Scientific Inquiry: 1999-2000 Programs

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Astronomy and Cosmologies
Astronomy and Energy: Cosmic Models
Atoms, Molecules and Research
Concepts of Computing
Data to Information
Introduction to Natural Science
Mathematical Systems
Matter and Motion
Molecule to Organism
Science of Mind
Shelter: Eco-Design in the Real World
Student Originated Software
Undergraduate Research in Scientific Inquiry
Whole and Holy: Alternative Herstories of Healing


Astronomy and Cosmologies

Spring/Coordinated Study
Faculty: E. J. Zita
Enrollment: 24
Prerequisites: Facility with algebra and trigonometry. This all-level program will accept up to 25 percent first-year students.Faculty Signature: No
Special Expenses: $30 for equipment and $1,000 for optional one-month field trip to Mexico and/or Central America.
Part-Time Options: No
Internship Possibilities: No
Travel Component: Optional one-month field trip to Mexico and/or other regions of Central America.

Learn beginning-to-intermediate astronomy through lectures, interactive workshops and observation. Use naked eyes, binoculars and large and small scopes. Build learning tools such as celestial spheres and spectrometers (to be kept by students). Observe with large telescopes via the Internet at professional sites. Research a topic of interest (in the library and through observations) with a small team of classmates.

We will also seminar on cosmologies: how people across cultures and throughout history have understood, modeled and ordered their universe. We will study creation stories and world views, especially of ancient peoples on this continent.

Archaeoastronomy investigations will include a one-month field trip to Mexico and/or Central America to study ancient archaeoastronomy sites. First-year students may register for this program, but are not eligible to attend the field trip. About half the students will stay in Olympia working on their observations while the other half travel with the instructor through the study-abroad option.

  • Credit awarded in astronomy, physical science, and philosophy of science.
  • Total: 16 credits.
  • Program is preparatory for careers and future studies in astronomy, physical sciences, history and philosophy of science.
  • This program is also listed under First-Year Programs.

 

Astronomy and Energy: Cosmic Models

Fall, Winter, Spring/Group Contract
Faculty: Don Middendorf
Enrollment: 25
Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing, one year of calculus-based physics (for the fall quarter astronomy module, algebra is a prerequisite).
Faculty Signature: No
Special Expenses: Fall quarter textbooks will cost over $400 and must be purchased by the second day of classes. Additional costs include good binoculars, journal subscriptions and overnight field trips.
Part-Time Options: Introductory Astronomy (five credits fall quarter) component of program is open to all students.
Internship Possibilities: No
Travel Component: Possible field trips to observatory or planetarium.

This contract is a yearlong study of our current models of the universe, including the role of spectroscopy, relativity and electromagnetism in studying stars, planets and black holes. We will examine such questions as: How do we know that stars undergo fusion? How do we interpret theory and experiments for objects such as stars and black holes? What are some of the ramifications of embracing one model instead of another? What is energy? Are neutrinos and quarks real? Are we learning about preexisting objective facts (truth) or are our experimental results solely the products of our theories? We will explore these questions by examining important ideas from physics, mathematics, and philosophy. Although we will find many strange and provocative answers, our goal will be to learn to ask even more sophisticated questions about “nature” and “reality.”

We will use our eyes, binoculars and telescopes to examine the sun and the night sky, so we’ll need to meet one night each week on average. We will study cultural beliefs and compare these with the facts and speculations in modern astrophysics.

Evergreen has several telescopes that we will use, but each student must own binoculars. We will use the Web to access observations from telescopes around the world. Students must subscribe to three journals — Astronomy, Science News and the American Journal of Physics. These journals will be used in weekly discussions and student presentations about recent developments in astronomy and modern physics. Attendance at seminars, labs and presentations is required for all students.

Upper-division credit is possible for all portions of the program except the five-credit Introductory Astronomy module in the fall. Upper-division credit will be awarded only for upper-division performance. The fall quarter Astronomy module is required for those enrolled in this program, but is open as a separate module to sophomores or above. It will meet one or two nights each week. Students who have prior credits in Astronomy will be able to obtain upper-division credit in this portion of the program as well as all of the others.

  • Credit awarded in astronomy, modern physics, special and general relativity, electromagnetism, scientific research and philosophy of science. Upper-division science credits are possible contingent on performance.
  • Total: 5 or 16 credits each quarter.
  • Program is preparatory for careers and future studies in science or mathematics, especially physics, engineering, astronomy or philosophy. The program fulfills many (but not all) of the requirements for the state endorsement in physics teaching.

 

Atoms, Molecules and Research

Fall, Winter, Spring/Group Contract
Faculty: TBA
Enrollment: 25
Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing; one year of college-level chemistry (or AP high school chemistry) and ability to do differential and integral calculus.
Faculty Signature: Yes. Faculty will conduct an interview at the Academic Fair, May 12, 1999 and by phone to determine student eligibility.
Special Expenses: No
Part-Time Options: Yes, Thermodynamics (3 credits), Quantim Mechanics (3 credits), Inorganic Chemistry (3 credits).
Internship Possibilities: No
Travel Component: None

This program is designed to provide advanced preparation that will enable students to pursue careers in chemistry and chemical engineering (graduate school and industry), fields that have the highest employment demands in the sciences. It will also be useful for students considering careers in medicine, biochemistry or chemical physics.

During the fall and winter quarters, the lecture portion of the program will cover the traditional junior- and senior-level topics in physical chemistry and inorganic chemistry. These include thermodynamics, quantum mechanics, inorganic chemistry, chemical kinetics, statistical mechanics and spectroscopy. During the spring quarter, if time permits, the lecture portion of the program will cover some special topics in chemistry.

During the fall quarter, the laboratory portion of the program will train students to use the chemical instrumentation available at the college to carry out assigned laboratory experiments. All members of the chemistry faculty and science instructional technicians will be involved in teaching the laboratory part, ensuring breadth and individual guidance. In the winter and spring quarters, students will be assigned laboratory research projects they will conduct under the close supervision of chemistry faculty. Students will present the results of their research at the annual American Chemical Society Undergraduate Research meeting.

Students will participate in workshops on technical writing skills and library research methods, including on-line searching.

  • Credit awarded in thermodynamics*, quantum mechanics*, inorganic chemistry*, instrumentation laboratory*, undergraduate research in chemistry*.
  • Total: 3, 6, 9 or 16 credits each quarter.
  • Program is preparatory for careers and future studies in chemistry, chemical engineering, chemical physics, medicine and biochemistry.

 

Concepts of Computing

Spring/Group Contract
Faculty: George Dimitroff, TBA
Enrollment: 46
Prerequisites: This all-level program accepts up to 50 percent first-year students. Students must have high school-level algebra.
Faculty Signature: No
Special Expenses: No
Part-Time Options: No
Internship Possibilities: No
Travel Component: None

This spring quarter offering will examine fundamental ideas in computing and mathematics that underlie today’s computing technology. There will be hands-on lab work together with an examination of the models, methods and abstract concepts behind software and hardware systems.

The program is intended for students who have an interest in computing but limited background. It will be useful for students who want some exposure to computing as a basis for future work in a variety of disciplines that use computing (especially the sciences). This program is also helpful, though not required, for students interested in additional course work in computer science or mathematics.

Topics may include programming, algebra and discrete mathematics, computational organization, the World Wide Web, logic, or the historical, philosophical, social or ethical implications of computing.

  • Credit awarded in mathematics and introductory computing.
  • Total: 16 credits.
  • Program is preparatory for careers and future studies in science, mathematics and computing.
  • This program is also listed under First-Year Programs.

 

Data to Information

Fall, Winter, Spring/Coordinated Study
Faculty: Masao Sugiyama, Sheryl Shulman
Enrollment: 50
Prerequisites: Sophomore standing. Students must possess adequate analytical and mathematical abilities and background, including algebra skills equivalent to second-year high school algebra.
Faculty Signature: No
Special Expenses: No
Part-Time Options: On a space-available basis. Contact the faculty for details.
Internship Possibilities: No
Travel Component: None

Data to Information is an entry-level program for students interested in doing substantive work in computer science. Although you will not have to know how to program to start, you will learn to program a computer well. You will also study mathematics related to computer science. Much of the technical work you do will require that you use both the mathematics and computer program that you will learn during the year. In addition, you will participate in building a very simple computer and study the architecture of computers and the operating systems which control them. There is also a book seminar in which you will explore the ethical and societal implications of computers and computing. Finally, you will learn to apply what you learn to program for the World Wide Web.

Fall quarter topics include programming, mathematics, digital logic and machine organization. Winter quarter topics include data structures and algorithms, mathematics and computer architecture. Spring quarter topics include a continuation of data structures and algorithms, mathematics and operating systems.

  • Credit awarded in computer programming, computer-related mathematics, digital logic*, computer architecture*, operating systems*, data structures and algorithms* and seminar*.
  • Total: 16 credits each quarter.
  • Program is preparatory for careers and future studies in computer related fields, science and mathematics.

 

Introduction to Natural Science

Fall, Winter, Spring/Coordinated Study
Faculty: Burton Guttman, TBA, TBA
Enrollment: 75
Prerequisites: Sophomore standing; high school algebra. Other high school science recommended.
Faculty Signature: No
Special Expenses: No
Part-Time Options: No
Internship Possibilities: No
Travel Component: None

Introduction to Natural Science will cover topics from physics, chemistry and biology. We will develop these topics partially in a historical context by reading about the development of scientific thought from ancient civilizations through the birth of modern science, and we will read about the work of contemporary scientists to develop a conception of science as a human activity. Our concern for the human dimensions of science will place a lot of emphasis on developing ways of thinking and methods of analysis. For this reason, students should not expect a traditional comprehensive coverage of topics in each science, but we will develop a strong preparation for further study, particularly in biology and the environmental sciences.

The work week will entail a few lectures, a seminar and a regular series of laboratories; much of the time will be spent in workshops where students are expected to work together to solve problems and develop concepts for themselves. We expect dedication to the ideals of the college, especially personal involvement, personal responsibility and learning through active, cooperative discussion. The program will demand a lot of time and hard work; students who are unable to commit themselves wholeheartedly to their studies should not enroll.

Introduction to Natural Science is the standard entry program into the natural sciences, especially for students interested in biology and those who do not want the more intensive concentration on calculus, physics and chemistry offered by Matter and Motion. Students need have only basic facility with high school mathematics, and we expect to offer two or three levels of mathematics instruction to fit student mathematical abilities.

  • Credit awarded in precalculus mathematics, general physics, general chemistry, general biology and social implications of science.
  • Total: 16 credits each quarter.
  • Program is preparatory for careers and future studies in all sciences, including environmental studies, graduate and professional in health sciences and medicine.

 

Mathematical Systems

Fall, Winter, Spring/Group Contract
Faculty: TBA
Enrollment: 25
Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing; one year of calculus.
Faculty signature: No
Special expenses: No
Part-Time Options: With permission of instructor.
Internship Possibilities: No
Travel Component: None

This contract is a yearlong, intensive study of several fundamental areas of pure mathematics, including a nucleus of advanced calculus, geometry, abstract algebra and topology. We will also consider such questions as: Are mathematical systems discovered or created? Why does a particular culture allow some systems to flourish while ignoring others? What are some of the ramifications of embracing one model instead of another? Why are there so few ranking women mathematicians?

The contract is designed for people intending to pursue studies or teach in mathematics and the sciences, and for those who want to know more about mathematical thinking. We will look at the historical contexts of mathematical and scientific events to help us understand how mathematical ideas are discovered. We will develop skills not only in handling mathematical syntax, but also in the crucial area of reading and writing rigorous proofs in axiomatic systems.

Students may enroll in individual modules or the entire constellation of activities. If you have any questions about the appropriateness of your background for the various segments, consult the instructor.

  • Credit awarded in advanced calculus*, abstract algebra*, geometry, topology*, history and cognition of mathematics and individual projects.
  • Total: 4 or 8 or 12 or 16 credits each quarter.
  • Program is preparatory for careers and future study in mathematics, physics, Master in Teaching program, history of mathematics and science.

 

Matter and Motion

Fall, Winter, Spring/Coordinated Study
Faculty: Sharon Anthony, Renee Lang
Enrollment: 50
Prerequisites: Sophomore standing. Precalculus math required. Students must be ready to start calculus. High School chemistry or physics recommended. Students should plan on devoting 50-70 hours per week to this program.
Faculty Signature: Yes. Students must pass a math entrance exam. Exam will be available March 1, 1999 from the Academic Advising Office. Students will be notified as they pass the exam.
Special Expenses: Four-day field trip during winter quarter, approximately $100.
Part-Time Options: No
Internship Possibilities: No
Travel Component: Field trip winter quarter.

Matter and Motion is an integrated study of chemistry, physics and calculus for the motivated student preparing to do advanced work in the physical and biological sciences. The program is strongly recommended for all pre-med students. Students will all learn computer applications and work in the chemistry and physics laboratory. There will be small-group workshops and seminars plus whole-group lectures in chemistry, physics and calculus. Guest lecturers will introduce special topics.

A central feature of the program will be the use of important topical issues as a basis for learning the science. We will spend about three weeks on each topic, focusing on issues such as: What should we do about global warming? What’s all the fuss about fat? Airbags? Biomass conversion? Why does the ozone hole form in the Antarctic spring? What happens to acid rain? We will explore the science and the social issues with these topics and students will do presentations, conduct mock hearings and do scientific poster sessions to develop their speaking and analytical skills. We anticipate that students in Introduction to Natural Science may be exploring many of these same topics and we may sometimes share chemistry lectures and guest speakers.

  • Credit awarded in general chemistry, university physics and calculus.
  • Total: 16 credits each quarter.
  • Program is preparatory for careers and future studies in any science field and medicine.

 

Molecule to Organism

Fall, Winter, Spring/Coordinated Study
Faculty: Clyde Barlow, Jeff Kelly, Elizabeth Kutter, Julio Soto
Enrollment: 75
Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing; one-year of college chemistry, biology and algebra.
Faculty Signature: No
Special Expenses: $50 for program retreats.
Part-Time Options: Yes
Internship Possibilities: Yes
Travel Component: Overnight, in-state retreats.

Molecule to Organism develops a view of biological systems that integrates the molecular basis of biology with more complex structure-function relationships, examining key topics in traditional biology and premedical curricula. We will put particular emphasis on aspects of biochemistry and microbiology that are most relevant to current environmental and health issues. The experimental basis of our rapidly growing knowledge in these fields will be emphasized, as well as the use of scientific literature. Laboratories will play a major role in the program and will explore microbiology, enzymology, nucleic acid chemistry and molecular genetics, as well as special projects.

Molecule to Organism is Evergreen’s introduction to experimental (laboratory) biology and to organic and biochemistry. It is designed for students who have already learned general chemistry (usually through a program such as Matter and Motion or Introduction to Natural Science) and who plan to go on to advanced work in chemistry and field or laboratory biology. It includes organic chemistry and the upper-division topics of anatomy, genetics, microbiology, physiology, immunology, molecular and cellular biology and biochemistry in a yearlong sequence.

The program begins with two separate themes — one at the “cell” level and the other at the “molecule” level. In the cell theme we start with the cell and microbiology and proceed to the whole organism with examinations of structure and function relationships at all levels including some anatomy and physiology. In the molecular theme we will examine organic chemistry, the nature of organic compounds and reactions, and carry this theme into biochemistry and the fundamental chemical reactions of living systems. As the year progresses, the two themes merge through studies of cellular and molecular processes in molecular biology, developmental biology, physiology and immunology.

  • Credit awarded in physiology*, cell biology*, molecular biology*, organic chemistry I, organic chemistry II* and III*, biochemistry*, microbiology* and development biology*.
  • Total: Fall, 6 or 10 or 16 credits; winter, 2 or 4 or 6 or 10 or 12 or 16 credits; spring, 16 credits. Students may enroll in components of this program. Consult with faculty for advise.
  • Program is preparatory for careers and future studies in biology, chemistry, health sciences, environmental studies and education.

 

Science of Mind

Fall, Winter, Spring/Coordinated Study
Faculty: David Paulsen, Linda Kahan, TBA
Enrollment: 75
Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing, or science background.
Faculty Signature: No
Special Expenses: No
Part-time Options: With faculty signature.
Internship Possibilities: No
Travel Component: None

Philosophers, psychologists, neurobiologists, computer scientists, linguists and anthropologists have raised questions about the human mind. What is its structure? What is the relationship of mind and brain? Does the brain work like a computer; if so, what kind of computer? How do culture and biology affect the development of the mind? To what extent is the mind rational?

A “cognitive revolution” has transformed the study of these questions. Science of Mind will explore the nature of this revolution. It will consider theories from past and contemporary cognitive psychology and neurobiology, issues in philosophy of science and mind, as well as computer models of mental activity. Emphasis will be placed on theories about the nature of perception, attention, memory, reasoning and language as well as current developments in the study of neural nets. The program will cover basic cellular neurobiology, application of neural network models, theory and practice of experimental cognitive psychology, research design in psychology, descriptive and inferential statistics with psychological research applications, use of the computer for data analysis and computer simulation mental activity.

Fall and winter quarters: considerable work in statistics and research design, as well as a survey of research in cognitive psychology, neurobiology and related philosophical fields.

Spring quarter: an extensive research project in experimental cognitive psychology, neurobiology, computer modeling or library research and reading in these areas or the philosophy of mind.

  • Credit awarded in cognitive science*, cognitive psychology*, research methods in psychology*, neurobiology with laboratory*, descriptive and inferential statistics* (upper-division credits not awarded for fall quarter statistics, 3 credits), data analysis using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences* and a research project*.
  • Total: 16 credits each quarter.
  • Program is preparatory for careers and future study in psychology, medicine, biology, computer science and philosophy.
  • This program is also listed under Social Science.

 

Shelter: Eco-Design in the Real World

Fall, Winter, Spring/Coordinated Study
Faculty: Rob Knapp, TBA, TBA
Enrollment: 72
Prerequisites: None. This all-level program accepts up to 25 percent first-year students.
Faculty Signature: No
Special Expenses: Three-day in-state field trips fall and winter, approximately $35 per trip, payable by week three of each quarter; four-day field trip to Oregon spring quarter, approximately $50, payable by week one.
Part-Time Options: No
Internship Possibilities: With faculty signature.
Travel Component: Field trips.

What are ecologically sound homes and work-places for real, present-day human beings? We will pursue this question by combining large visions with solid foundational knowledge.

The heart of the program is designing: homes and workplaces must be imagined before they can be built. A yearlong design studio will teach relevant skills and knowledge through a series of small and large projects.
For some students, this may mean partic-ipating in the design of specific real-world buildings, such the new Seminar II classroom building, an appropriate-technology house at the Organic Farm, a possible expansion of Housing or a youth hostel for Olympia.

Other students may focus more on off-grid living, Third World needs, waste management, energy, alternative materials such as straw, earth or recycled tires, the technological visions of people like Buckminister Fuller or Amory Lovins, the whole systems understanding of Lynn Margulis and others, or the social visions of Boston’s Dudley Street Project.

As vital background to designing, students and faculty will do readings, lectures, seminars, library research and site visits on two major themes: human needs, wants and hopes; and nature’s processes, within which human life must take place. Students and faculty will develop their facility in graphics, structural and environmental analysis, modeling, literature searching on- and off-line, group problem solving and effective writing.

This program actively seeks students from a variety of levels, backgrounds and interests. Be ready to participate energetically, to learn from fellow students as well as faculty, to share skills and insights generously. Some program activities will be organized according to level; others will be shared by all.

  • Credit awarded in design studio, natural science, humanities and social science. Upper-division credits will depend on student background and performance.
  • Total: 16 credits each quarter.
  • Program is preparatory for careers and future studies in design professions, environmental studies, community development, social science, humanities and natural science.
  • Program is also listed under First-Year Programs, Environmental Studies and Expressive Arts.

 

Student Originated Software

Fall, Winter, Spring/Coordinated Study
Faculty: Judith Cushing, TBA
Enrollment: 50
Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing; Data to Information or equivalent, or experience in both computing and an application area such as science or media; completion of a questionnaire and if requested a faculty interview. Students must demonstrate technical expertise and a commitment to a group software development project. Questionnaire is available from the program faculty and from the Academic Advising office after May 1, 1999.
Faculty Signature: Yes
Special Expenses: Diskettes for student project work and two field trips, approximately $100.
Part-Time Options: 8 credit option for part-time students only.
Internship Possibilities: Only if in conjunction with the software project, or for 4 credits spring quarter.
Travel Component: None

Critical problems with software systems remain despite the best efforts of many very smart people over the last 50 years. Software is often late, over budget, socially irresponsible, unable to perform according to user needs or has some combination of these shortcomings. The software engineering problem is not just a matter of technology but a problem of organization, psychology, group dynamics and culture. In addition, considerable knowledge and understanding of the relevant domain is required to design and implement a successful system. Student Originated Software is intended to prepare students to face these problems.

This yearlong program is designed to give students with advanced programming skills (or some programming skills and considerable domain expertise) the ability to identify and carry out a viable software project. Students will work in groups to identify a software project, prepare market research and feasibility studies for that project, identify a real-world client (or class of clients) and write software specifications. Under the guidance of faculty and working with users, students will conduct systems analysis and design, implementation and product testing and validation. They will write user manuals and system maintenance plans and, where appropriate, conduct or plan system installation and user training. Students will evaluate their software project according to technical, legal and social criteria.

Domains of successful past projects include the sciences, music, visual arts, education, computer security and databases for small business and local and state agencies. The program seminar will address ergonomics and human-machine interaction and the psychology of computer programming; the role of technical expertise and the Internet in modern society; the organizational, social and cultural milieu of the workplace.

  • Credit awarded in computer science*, software engineering*, object-oriented analysis*, design*, programming and databases*, computer graphics or user interface design*, distributed computing systems*, software tools* and special topics*.
  • Total: 8 or 16 credits each quarter.
  • Program is preparatory for careers and future study in computer science and software engineering or the project application area.

 

Undergraduate Research in Scientific Inquiry

Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer/Group Contract
Faculty: Betty Kutter, Clyde Barlow, Dharshi Bopegedera, Judith Cushing, Burt Guttman, Jeff Kelly, Rob Knapp, Jim Neitzel, Janet Ott, E. J. Zita
Enrollment: 25
Prerequisites: Negotiated individually with faculty; laboratory experience such as Molecule to Organism (where appropriate).
Faculty Signature: Yes
Special Expenses: No
Part-Time Options: No
Internship Possibilities: No
Travel Component: None

A number of the faculty in this planning group are engaged in research projects that offer collaborative research opportunities for advanced students. These provide an important mode of advanced work in the sciences, taking advantage of faculty expertise, Evergreen’s flexible structure and excellent equipment purchased through grants from the National Science Foundation and the Murdock Foundation. In general, students begin by working in apprenticeship mode with more senior personnel and gradually take on more independent projects within the context of the specific program. These projects generally run 12 months a year; a signature is required from the faculty with whom students will be working.

Betty Kutter (molecular biology), Burt Guttman (genetics) and Jim Neitzel (biochemistry) study Bacteriophage T4, which has been a key model organism in molecular genetics for more than 50 years. Its infection of E. coli leads to rapid cessation of host DNA, RNA and protein synthesis. These faculty members are working to clone and overexpress the many host-lethal genes that are responsible; purify and characterize their protein products; determine their specific functions; look at ways in which they can be used to better understand bacterial metabolism; and examine the infection process under a variety of environmental conditions. Evergreen is the center for genomic analysis and database development for these phages, and work with phage ecology and potential uses as antibiotics.

Judith Bayard Cushing studies how scientists use distributed computing and data to conduct research. She would like to work with students who have a background in computer science or molecular biology, forest ecology, chemistry or physics and a strong motivation to explore new computing paradigms, such as object-oriented systems and multiplatform computing.

Jeff Kelly and Clyde Barlow work with biophysical applications of spectroscopy to study physiological processes at the organ level, with direct applications to health problems. Students with backgrounds in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics or computer science can obtain practical experience in applying their backgrounds to biomedical research problems in an interdisciplinary laboratory environment.

Dharshi Bopegedera is interested in studying vibration-rotation spectra of unstable molecules. Students with a solid background in chemistry can get experience in synthesizing unstable gaseous molecules and recording their infrared spectra with her newly acquired FTIR spectrophotometer.

Janet Ott studies alternative healing methods, especially the mechanisms involved in acupuncture and acupressure, by measuring changes in such physiological processes as EEG, ECG, EMG and respiration during treatments. Students with strong backgrounds in biology, chemistry, physics or statistics can obtain laboratory experience applying their expertise to this growing field. Students with an interest in alternative medicine may also find this laboratory experience of use to their training.

E.J. Zita (physics) studies the structure and dynamics of magnetic stars. Like plasmas (ionized gases) in fusion energy research labs, stars can create and respond to electromagnetic fields. Zita’s theoretical model explains how twisting magnetic fields can cause sound waves in stars, which are well understood in the Sun but a puzzle in hotter stars. Students’ calculations generate predictions and diagrams based on her model (using software such as Excel or Mathematica). Students’ observations can help test and refine the model (using telescopes on campus and in Eastern Washington or observing remotely via the Internet).

Rob Knapp studies thermal and electric energy flows in buildings, as a contribution to ecologically conscious design of homes and workplaces. A National Science Foundation grant has provided instrumentation to measure heat loss, air flows, solar gains and related aspects of conventional and alternative buildings by which to compare different approaches to energy conservation and renewable resource use. Students with backgrounds in physics, electronics or computer modeling can help with these explorations.

  • Credit will be awarded in lab biology* and chemistry,* health sciences*, teaching and environmental sciences,* physics* and astronomy lab biology.*
  • Total: 4-16 credits each quarter.
  • This program is preparatory for careers and future study in lab chemistry and biology, health and teaching.

 

Whole and Holy: Alternative Herstories of Healing

Fall, Winter, Spring/Coordinated Study
Faculty: Janet Ott, Sarah Williams
Enrollment: 25
Prerequisites: Sophomore standing or above.
Faculty Signature: Yes. Faculty will assess student’s writing skill and degree of interest in the program. To apply, students must submit a writing sample to Janet Ott, Lab I, (360) 866-6000, ext. 6019 or Sarah Williams, SE 3127, (360) 866-6000, ext. 6561 before or at the Academic Fair, May 12, 1999. Faculty will conduct phone or in-person interviews. Students will be notified of acceptance prior to fall registration, May 17, 1999.
Special Expenses: $50 for materials
Part-Time Options: No
Internship Possibilities: Yes
Travel Component: None

To heal: deriving from the same roots as the words whole and holy. We intend to explore healing as that which is whole and holy by examining alternative herstories — forms of healing involving body, mind, spirit and the environment from so-called feminine perspectives. We will learn about the historical roots of the healing practices we use today, our division of mainstream and alternative medicine, and the patriarchal and reductionist effects of this division on physiology, emotional literacy, and the evolution of the soul. In addition to books, films, lectures and seminars, we will expect each student: 1) to engage in an apprenticeship, community service-learning project and internship and participatory or collaborative research; 2) to go on a mid-winter retreat; and 3) to develop the discipline of a healing practice (e.g., a martial art, nutritional plan, exercise routine, herbalism, goddess worship, healing tough, yoga, music, gardening or apprenticeship with an indigenous healer).

Our studies will be concerned with the contemporary resurrection of traditional healing practices. From witches, midwives and alchemists to their takeover by corporate medicine men, we will examine the historical contexts of healing versus curing. We will ask ourselves, what does the resurrection of traditional healing practices such as acupuncture, herbalism, bodywork and other alternative forms of medicine have to do with the energetics of healing and the rise of personal power out of tribal authority?

We want highly motivated, self-directed students who are interested in, and capable of, integrating intellectual work with personal process. We want to develop a student-directed learning community in which experiential knowledges are put into conversation with academic scholarship.

Books might include: Woman as Healer, Emotional Literacy, Why People Don’t Heal and How they Can, For Her Own Good, An Illustrated History of the Healing Arts, A Touch of Healing, Molecules of Emotion, The Healing Circle, Mother Mysteries, Man and His Symbols, Ecotherapy, The Healing of America, Anatomy of the Spirit, Gaia and Gaia: An Eco Feminist Theology of Earth and Healing and All Sickness is Homesickness.

  • Credit awarded in history, comparative religion, ecofeminism, political theory, physiology, nutrition, anthropology, women’s studies and environmental policy.
  • Total: 16 credits each quarter.
  • Program is preparatory for careers and future studies in the creative arts, biology, counseling, cultural studies, environmental studies, health sciences, healthcare services, history, religious studies, social work and women’s studies.
  • This program is also listed under Culture, Text and Language.

*indicates upper-division credit