HON301K course icon
Science, Technology & the Pursuit of Truth
Dr. Bob Kistler
Bethel College
HON301K Syllabus Fall 2003

Course Links

Syllabus

Schedule

E-Readings

Assignments

Discussion

Links

Resources

My Grades

Course Project

Focus ? Rubric

SciFi List

Virtual Office

Other Links

Blackboard

Library

Google

WebMail

My Account

Print Version of Syllabus (pdf)

Instructor Information

Class Information

  • Class Days: M/W/F
  • Class Time: 11:10 - 12:00 a.m.
  • Class Location: AC237
  • Class E-mail: HON301K1FA02@lists.bethel.edu
  • Course Web Page http://www.bethel.edu/~kisrob/hon301k

Course Description

An examination of how philosophical, religious, political, and cultural movements in contemporary culture have been influenced by science and technology as well as how these ideas have affected both science and technology. Examples, from the history, philosophy, and culture of science are used to examine the dynamics of the science, technology, and society interaction.

Course Objectives

  • K Category Objectives
    • be able to analyze, develop, and use reasoning skills to understand the implications and decision-making processes of individuals, institutions, and/or governing bodies regarding science and technology
    • understand how to examine science and technology - risks, benefits, aesthetics, values, and/or social and ethical implications
    • be able to evaluate alternative responses to scientific and technological issues before suggesting new courses of action or critiquing current or past responses
    • understand the background of specific scientific and technological developments, as viewed from varied scientific, social, and world view perspectives
  • HON301K Specific Course Objectives
    • develop a definition of science, technology, and truth and examine how definitions have changed through time and might change in the future
    • analyze the meaning, history, and implications of specific examples of science and technology
    • identify and evaluate the impacts of science & technology on our personal lives and life styles and on the environment in which our lives and the rest of Creation are embedded.
    • develop an ability to evaluate the appropriateness of technologies and to make wise choices involving the use of science and technology in our everyday lives and in the larger society.
    • integrate faith and social responsibility into a balanced understanding of our scientific and technological society

     

Course Texts

  • Monsma, S.V., ed. 1986. Responsible Technology: A Christian Perspective. Wm. B. Eerdmans, Grand Rapids, MI
 
Text Image
  • Feenburg, A. 2002. Transforming Technology: A Critical Theory Revisited. Oxford University Press, NY
Text Image
  • .Ratzsch, D. 2000. Science & Its Limits: The Natural Sciences in Christian Perspective. InterVarsity Press, Downers Grove, IL
  Text Image
  • Kellert, S. R. & T. J. Farnham eds. 2002. The Good in Nature and Huanity: Connecting Science, Religion, and Spriituality with the Natural World. Island Press, Washington.
         

Course Requirements

Component
Description

Active Participation

30% of grade

Class participation is an essential component of this course. You will be expected to contribute in class by listening, participating in discussions and group exercises, submitting a meaningful contribution to the Truth Forum at least twice per week, participating in and completing assignments both during and outside of class, and submitting a thoughtful and honest one page final self-evaluation of your contribution to and effort in the class.

Reading

30% of grade

 

Reading about science and technology forms a central core of the learning in the class. You should complete reading assignments prior to class.

A weekly reading focus response posted to the class Focus Question Forum will facilitate both reading and class discussion. Once per week a focus question will be posted. After completing the week's reading assignments, you will write an informed response/reaction to the question in which you clearly document how the reading has helped you to an understanding of the concepts involved.

Research
&
Integration

30% of grade

A course project will require you to apply and integrate your learning to a either a specific concept in science or a specific technology, by examining the historical, societal, ethical, and future implications of the concept or technology.

  • One page project synopsis submitted by Oct. 1
  • Version 1 submitted by Nov. 5
  • Projects will be "presented" to the class as appropriate depending upon the medium of the project.
  • Final version submitted by Dec. 10

Exams

10% of grade

A midterm exam will be taken on October 8. A final exam will be taken on Friday Dec. 12, 11:30-1:30.

Course Policies

Component
Description

Participation

Participation is required. Participation will mean coming to class sessions, completing the required reading, writing, and research assignments, and participating in online discussions and assignments.

Assignments

 

I expect all assignments to be turned in on time. Late assignments will not be accepted (exceptions for emergencies only). I also expect all assignments to be completed as directed and reserve the right to return papers ungraded that do not adhere to requirements.

Honesty

The Bethel policies on academic honesty and computer integrity apply to this course.

Accessibility
Students who wish to request disability-related accommodations for a course should talk with the instructor as soon as possible at the beginning of the course. Most accommodations are arranged through the office of Disability Services. For more information visit the Disability Services website at http://www.bethel.edu/disability/
Respect
God is the Creator of all that exists. Each person, idea, creature, and component of the creation deserves our respect. Even if we disagree with a person or idea or have no use for a creature or component of creation we should still respect God's purpose in the Creation, as evidenced by that person, idea, creature, or component. Degrading someone's ideas or personality, consistent tardiness, inappropriate talking, and lack of attention in class are typical examples of a lack of respect. See Expectations within the Classroom/Lecture Hall

Problems

Any problems or complaints that you have either about the course or the instructor should be handled in the following manner. (1) Communicate your concern clearly to the instructor as a first step. (2) If you are not satisfied with the instructor's resolution of your concern, talk to Dr. Marion Larson, Director of the Honors program. (3) If you are still not satisfied, then you should make an appointment to communicate your concerns to Dr. Harless, Dean of Academic Affairs. If this procedure is not followed, the rights and freedoms of both the instructor and student are potentially violated.

Grading
A: 90 - 100% C: 70 - 80%
B: 80 - 90% D: 60 - 70%

 

Created in Macromedia Studio MX on a Macintosh
Dr. Bob Kistler (WebMail)
Updated: October 2, 2003
Bethel College Home Page Dr. Kistler's Web email Dr. Kistler
Know the truth
schedule resources syllabus discussion action links October 2, 2003
Image Credit