home

College of Advancing & Professional Studies
= Biology in Society: Critical Thinking =

CrCrTh 645/ Bio 545
Current and historical cases are used to examine the political, ethical, and other social dimensions of the life sciences. Close examination of developments in the life sciences can lead to questions about the social influences shaping scientists' work or its application. This, in turn, can lead to new questions and alternative approaches for educators, biologists, health professionals, and concerned citizens.
 * CATALOG DESCRIPTION**

Critical thinking about the diverse influences shaping the life sciences. Topics include evolution and natural selection; heredity, development and genetic determinism; biotechnology and reproductive interventions. We interpret episodes in science, past and present, in light of scientists' historical location, economic and political interests, use of language, and ideas about causality and responsibility.
 * OVERVIEW**

Students address the course material on a number of levels: as an opportunity to learn the science and approaches to interpreting science; as models for working as an educator--construed broadly as stimulating greater citizen involvement in scientific debates; and as a basis for discussions about practices and philosophies of education and lifelong, collaborative learning.

Students undertake individual semester-long "learning/engaging" project in an area of the life sciences in their social context about which they are interested in engaging others in learning and critical thinking. Each week students adopt or adapt the themes and activities from the previous session to apply to their project area.

//For more details, see Syllabus//