THE NATURE OF SCIENCE TODAY:
Regardless of your background, you will end the course with a more sophisticated understanding of the nature of science today.

 SCIENTIFIC PROCESS:
We will explore the scientific process, and particularly "the Scientific Method" and whether there is one "scientific method," multiple "scientific methods," or whether "method" is perceived only in hindsight after a discovery has become widely accepted.

 SCIENTIFIC AUTHORITY:
We will examine how authority and reputation work in the scientific profession and in the popular media.

 THE LANGUAGE OF SCIENCE:
We will analyze the language used to write and talk about science, and how the choice of language reflects particular backgrounds, worldviews, and goals.

 CAUSALITY:
We will trace cause/effect claims in science and the science-related popular media as well as examining our own cause/effect claims about how science works and how science works in our society.

 REPRESENTATION:
We will explore how the representations of scientific ideas and findings and of scientists vary, and how such variations wind up effecting the public understanding of science and scientists.