Big Problems

The courses listed here are the first of a growing number of capstone experiences offered as electives to fourth-year students in the College.

"Big problems" are characteristically matters of global or universal concern that intersect with several disciplines and affect a variety of interest groups. They are problems for which solutions are crucially important but not obviously available.

Big problems courses will emphasize process as well as content: learning how to creatively confront difficult intellectual and pragmatic problems wider than one's area or expertise and to consider how to deal with the uncertainty which results. This might often point to the importance of working in groups. If the Core gives a basis for learning, and the concentrations develop more specialized knowledge, the Big Problems experience will develop skills for thinking about and dealing with the important but unyielding issues of our time.

Big Problems courses encourage linkage to B.A. papers, research experiences, or internships. They will use interdisciplinary team teaching, seeking to cross disciplines and divisions, and to transcend familiar models of content, organization, and instruction.

Beginning in 1999-2000, a Big Problems Lecture Series will feature outside speakers, and additional workshops for interested students.

234. Is Development Sustainable? (=BigPro 234, EnvStd 244, HiPSS 234, NCD 273, PolSci 212, PubPol 244). PQ: Fourth-year standing and consent of instructors. This is a discussion course intended for senior students without an environmental background. Taught by a political scientist, a computer scientist, and a biologist, its aim is to develop skills in analyzing "big problems" which surpass the scope of traditional disciplines and single paradigms. Big environmental problems include human population growth, the unintended consequences of technology, the conflict between economic development and the preservation of our habitat, and choices regarding the allocation of resources to present versus future needs. M. Scully, T. Steck, W. Sterner. Spring.

239. Biological and Cultural Evolution (=BigPro 239, BioSci 286, CFS 379, HiPSS 239, NCD 274, Philos 325). PQ: Basic knowledge of evolution and genetics helpful. This course is taught by guest lecturers from linguistics, evolutionary genetics, and the history and philosophy of science. We elaborate theory to understand and model cultural evolution; explore analogies, differences, and relations to biological evolution; and consider basic biological, cultural, and linguistic topics and case studies from an evolutionary perspective. Time is spent both on what we do know, and on determining what we don't. W. Wimsatt, S. Mufwene, J. Sadock. Autumn.

For descriptions of the following associated courses and programs, consult the relevant concentration sections of the catalog. Registration in these courses is not restricted to fourth-year College students.

BioSci 257. Darwinian Medicine. PQ: Completion of the general education requirement in the biological sciences. R. Perlman, W. Wimsatt. Winter.

Hist 293/393. Human Rights I: Philosophical Foundations of Human Rights (=Hist 293/393, IntRel 316, Law 412, LL/Soc 251, MAPH 400, Philos 316, PolSci 339). A. Gewirth. Autumn.

Hist 294/394. Human Rights II (=Hist 294/394, Law 413, PolSci 340). M. Geyer. Winter.

Hist 295/395. Human Rights III (=Hist 295/395, IntRel 579, Law 479, Pathol 465, PolSci 341). J. Bhabha, R. Kirschner. Spring.