STS.095
Special Topics in Science, Technology, and Society
The Creation Controversy in Contemporary America: Case Study of the 'Creation Museum' in Kentucky
John Durant
Mon-Fri, Jan 7-11, 14-15, 22-25, 28-1, 10am-01:00pm, E51-393, Kentucky trip likely 1/16-19
Selection by departmental lottery. Do not pre-register on WebSIS.
Enter lottery by: 16-Dec-2007
Limited to 10 participants.
No listeners
Prereq: —
Level: U 12 units Standard A - F Grading Can be repeated for credit
Fee: 200.00 for trip to Kentucky (students only paying partial cost).
For students who wish to pursue special studies or projects with a member of the Program in Science, Technology, and Society.
This course will allow a small class of students to use the Creation Museum in Petersburg, Kentucky (www.creationmuseum.org) as a case study for purposes of critical analysis of the current state of the creation controversy in the U.S. The study will be conducted in the context of recent historical and sociological research on this long-standing controversy. Introductory lectures on campus will prepare students both intellectually and practically for a field-trip to Kentucky (tentatively scheduled for Jan. 16-19), during which they will assess the Creation Museum from multiple points of view. During the visit, students will be given access to key museum staff for purposes of conducting interviews.
Web: http://stellar.mit.edu/S/course/STS/ia08/STS.095/
Contact: Karen Gardner, E51-185, (617) 253-9759, kgardner@mit.edu
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STS.909
Adv Topics: Sci, Tech, & Soc
Historical, Philosophical, and Sociological Aspects of “Synthetic Biology”
Evelyn Fox Keller
Mon-Fri, Jan 14-18, 22-25, 03-07:00pm, E51-393
Pre-register on WebSIS and attend first class.
Limited to 12 participants.
Listeners allowed, space permitting
Prereq: —
Level: H 3 units Standard A - F Grading Can be repeated for credit
This two-week intensive course geared towards graduate students and upper level undergraduates will begin with a brief overview of the history of efforts to synthesize life. After identifying the different forms this ambition takes in the current renaissance of Synthetic Biology, we will then turn to an examination of some of the critical questions raised by these efforts. Topics to be covered include the question of "What is Life?", debates about the Origin of Life, and conceptual, economic, and political implications of various kinds of success in Synthetic Biology. Students will be expected to engage in individual projects (of a historical, philosophical, sociological, or ethnographic nature), and to report on these projects at the end of the course.
Contact: Karen Gardner, E51-185, (617) 253-9759, kgardner@mit.edu
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