Honors 195 - Contemporary Issues in Science and Society Fall 2006

Syllabus

Schedule

Handouts
(NetID required)

 Misc
Peak oil?

               



         Syllabus

Instructor:  Kelvin Chu
513 Cook
kelvin.chu(at)uvm.edu
656.0064
Lectures:
Tuesday, Thursday at 11:00 in B203 Angell
Textbook:  Energy and the Environment
Jack. J. Kraushaar, Robert A. Ristinen
ISBN: 978-0-471-73989-0
Topics: 
 What role do science and scientists play in the world, and how are they perceived by other people?  This seminar is designed to inquire into the relationship between science, scientists and society.  Topics include global warming and alternative energy policies.  The class will draw from contemporary issues that involve the influence of science on our society, and vice versa.  Each topic will use the science involved as the foundation for a discussion of how the events shaped, and were shaped, by society.  In addition to readings on each topic, students will have the opportunity to interact with scholars from various disciplines under discussion. The goal of the course is to broaden perspectives on science, increase scientific literacy and understand the societal impact of scientific inquiry.
Grades:
Grades in this course will be assigned as follows:

  • Class participation (25%) - The format of this course is a seminar, and carries with it certain opportunities and obligations. Although we will periodically have lectures, guest lectures, and films, the in-class portions of this course are organized primarily around discussion of the readings and the broader themes raised by course materials. It is essential that you come to class prepared - this means having done the assigned readings before every class and considered the issues you would like to contribute to discussion.
  • Writing Assignments (30%) - There will be several small (3-5 page) writing assignments as we finish a topic. The assignments will summarize the main points of the reading and class discussion.
  • In-class presentation (15%) -
  • Term Paper (30%) - The final course assignment is a 10-12 page research paper on the topic of your choice. 


         Schedule


Week
 Topic
 Notes
28 Aug
  • Introduction
  • Science Literacy
    • NSB Science and Engineering Indicators
    • NSB Public Attitudes and Understanding
    • Miller et al., "Public Acceptance of Evolution"
 Classes begin
28 August
  • Assignment #0: Science Literacy Questionnaire.
4 Sep
  • Introduction to Energy
    • Heinberg, Ch. 2
    • Kraushaar Ch. 1
 Labor Day
4 September
11 Sep
  • Fossil Fuels
    • Kraushaar Ch. 2
    • The Hubbert Peak
      • Adelman et al., "Fixed View of Resource Limits Creates Undue Pessimism"
      • Hatfield, "Oil back on the global agenda"
      • Campbell et al., "The End of Cheap Oil"
      • Kerr, "The Next Oil Crisis Looms Large and Perhaps Close"
  • Assignment #1: Science and Society topical search.
18 Sep
  • Fossil Fuels
    • Kraushaar Ch. 2
    • Fischer-Tropsch processes
    • Goodstein Ch. 1
    • Deffeyes Ch. 8
  • Assignment #2: Your Best Guess
25 Sep
  • Impending changes and Heat Engines (Kraushaar Ch. 3)
  • Hybrid cost packet
2 Oct
  • Visit to NRG systems
  • Solar
    • Kraushaar Ch. 4
  • A. Bunnell and J. Ziegler: 
    • Pharmaceuticals and drug pricing
9 October
  • H. Melcher:
    • South Haven Wind Farm vs. Wind Action Industrial Grüppe
16 October
  • Talk by David Blittersdorf, NRG Systems
  • Wind and Solar
    • Moretti and Divone
    • Weinberg and Williams
    • Stone
23 October
  • Talk by Scott Gordon, GreentechVT
  • Assignment #3: Topic Assignment
  • Biodiesel
    • Puppán
    • Radich
30 October
  • Biofuels
6 November
 No class this week.
13 November
  • Nuclear Power
  • Assignment #4: Paper expansion.
  • Nuclear
    • Lake
20 November
 Thanksgiving Recess
20-24 November
27 November
5 December
 Classes End
7 December

         Misc