[WesMaps 98/99 Home Page] [Course Search] [Course Search by CID]
CHEM348

Perspectives of Science: DNA Structure
CHEM348 FA

Not Currently Offered

This course, one of a series in the Science Writing Program, treats the origins, growth and development of DNA structure and the implications thereof as a case study in 20th-century science. Structure is considered in the broadest possible sense, from the double helix at the molecular level to the sequence of human genome. The requisite science background will be introduced in a series of videos at the beginning of the semester. The course will involve readings of historical accounts, personal memoirs, interviews, and essays and writing in various of these literary genres. The class will be conducted in an interactive, discussion-based, seminar mode and is designated as a special-emphasis-on-writing course. Regular attendance at classes and TA sessions is mandatory. The level of the course is designed to be suitable both for nonmajors as well as prospective and current science majors.

MAJOR READINGS

Shapiro, R.,THE HUMAN BLUEPRINT (Main text)
Crichton, M., JURASSIC PARK
Levine, J. and Suzuki, D., THE SECRET OF LIFE: REDESIGNING
THE LIVING WORLD (Text and video, WGBH Educational
Foundation)
Watson, J.D., THE DOUBLE HELIX (Norton Critical Edition)
Sayre, A., ROSALIND FRANKLIN AND DNA (Norton)
Crick, F.H.C., WHAT MAD PURSUIT (Basic Books)
Judson, H.F., THE EIGHTH DAY OF CREATION (Touchstone)

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Four 5-page writing exercises in various genres (short story, interview, literary essay) will be assigned on a two-week write and revise cycle. A one-month term project will be due at the end of the semester. There will be a final examination.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

This course satisfies the NSM requirement. Students are asked to confer with the instructor before registration. Although this is essentially an NSM general education course, science majors are welcome to register.

COURSE FORMAT: Discussion Workshop

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UG Credit: 1.00 Gen Ed Area & Dept: NSM CHEM

Prerequisites: None

Last Updated on MAR-22-1999


Contact wesmaps@wesleyan.edu to submit comments or suggestions.

Copyright Wesleyan University, Middletown, Connecticut, 06459