Information contained on this page is subject to change . Please be sure to double check this information before registration by referring to the online schedule of courses located here. For frequently asked questions regarding registration, please read Registration Q&A.
Honors Integrated Course
General Honors Courses
Honors Seminars
PRIORITY REGISTRATION begins Friday, October 23, 2009. Registrar will confirm date and starting time by e-mail. Advising starts Sept. 21, 2009. Sign-ups for advising will begin September 18, 2009.
In your advising appointment you will speak with an advisor about getting into Honors courses. Honors staff will be responsible for granting Honors students permission to add these restricted courses. Once registration starts, students have 48 hours to use their permission. If the student does not add the honors course during this time, s/he will be removed from the list, and the next eligible student will be offered the space. STUDENTS WILL BE NOTIFIED OF AVAILABLE SPACES VIA THEIR U OF L E-MAIL ADDRESSES. CHECK YOUR U OF L ACCOUNT OFTEN.
A new policy, as of Feb. 26, 2007: students who are not already members of the University Honors Program, and wish to apply, may not apply from September 21-October 26, 2009. We will begin seeing new applicants on October 27, 2009. This change is to better serve students: new applicants need to hear more about the program, its benefits, as well as be advised for the upcoming semester.
Honors Integrated Course
This course will satisfy more than one general education requirement, providing a free elective in a degree program. It is expected that Honors students will take advantage of these electives to provide opportunities in their schedules at a later date for Honors seminars.
Topics in Social Sciences and Oral Communications (OCSB)
HON 214-xx
see below
Prof. Christine Steineck
This course satisfies General Education learning outcomes for Social Sciences and Oral Communication. See below for information on specific sections of HON 214:
Course |
Course Number |
Meeting Times |
Room |
Instructor |
214-01 |
8111 |
MW, 4:00-5:15 |
TH132 |
Christine Steineck |
214-02 |
9891 |
TTh, 1:00-2:15 |
TH132 |
Christine Steineck |
Honors Principles of Accounting
ACCT 205-01 (6069)
TR 9:30-12:15
Prof. Christy Burge
Prerequisites: MATH 111 or 205 (or concurrently). Open only to students accepted in the Honors Program. Replaces Accounting 201/202 sequence in the business core. Students explore financial statement analysis and managerial accounting techniques and use these tools to solve business problems.
Art History
ARTH 270-01 (7643)
TR 9:30-10:45
Prof. Susan Jarosi
Course description can be found in the course catalog.
General Chemistry I (S)
CHEM 202-03
Lecture: TR 1:00-2:15
Prof. Mark Noble
See below for specific section information
The course will explore the relationship of the observable world with chemical or physical processes and with scientific aspects at the atomic and molecular level. Topics in the lecture will include problem solving, elements and compounds, chemical reactions, gas laws, energy, atomic structure, chemical bonding and molecular shape. The recitation section will provide more in-depth discussion of selected topics. See recitation information below:
Course |
Course Number |
Meeting Times |
Room |
Instructor |
CHEM 202-03A |
10625 |
W 10:00-10:50 |
CB B16 |
Mark Noble |
CHEM 202- 03B |
10627 |
W 1:00-1:50 |
CB B16 |
Mark Noble |
CHEM 202-03C |
10629 |
W 3:00-3:50 |
CB B16 |
Mark Noble |
Introduction to Chemical Analysis III-SL
CHEM 209-03
Lecture: M 10:00-10:50
Prof. Rick Baldwin
See below for specific section information
Prerequisite: CHEM 208 and successful completion of or concurrent registration in CHEM 202. Continuation of CHEM 208.
Course |
Course Number |
Meeting Times |
Room |
Instructor |
CHEM 209-03A |
13255 |
M 1:00-3:55 |
CB B16 |
Mark Noble |
CHEM 209- 03B |
13256 |
T 2:30-5:20 |
CB B16 |
Mark Noble |
CHEM 209-03C |
13257 |
R 2:30-5:20 |
CB B16 |
Mark Noble |
Organic Chemistry Lab I
CHEM 344-XX
Prof. Chris Burns
See below for specific section information
Prerequisite: Corequisite of CHEM 341 for 343; 341, 343 prerequisite and 342 corequisite for 344. 4 lab. Techniques of modern organic chemistry: syntheses, mechanistic studies, identification of unknowns by chemical and spectroscopic methods, special projects.
Section |
Course Number |
Meeting Times |
-04 |
7285 |
R, 9:30-1:25 |
-05 |
7287 |
F, 12:00-3:55 |
-07 |
7789 |
F, 1:00-4:55 |
-08 |
8365 |
R, 8:30-12:25 |
Speech Communication (OC)
COMM 111-18
TR 11:00-12:15 (8231)
TBA
The honors section of Communications 111 will focus on developing skills in both thinking about communication and in actual performance. Students will plan and deliver speeches, analyze example speeches (text and video), and critique the presentations of others in the course.
Interpersonal Skills (OC)
COMM 115-03 (8167)
TR 11:00-12:15
TBA
Training in basic processes and skills of face-to-face interaction. Emphasis on developing language, nonverbal, and conflict management skills.
Engineering Analysis Core I (M)
*** FOR SPEED SCHOOL STUDENTS ONLY.
See your Speed Advisor for more information on registering for this course.
EAC 102-xx
See below for specific section information
Introduction to vector methods and development and use of differentiation and integration to solve engineering problems, including those involving motion, related rates, optimization, moments and centers of mass. Available sections include:
Section |
Course Number |
Meeting Times |
Instructor |
-11 |
5251 |
M, 12:00-12:50 |
Tyler and Ralston |
-12 |
5253 |
||
-13 |
5359 |
Principles of Macroeconomics (SB)
ECON 202-02 (5889)
TR 1:00-2:15
Prof. Jay Vahaly
An introduction to the U.S. economy, including long-term structural developments and short-term fluctuations. Theoretical models are presented to explain changes in national output, the price level, employment, and unemployment. Competing macroeconomic models are examined and contrasted. The models provide a framework for studying fiscal and monetary policy, and the effectiveness of macroeconomic policy during recent economic history is evaluated. May be taken before ECON 201.
Principles of Macroeconomics (SB)
ECON 202-03 (6172)
TR 4:00-5:15
Prof. Jay Vahaly
An introduction to the U.S. economy, including long-term structural developments and short-term fluctuations. Theoretical models are presented to explain changes in national output, the price level, employment, and unemployment. Competing macroeconomic models are examined and contrasted. The models provide a framework for studying fiscal and monetary policy, and the effectiveness of macroeconomic policy during recent economic history is evaluated. May be taken before ECON 201.
Advanced Composition for Freshmen (WC)
ENGL 105-XX
See below for specific section information
Students share reading and writing with one another; develop critical-thinking processes with special emphasis on the conventions of primary and secondary research; develop writing processes; and practice producing finished papers that reflect academic conventions, including longer texts of 1500-2000 words that require documentation. Course content includes formal and informal writing, readings, and collaborative work in writers’ groups. ENGL 105 will be offered at the following times:
Section |
Course Number |
Meeting Times |
Instructor |
-01 |
6541 |
MWF, 10:00-10:50 |
Mattingly |
-02 |
7327 |
MWF, 1:00-1:50 |
Golding |
-03 |
7349 |
MWF, 2:00-2:50 |
Mullen |
-04 |
7969 |
TR, 2:30-3:45 |
TBD |
Business Writing -- WR
ENGL 306-03 (6563)
MW 2:00-3:15
TBD
Prerequisite: ENGL 102 or 105. Note: Approved for the Arts and Sciences upper-level requirement in written communication (WR). Designed for advanced Business students and Arts and Sciences students anticipating careers in law, business, or government. Concentrates on writing in a variety of forms of business discourse. Emphasizes practicing writing processes, developing an appropriate style, learning professional problem-solving, integrating oral and written communication, and using new communication technologies.
History of Civilizations I (SB)
HIST 105-01 (7693)
MWF 10:00-10:50
Prof. Thomas Mackey
The purpose of this course is to trace the development of Western Civilization from earliest times to the beginning of early modern times, A.D. 1300. The contribution made during these times to that development that emanated from a non-western area, namely what is now called the Middle East, will be integrated into the larger European and Mediterranean context. In this way, a methodology and framework will be provided whereby the student can understand how the culture we now live in came to being, and how we may utilize our understand of past events to deal intelligently with the problems we face today. In addition, through reading and understanding ancient and medieval documents (albeit in translation), students may also gain some insight as to how professional historians do their work. Grades will be based on three non-cumulative midterm examinations. These examinations will be one of the non-multiple guess, true/false, fill-ins, curved variety. There will also be map work.
History of Civilization II (SB)
HIST 106-01 (7695)
TR 1:00-2:15
Prof. Raphael Njoku
History 106 will deal with the rise of European civilization and world dominance, the confrontation of Europeans with the peoples of Asia and Africa, the era of the two world wars and the development of new global politics in the twentieth century. Readings will include documents, autobiographies, and fiction. Requirements: three tests, two short papers, and class participation.
Honors Thesis (WR)
HON 420-01 (12641)
John Richardson
Note regarding this course: Students taking a departmental course for Senior Honors Project work may not sign up for HON 420. Please contact 852-6293 for more information.
Cultures of America (HCD1)
HUM 152-01 (7977)
MWF 11:00-11:50
Prof. Michael Johmann
Interdisciplinary study of the arts and humanities in contemporary American culture emphasizing the convergence of European, African, Hispanic, Asian, and indigenous cultures as well as the distinguishing characteristics of each culture as revealed in three of the following areas: fine arts, drama, literature, philosophy, religion, and popular entertainment.
Introduction to World Religions (HCD1)
HUM 216-06 (8091)
TR 11:00-12:15
Prof. R. Fuller
Introduction to World Religions will expose the students to the concept and elements of religion, the basic vocabulary of each major religious tradition, and establish the cultural context for each tradition while exploring the influence of religion upon culture. Students will strengthen and improve their respect for the major religious traditions and will be able to compare and contrast how different religious traditions provide humans with a framework to find meaning for life’s questions.
Corrections in the U.S. (SB)
JA 202-02 (13125)
TR 11:00-12:15
Prof. E. Grossi
An introduction to the history, practices, and issues related to the correctional function in American criminal justice. Topics included are: history of prisons; inmate subcultures and institutions; correctional issues such as overcrowding, stress, sexual violence, and administrative problems. Both adult and juvenile corrections will be covered.
Principles of Marketing
MKT 301-03 (8847)
TR 2:30-3:45
Profs. Laforge & Jones
Prerequisites: CIS 100, ECON 201, MGMT 201, Sophopmore Standing or above. A study of the behavioral, functional, societal, international, and institutional foundations of marketing, as well as the following marketing mix variables: product, price, promotion, and channels of distribution.
Calculus II (M)
MATH 206-02 (7131)
MWF 11:00-12:15
TBD
Prerequisites: MATH 205 or EAC 101. Continuation of MATH 205; introduction to infinite series.
Introduction to Philosophy (H)
PHIL 205-03 (6785)
MWF 2:00-2:50
Prof. T. Cantrell
Prerequisite: ENGL 101. Selected writings by important philosophers (e.g., Plato, Aristotle), illustrating their problems, methods, and conclusions.
Introduction to Logic
PHIL 311-03 (6795)
TR 9:30-10:45
Prof. D. Chapman
Introduction to formal and informal techniques of argument analysis, with emphasis on applications to ordinary language.
Honors Introduction to Political Science (SB)
POLS 299-01 (13150)
MWF 1:00-1:50
Prof. Jasmine Farrier
An examination of the theories, concepts, and units of analysis used in contemporary political science. Seminar format.
Honors International Law (SB)
POLS 332-01 (8789)
TR 1:00-2:15
Prof. Mike Fowler
This course examines the effects of law on international relations. Where is law important, where is it less important, and why? To explore these issues, the class will consider a multitude of cases including the Iran hostage crisis of 1980 and four trials involving alleged Nazi, American, and Japanese war criminals. We will also examine the outlawing of piracy, slavery, drug trafficking, and genocide and explore such concepts as jurisdiction, sovereign immunity, extradition, adjudication, and sovereignty.
Introduction to Psychology (SB)
PSYC 201-03 (7613)
TR 9:30-10:45
Prof. M. Leonard
This course is designed to introduce and explore the scientific study of human behavior. Emphasis is placed on theoretical principles, methods of analysis and scientific application of the various fields comprising psychology. Course work will focus more on the analysis, synthesis, and critical evaluation of these principles, rather than on simple terminology and "facts."
Life-Span Developmental Psychology
PSYC 363-02 (9823)
TR 9:30-10:45
Prof. B. Burns
Prerequisite: PSYC 201or consent of instructor. Principles of life-span developmental psychology (conception to old age).
Honors Seminars
Students must have completed at least 24 hours and have an overall grade point average of 3.35 or higher to be considered for Honors Seminars (first-time freshmen are prohibited from taking Honors seminars until after two semesters of coursework). Permission to add the course must be granted by the Honors Director or one of the Academic Counselors in the Etscorn Honors Center (852-6293). Since enrollment is limited, the earlier you indicate your intention to take one of the Honors Seminars, the better your chances of being accepted for the course.
Note: Both the International and National Travel Seminars are BY APPLICATION ONLY. Applications can be picked up at the Etscorn Honors Center lobby, in the literature rack. Late and incomplete applications WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED NOR REVIEWED BY THE TRAVEL COURSE COMMITTEE.
***International Travel Seminar***
BY APPLICATION ONLY
International Environmental Issues (Overseers International Seminar)
HON 341-01 / HON 351-01 (13203/13204)
TR, 4:00-5:15
Profs. Russ Barnett and David Wicks
Professors Russell Barnett and David Wicks are teaching a course on Global Environmental issues that will look at three interrelated topics: The role of parks in sustaining and understanding biodiversity of a region; The role energy has in shaping life styles’ and How China is addressing climate change issues?
The course will meet on Tuesday 4 pm to 5:15 pm and 4 day long field trips on weekends (to be determined first class period) to Mammoth Cave National Park, The Floyds Fork Park, Coal mine and power plant and Kentucky renewable energy sites. Then on April 30, 2010 we will fly to Taipei, Taiwan and Beijing, China. While in Taiwan and China we will investigate Land/Biodiversity Conservation, Sustainable Energy, Climate Change, Green Schools/Universities and overall environmental understanding. The travel component of the course is hosted by the Chinese Society for Environmental Education (CSEE). CSEE will organize Taiwanese university students who will participate with us on the program.
Highlights of the Global Environmental Issues Travel Component: two days hiking/camping on the Great Wall of China, exploration of two Taiwanese National Parks {Taroko National Park and Shei-Pa National Park}; exploration of Beijing’s Imperial Palace/Forbidden City and Tian’anmen Square, as well as study and work with Taiwanese university students. From May 16 to May 26, 2010 there will be an optional post trip to Hong Kong to participate in a Hong Kong Outward Bound Program. All gear will be provided, there is an extra fee to participate. A minimum of 10 students must sign up for 7 day adventure. This course fulfills degree requirements in the Natural or the Social Sciences.
***National Travel Seminar***
Art Wars II: Blame Canada (Woodcock National Seminar)
HON 331-02 / HON 341-02 (13205/13206)
TR, 9:30-10:45
Prof. Bert Harris
When Dorothy and her friends go to see the Wizard of Oz, Toto pulls aside a drape and the Wizard roars "Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain!" Those who work in theatre can identify with the Wizard: we hide our "tricks" behind a curtain, hoping to keep our audiences blissfully in the dark.
One of the things theatre artists do in secret is study previous productions of the scripts we're working on, hoping to "borrow" good ideas. Few audience members ever see more than one production of any script (except, perhaps, for the occasional Shakespeare), and so never have the chance to compare different interpretations and stagings. In this seminar we will research—and, frequently, observe on video—previous productions of several plays and musicals, which we will then see in performance at Canada’s Shaw Festival and Stratford Festival. The principal graded work in the seminar will be in-class presentations about past productions, followed by final assessments of the selected Canadian productions in the context of other interpretations we studied.
In early May, the class will travel to Niagara-on-the-Lake to visit the Shaw Festival, and then to the Stratford Festival, with some scenic side-trips along the way. This course fulfills degree requirements in the Humanities or the Social Sciences.
State and Economy
HON 331-03 / 341-03 (13207/13208)
TR, 2:30-3:45
Prof. Cynthia Negrey
A year ago the U.S. was on the verge of financial collapse, with global ramifications. The U.S. government responded by taking control of two major mortgage institutions, partially nationalizing a large insurance firm, and, later, extending loans to two automobile companies on the verge of bankruptcy. The U.S. Federal Reserve Bank made massive infusions of cash to banks to avert a credit freeze. Decades of hegemonic deregulationist ideology were suddenly overthrown. These actions were controversial and spawned renewed widespread debate about the role of government in the private economy. "State and Economy" will critically examine the relationship between government and the economy in the U.S. using a case study approach that focuses on the 2008 financial crisis, Reaganomics and deregulation, the Great Depression and the New Deal, and antitrust and legal establishment of the corporation. Incidentally, it will also explore the role of state and local governments in local economic development. The course concludes with an examination of the relationship between the government and the economy from various theoretical perspectives.
This course fulfills degree requirements in the Humanities or the Social Sciences.
Peace Studies
HON 331-04 / 341-04 (13211/13212)
MW, 4:00-5:15
Prof. Russ Vandenbroucke
This seminar will focus on core issues in these broad and interdisciplinary fields such as: conflict analysis, non-violent action, violence prevention, warism, conflict transformation, peacemaking and peace building, and gender and peace. Readings will be drawn from practitioners in these fields. Cambodia in the aftermath of the Khmer Rouge will provide a case study in conflict and reconstruction. Students will keep a journal throughout the class and also attend and report on a public event pertaining to peace and conflict. At the end of the semester students will design a concrete peace project that addresses in detail an issue of their choosing.
This course fulfills degree requirements in the Humanities or the Social Sciences.
The Graphic Memoir | WR
HON 336-01 / 346-01 (13599/13600)
MW, 1:00-2:15
Prof. Nickole Brown
This course will be a thorough study of one genre of contemporary comics—the graphic memoir. By specifically concentrating on autobiographical work, this class will investigate how each artist depict struggles of childhood and coming of age. From there, we will learn how to tell our own stories by drawing words and writing pictures. Both an introduction to creative writing and narrative visual art, this class will deepen your knowledge of how to read and tell narratives with comic-book craft and literary technique.
We will be reading a wide variety of graphic memoirs, including Craig Thompson’s Blankets,
David B.’s Epileptic, Dash Shaw’s Bottomless Bellybutton, and Alison Bechdel’s Fun Home. In addition, we will be using the textbook Drawing Words & Writing Pictures as a guide.
Course objectives include students: learning to think critically and examine the graphic novels read in class as well as additional research materials. Particular emphasis will be given to the juxtapositions of art and language and the possibilities of this genre; developing aesthetic understanding by interpreting texts and appreciating the value of the creative imagination and their own creative powers. This course fulfills degree requirements in the Humanities or the Social Sciences.
Gustave Courbet and Eduard Manet: The Birth of the Modern Artist in Paris | WR
HON 336-02 / HON 346-02
TR, 2:30-3:45
Prof. Patricia Condon
This course will take us back to the mid-19th century in France where this elevated status for the individual artist got its start. Two artists, Gustave Courbet (1819-1877) and Eduard Manet (1832-1883) will provide the opportunity for a comparative study in the evolution of what it means to be an “avant-garde” or “modern” artist.
We will consider socio-economic backgrounds (the rural, unkempt ruffian, versus the urban bourgeois gentleman in top hat and frock coat with cane); education (both were exposed to the traditional art academy, yet Courbet abandoned it with vehemence, while Manet remained engrained in a reliance Old Masters even as his own work grew more radical in its departures from the norm). A critically important factor will be how each reached the art audience by way of public exhibitions. The annual Salon organized by the French government will be compared to modernist alternatives to it. The watershed event marking the transition to a new art world was the alternate Salon of 1862 which showcased the Refusés (Refused Works). Courbet and Manet had also daringly mounted their own one-man shows in conjunction with the World Expositions in Paris.
One critical aspect to our investigation of the careers of these masters is the art criticism appearing in the flood of daily and weekly papers in Paris and campaigns for modernism mounted by the literary figures like Charles Baudelaire and Emil Zola.
This course fulfills degree requirements in the Humanities or the Social Sciences.
Parenting: Science and Practice
HON 441-01 / HON 451-01 (13601/13602)
T, 2:30-5:00
Prof. Barbara Burns
This seminar will provide an introduction to the neuroscience of attachment in human relationships and relate findings on the developing social brain to research on parent-child relationships. Secondly, we will focus on the significance of early experiences and memory encoding mechanisms for the development of memory and the self in children. We will study the research that suggests that early stressful experiences may impact developing memory in different ways than non-stressful experiences. Third, we will discuss an array of topics, including parenting and ethnicity, parenting and gender, fathering, grandparents as parents, parenting children with special challenges—such as learning disabilities, mental illness, chronic illness, etc., with a focus on identifying how basic research science on these topics may inform parenting practice. The final section of the class will focus on research-based parent training programs that are designed to support sensitivity and attachment. We will learn components of several parent training programs and evaluate the research that suggests that more nurturing parenting can impact children’s trust, meaningful attachment and positive communication. This seminar would be of particular interest to students in psychology, medicine, social work and education. This course fulfills degree requirements in the Social Sciences or Natural Sciences. This course is cross-listed with Psychology as PSYC 404-01 (13189).
What it Takes to be a CEO
HON 441-02 (11037)
TR, 8:00-9:15
Prof. Christy Burge
Are you aspiring to be a great leader? What are the common traits of great leaders? Do you have what it takes?
We will be trying to identify the traits great business, political and sports leaders have in common. We will read and discuss such best-sellers as Good to Great, Lincoln on Leadership, and a couple of others. Every student will have the opportunity to choose a leader he or she believes is great and analyze that leader based on traits identified. There will be opportunity for open debate amongst peers. We will have numerous leaders from the community to discuss their opinions of leadership strategies and traits. A community project of your design is assigned to help you apply the skills of a great leader. HON 441-02 fulfills degree requirements in the Social Sciences. This course is cross-listed with the College of Business as BUS 441-01 (9847). For information on registering for this course through the College of Business, please contact them directly.
Body and Health II: The Community
HON 441-03 / HON 451-03 (13209/13210)
TR, 1:00-2:15
Prof. Paul Salmon
The Spring Semester of this year long course on health and wellness, termed 'Healthy People, Healthy Planet' will expand our current focus from the individual to the community. The major purpose of this course is to develop a visionary plan for a Community Wellness Center that will integrate the University of Louisville's Belknap Campus with the surrounding community. The proposed center will serve as an anchor point for facilities, programs, and research on health and wellness conducted by University staff, faculty, and students. The center will serve as a Wellness Center for a diverse population of children and adults drawn from the surrounding neighborhood(s), many of whom have been designated as unserved populations with elevated health risk levels. The Center will offer a diverse range of fitness, health, and wellness facilities, as well as community-oriented health programs and classes.
Topics for consideration include:
- Existing community models and programs
- Architectural design
- Environmental sustainability
- Access via public (TARC) and other transportation options
- Demographic considerations: Population parameters & health statistics
- Facilities, programs, and resources
-'Green' exercise equipment (e.g. power-generating elliptical machines)
- Funding sources
- Environmental integration (UofL is located at the hub of Louisville's parkway system
- Inter-agency collaboration ('town and gown')
This project will be developed using Blackboard-based WIKI technology. Results will be presented to university and community personnel as a means of securing feedback and assessing feasibility. Course readings will be based in Health & Exercise Psychology, Environmental Studies, Exercise Physiology, Architecture & Design, and other related fields. Students from a diverse range of academic disciplines are encouraged to enroll in this course. Please note: Participation in the Body and Health I course is desirable but not required. This course fulfills degree requirements in the Social Sciences or Natural Sciences.
The Literature of U.S. Slavery | WR
HON 436-01 / HON 446-01 (13213/13214)
MWF, 12:00-12:50
Prof. Carol Mattingly
The slavery issue in the U.S. was the most pressing in the 19th century, with repercussions we still experience. This seminar examines the conversations in literature about U.S. slavery prior to the Civil War in an effort to understand the workings of both pro- and anti-slavery proponents. We will examine speeches, essays, poetry, treatises, narratives, and fiction influential in supporting or destroying slavery. By the end of the seminar, students should:
- Recognize defining moments in the conversation about slavery
- Understand the primary arguments used to defend and oppose slavery
- Be familiar with a wide variety of literature participating in the slavery debate
- Understand the climate that provided the context for slavery literature
- Understand the impact of slave revolts and the rhetoric and literature surrounding them
- Be able to draw connections between early slavery rhetoric and contemporary rhetoric about race
- Recognize the power and purpose of a variety of genres
This course fulfills degree requirements in the Humanities or Social Sciences. This course is cross-listed with English as ENGL 402-01 (13215). For information on registering for this course through English, please contact the department directly.
Poets, Priests and Politicians: Natural History and the Soul of the Modern Western World| WR
HON 436-02 / HON 446 -02 (13603/13604)
MW, 2:30-3:45
Prof. Michael Johmann
Three hundred years ago it all seemed so simple. Around six thousand years earlier God had created the world in six days (although a few ungrateful know-it-alls said otherwise) and the whole of Nature existed in a Great Chain of Being that extended from the Heavens above to the small particular of dirt. Newton had discovered the laws that govern the universe and mankind’s job was to find its place in the natural order and be content. But then, very quickly in fact, that easy explanation started to go wrong. What need of deity constantly imposing itself on a lawful universe, the descendants of Newton reasoned? That’s why there’s natural law in the first place—to keep things orderly. All thanks to the Divine Architect, but the universe can manage itself from here. But wait, cried the poets, the world is a lonely place without that sense, “of something evermore about to be”. Perhaps God is simply that sense of interconnectedness we feel in the organic unity of things. At least we can take comfort in the arms of Mother Nature. Then we made the mistake of studying the rocks. You know, the rocks that form the layers of the earth. Suddenly the earth was a lot older—you know, like Congressional budget numbers older, and the fossil record revealed in the rocks didn’t make for happy memories either. Why do organisms appear to become more complex over time? Why do certain forms of life seem to develop and then disappear altogether? Deep Time. Dead Ends. Big Problems. And all of that twenty years before Darwin, before “survival of the fittest”, before Christmas sales at Walmart or episodes of “Survivor”, for that matter. This course will investigate the changing views of the natural world and its effects on Western culture from the era of the Enlightenment to the early 20th century. In addition to the history of scientific advances covering such fields as astronomy, cosmology, biology and geology, we will explore the efforts of poets, politicians, theologians, early environmentalists, even occultists and children’s authors to portray the world of nature as a universe that still made sense and was somehow still worth living in. Arrangements will be made for at least one afternoon field trip to nearby Bernheim forest (about 25 minutes from campus) with the possibility of additional field trips to Red River Gorge in eastern Kentucky and a certain museum that shall remain nameless in northern Kentucky.This course fulfills degree requirements in the Humanities or Social Sciences.
