FRS 002P — Sec. 001 — (2 units) — CRN 53164 — W 6:40-8:30 pm — 129 Wellman
Science in Film: Frankenstein to Jurassic Park

Instructor: Leslie Lyons, Department of Population, Health & Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine

Description: While you were watching the “X-Files”, did you ever wonder if they could really do that? Do you wonder how much of “Jurassic Park” is true? And what is the real deal with cloning? Do you catch all the references made in “South Park” and “The Simpsons?” This course will address how film and television present genetics and molecular biology to the lay audience. Both classic films and television episodes will be analyzed to find the “truth” behind the presented stories. Students will view films and television episodes, read a book version of one of the films and learn to critically analyze the science in the stories. Students will develop a sense of why science is distorted in order to make the headlines. This seminar is for any science or non-science major and a science background is NOT a prerequisite.

Format: The seminar will meet for approximately three hours each week for eight weeks. The time will be divided between media presentations and discussions. Full-length films and television episodes will be viewed. The class will discuss the presentations and critique the presentation of the science. Students will formalize a short critique written as based on these discussions. For one of the first four films, students will have to read the novel and provide a short report on how the original novel is different from the film. There is no text for the course. Popcorn will be provided. Students will be required to prepare five short critiques (one page, double-spaced, 12 pt. font) on each of the first five films, to be handed in at the next session. These critiques will be based on the class discussion. A short book report will be due at the last session that compares the film’s novel with one of the films. Students select one novel from the first four films. Grading: Grading with not be based on grammar but on content. The course grade will be based on the quality of the critiques (1/4) presentations, the book review (1/4), and on the frequency and quality of their participation in class discussion (1/2).

About the Instructor: Leslie Lyons has a doctorate in genetics and is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Population Health & Reproduction in the School of Veterinary Medicine. Her research interests include the genetics and inherited diseases of cats and comparative genetics in cats, dogs, horses and primates. She has been interviewed by the press as part of her participation of the cloning of the domestic cat and has witnessed and been part of the production of several science programs for public and cable television. Dr. Lyons currently teaches a core course in veterinary genetics to the freshman veterinary students and is a member of the Genetics and Comparative Pathology graduate groups.