Science and Society

This course uses a seminar discussion format to examine the relationship between science and society from numerous perspectives, with examples from many fields of science, mostly biology and medicine, including the Covid-19 pandemic. We welcome undergraduates from all classes who are concentrating in any field: the natural and social sciences, humanities, or the arts. There are no prerequisites, other than an interest in how the scientific enterprise works and interacts with other components of our society.  

The course addresses a wide array of topics, such as: why do people choose a scientific career? why do governments and other funders support scientific work? how does science fail? why is there widespread skepticism about science? how is it represented in the arts? how are results disseminated, evaluated, and legally protected? Assignments-- mainly short articles (from newspapers and journals) and book chapters, but also a few films and novels --will be provided for each class, and every student will undertake a term project of their own choosing, with oral and written presentations, after consultations with the instructor.