenting it
• Identify, analyze, and summarize/represent the key elements of a text
• Think outside of cultural norms and values, including own perspectives to critically engage the larger world
• Approach complex issues by taking a large question and breaking it down into manageable pieces
• Make meaningful connections among assignments and readings in order to develop a sense of the big picture
• Collect, evaluate, and analyze information and resources to solve problems or answer questions
General method of instruction
Lecture and discussion
Class assignments and grading
In-class reading quizzes, essays, and a group project.
Reading quizzes 25% Collaborative project 25% Papers 40% Participation 10%