CHEM160 - Science and Modernism

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Academic Year 2001/2002

Science and Modernism
CHEM 160 FA

Crosslistings:
CHEM 360

Concurrent developments in art, literature, and music from 1875 to 1925 are considered to be the origins of modernism. Common characteristics are ontological discontinuity, subjectivity, multiple perspectives and paradox, in contrast to the classical characteristic of continuity. This course introduces and considers parallel developments in the natural sciences and mathematics along with the lives and times of those who contributed significantly. Topics will include statistical thermodynamics (Boltzmann), finite mathematics (Dedekind, Cantor), atomic theory (Rutherford, Bohr), radioactive decay (Curie), quantum mechanics (de Broglie, Schrodinger), general relativity (Einstein), genes and heredity (Mendel, De Vries), and neuron theory (Cayals). Each topic will be introduced and described at an elementary level. These scientific topics will be studied alongside the parallel innovations that are seminal to modernism, such as selected examples of the works of Picasso, Seurat, Cezanne, Joyce, Debu ssy, Stravinsky and Schoenberg. The idea of the modernism paradigm per se will be critically examined, including the problem of giving it a name. American voices to be discussed will include Gibbs, Lewis, and Pauling. Implications of the ideas from the current era in science and technology (1975-2025) will be developed, such as the emergence of nanotechnology, chaos theory, informatics and genomics. Guest lectures by Wesleyan faculty who are experts in these subjects will be featured.

MAJOR READINGS

THE FIRST MODERNS by William Everdall, and other related books.

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Term project papers and a final exam.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

First-year students should enroll in CHEM160 and upperclassmen in CHEM360. CHEM160: This First-Year Initiative course will have an additional weekly workshop session, time and day to be arranged, for first year students. CHEM360: Students from COL and CSS will be given preference. This course cannot count as one of the three 300-level courses required for completion of the Chemistry major.

COURSE FORMAT: Lecture/Discussion

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UGRD Credit: 1 Gen Ed Area Dept: NSM CHEM Grading Mode: Graded

Prerequisites: NONE

SECTION 01

Instructor(s): Beveridge,David L.

Instructor's Course Page

Times: ..T.R.. 02:40PM-04:00PM; Location: SCIE109

Reserved Seats: (Total Limit: 40)

SR. major: Jr. major:

SR. non-major: 10 Jr. non-major: 10 SO: FR: 20

Special Attributes:

Curricular Renewal: Writing

FYI: First Year Initiative:Special Initiative

Links to Web Resources For This Course.

Last Updated on MAR-19-2002