Scientific Literacy - 13762 - SCI 1012 - 341 (NAWO)

Abstract

This course fulfills the Natural World (NAWO) requirement for all Yeshiva College students and may be used toward the Science and Technology requirement at Stern College for Women. Science is the principle means by which we come to understand our environment, the planet and the universe. Science also has the ability not only to affect our day-to-day lives, but also to shape our future as individuals and as societies. The responsible citizen must be able to educate himself/herself about scientific matters that have the potential to impact civilization. This course aims to (1) expose you to current issues in modern science that have potential to impact daily life and (2) to give you the skills necessary to educate yourself and engage in discourse about scientific developments in the modern age. We will explore a variety of scientific topics through various modern media including primary scientific literature, popular science columns, documentary films, podcasts, biogs and social media. We will learn how to critically analyze information in each of these media and how to analyze issues related to the application of scientific breakthroughs to our daily life. Finally, we learn about the government agencies that adjudicate and regulate how science interacts with society in our daily lives.