Course Schedule and Catalog

Long Title: SCIENCE IN FILM (SID RICH)

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Seminar

Credit Hours: 1

Description: In his 1968 film, 2001: A Space Odyssey, director Stanley Kubrick imagines a future in which space travel and artificial intelligence have become key technologies for society. It is no coincidence that the film was released at the height of the space race between the United States and the Soviet Union. While many Americans were celebrating the advancements made by NASA, Kubrick invited his audience to challenge the ethical dilemmas that this new technology posed for society. This course examines 2001: A Space Odyssey and other films to answer the question, how do filmmakers and scientists influence what constitutes responsible research and ethical advancements in technology? In this course, students will discuss a variety of scientific issues and analyze how filmmakers convey their ideas through their films. Examples of topics discussed in this course include artificial intelligence, climate change, genetic engineering, pandemics, and space travel. Students will also assess the balance between scientific accuracy and simplicity necessary for a successful film. As a final project, students will select a film not discussed in the course and explain in an essay how the film expresses the filmmaker’s ideas regarding a specific scientific issue. No technical scientific background is necessary. All scientific background will be provided to students through readings assigned in advance.