Thomas Jefferson once noted, “the most valuable of all talents is that of never using two words when one will do.”  His sentiments are echoed by Blaise Pascal's postscript to a long, drawn-out missive: "I would have written a shorter letter but I didn't have the time."

Week Ten

Wednesday, June 3
     Pot luck (bring utensils, etc. along with plus food)
     Science final
     Two copies of squares--one in black and white, the other colored with green, red and black for class art project
     Be prepared to discuss three or four big ideas from the program (check learning goals on 1st page of syllabus)

Week Nine

Wednesday, May 27
     Read:  Angels in America, Part I
                 Kushner, "Reflections on Angels"
                 Zukav, “More Than Both"
                 Rosenthal, Chapter 16

     Mapping assignment:
In the Arthur Ransome chapter (You Are Here, pgs. 150-153), the author states, “details in maps can be confirmed in the texts [they illustrate].”  Create a map of Angels in America from the perspective of one character that also helps illuminate the play.  This assignment will be turned after discussion.

     Zukov questions for "More Than Both":
1. Zukav uses coherent superposition in his explanation of the polarization experiment. How is the diagonal polarizer an example of coherent superposition?
2. Either-or thinking does apparently does not work in the quantum realm. For each of the words given, write at least two additional words that extend either-or. For example, if given digital, you might list analog and quantum. Try: alive, good, love, and up.
3. An important axiom of classical logic is the law of the excluded middle: a proposition is either true or false, with nothing "in between". Zukav claims that this does not apply to reality. Do you agree or disagree? Explain.
4. Bring in any questions that you have about the transition table and the lattices.
5. Given the points that Zukav is making, is there any hope that we can actually think about reality?

     Reflective essay topic--4 pages. Due May 30:
Explain how twentieth century art provides metaphors and concepts for understanding twentieth century science. Explain how twentieth century science provides metaphors and concepts for understanding twentieth century art.

Saturday, May 30
     Read:   Zukov, “The End of Science"
                 Angels in America, Part I
                 Angels, Part II: Perestroika review
     Due:  Reflective essay (doubles as seminar paper)
     Prepare for science final
     Guest will be Katherine Harmon, author of You Are Here

Week Eight

Wednesday, May 20
     Read:  Angels in America, Part I
                 Seurat and Pointillism (handout from Saturday)
                 Sondeim/Lapine, Sunday in the Park with George</