Course Description

In this seminar we will engage with texts (and films) that are ostensibly about science in the broad sense, but our primary focus will be on how we construct knowledge and subsequently use that knowledge to build a sense of self and gain understanding of our place in the universe.   

Meeting Place and Times 

Online

Instructor(s)

John Townsend-Mehler

Prerequisites

None 

Tuition and Fees

If you are accepted into a qualified online program, see the appropriate MSU Online Only Tuition and Fee table.

If you are also taking a face-to-face course, please refer to the MSU Fee Schedules.

Required Books/Materials

  • Alan Lightman:  Song of Two Worlds
  • Carl Sagan:  Contact
  • Michael J. Sandel: Justice
  • Mary Shelley:  Frankenstein
  • Rebecca Skloot:  The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks
  • Agustin Fuentes:  The Creative Spark

 Textbooks are available from most online retailers or the MSU bookstore.

Computer Requirements:

  • Internet access
  • A device and browser that pass the system check for Brightspace LE, MSU's learning management system. 

For More Information

Contact the instructor John Townsend-Mehler

How to Register

You must be accepted as a student to Montana State University to take this course.

Learn how to apply.

After your application has been accepted, you will register via MSU's online registration system, MyInfo.

Registration requires a PIN number. Learn how to find your PIN.

Once you have your PIN, learn how to register through MyInfo.