FRS 001D —
Sec. 001 —
(1 unit) — CRN 82947 — W 1:10-2:00 PM — 1342 Storer
Ghandi’s Way, Science, Technology & Planet
Earth
Instructor: Anne Wrona, California Space Institute (Calspace), College
of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences
Description: The Earth is changing rapidly due to
our influence
on the planet - global climate change is one reflection of the consequences of
some of our activities. In this seminar we will explore how science
and technology
can equip us with information needed to make informed decisions that
will affect
all of us in this generation and beyond. Can we reverse negative
aspects of modern
society that are degrading our environment and affecting quality of
life? Sometimes
the tenets of the scientific method result in cold, hard facts that force us to
move outside of our individual "comfort zones." We will explore how
applying Ghandi's Way can help us achieve necessary social changes suggested by
insights obtained through different scientific disciplines. Guest
lecturers will
briefly introduce scientific/technological disciplines and discuss
some specific
issues facing society that he/she can address as a result of
specialized scientific/technological
skills. As a group we will discuss critical decisions to be made in
applications
of each discipline and how applying Ghandi's Way may or may not help actualize
desired outcomes. Goals for Student Learning: Knowledge: Impart 1)
increased understanding
of basic scientific and engineering disciplines and how the core
skills underlying
them can lead to manifestation of many applications beneficial to society; 2)
strategies (including identifying target audiences) to help
communicate/actualize
desired outcomes based on sound science; 3) improved critical
thinking and analysis
of challenges. Attitudes: Stimulate 1) thought about how scientists
and engineers
are viewed and how what they do can be misunderstood by others; 2) ideas as to
how to improve the "image" of scientists and engineers.
Format: 1) Weekly lectures (10 to 15 min.) to initiate group
discussion of a specific scientific/engineering discipline. 2) Group discussion
of potential ramifications of discipline on society and how best to stimulate
interest and change. 3) Student papers summarizing issues addressed and ideas
for stimulating change in society. Read Ghandi's Way - essential for all other
requirements. Grading: 5 pts. (total=40) Participate in
weekly discussions of lectures and issues. 5 pts. (total=40) One page proposal
- due weekly for publishing on seminar's website. Summarize lecture/discussion;
project ideas/methods for implementing a change that you propose based on the
discipline discussed; give examples of application(s) of Ghandi's Way - or why
you choose not to apply Ghandi's Way. 20 pts. Term paper (3 to 4 pages) to be
published on website - Propose a course of action leading to positive societal
change. Explain scientific discipline(s) upon which it is based (one of topics
presented in class or a related topic) and how you will proceed to
garner support
for your stance. Discuss aspects of Ghandi's Way utilized in the process or, if
not employed - why not.
About the Instructor: Anne Wrona is an Academic
Coordinator for
the California Space Institute Center of Excellence for Agriculture,
Natural Resources
and Environment (a multi-campus research unit under the Office of
Research). Anne's
interests include many fields of science, applying the scientific
method and using
cutting-edge technologies to solve problems facing modern society. The CalSpace
website (http://calspace.ucdavis.edu) describes some of the
activities she helps
coordinate and explain to others.