Subject: USNA

Term: Spring 2009

USNA 206: Land and Life in the Americas (100/11311)

TR 02:45-04:00 PM Jan 12-Apr 27

Ricca, B

This course investigates the physical processes that shape the Earth's environments and how these environments have influenced, and been influenced by, human history. A principle focus will be the evolution of the Americas since the end of the last ice age. We will apply what we learn to the history of cultural development and to debate environmental issues facing us today. This class is limited to students participating in SAGES.

USNA 211: Einstein, Space and Time (100/11108)

TR 01:15-02:30 PM Jan 12-Apr 27

Morrison, H

This course will explore the profound changes in our conception of space and time brought about by Einstein's theories of special and general relativity. As a University Seminar, it will also integrate writing and discussion about these topics into the class and explore the philosophical and technological context in which the ideas were developed.

USNA 216: Fuel Cells--Reality, Prospects and Myth (100/11343)

MW 03:00-04:15 PM Jan 12-Apr 27

Savinell, R

Fuel cells have been recently identified as a key source for non-polluting, oil-independent energy in the future. In this course, we will study and critically analyze the prospects, barriers, and impact of broad implementation of fuel cells, focusing primarily on the transportation sector. Major topics of the course include: (i) World and U.S. energy outlook; (ii) Potential role and impact of fuel-cells, their advantages, limitations and prospects for improvements; (iii) Alternative fuels--source, availability, distribution and cost; (iv) Potential political, public policy, economic, and environmental impact of large-scale implementation of fuel-cells technology. The course is designed for students from all disciplines. Students will be expected to read assigned texts and articles and critically analyze statements and points of view presented. Quantitative analysis is expected where appropriate.

USNA 220: Suburban Landscapes: Nature, Technology, and Culture (100/11109)

TR 01:15-02:30 PM Jan 12-Apr 27

Olbricht, E

This course will examine suburban neighborhoods by focusing on the design of technology and nature in these spaces. The way that people understand and operate in the world is so entangled with values and assumptions that the physical shape of the world cannot be separated from human culture. In this sense, suburban landscapes are not simply neighborhoods but also examples of culture. The form of the land and the technologies in the suburbs are continually reshaped to correspond with the cultures of the people occupying those spaces. By studying suburban landscapes we can see how the ideas in people's heads become part of the physical world in which we live.

USNA 231: Cholesterol: The Good, the Bad, and the Money (100/11559)

TR 10:00-11:15 AM Jan 12-Apr 27

Burgess, J

Cholesterol molecules are essential building blocks of human cells and are required for biosynthesis of some hormones. The word "cholesterol" has, however, become notorious as several diseases are linked to improper bio-processing of the molecule. Indeed, all middle-aged people are encouraged to have their cholesterol checked and monitored as needed. This course will educate students with respect to the role of cholesterol in human health and in specific disease states. Students will learn the difference between "good" and "bad" cholesterol, and the rationale for these labels. Additional topics include dietary contributions to cholesterol, cholesterol lowering drugs, the continuing evolution of what is considered to be a healthy blood cholesterol level and the factors driving this changing scale. Reading assignments will range from News Paper articles to scientific publications.

USNA 236: Upheavals in Astronomy (100/9061)

MW 09:00-10:15 AM Jan 12-Apr 27

Kaelin, R

This seminar is held at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History.

USNA 237: Landscape History and Conservation (100/11110)

MW 04:00-05:15 PM Jan 12-Apr 27

Olbricht, E

Human history is intimately intertwined with the natural landscape on which it occurred. From coastal preserves and their beach communities to Midwestern farmland and the preserved site of Thoreau's Walden Pond cabin, and at places like the Grand Canyon, the American landscape itself holds many clues to our country's natural, ecological, and cultural history. This course will investigate the lived landscape in two ways (which have a multitude of shades to them): as a place where humans shape the natural for their own memorial, productive, and aesthetic uses, or as a natural place that humans set aside or conserve. We will read landscape history and conservation theory, and we will consider global practices of conservation through UNESCO's World Heritage Sites. Class work will entail a process-oriented project on the Cleveland landscape, which students are encouraged to approach through the lens of their major. We will visit the Wade Oval and the cultural gardens of Rockefeller Park as an example of current conservation practices working to protect the natural and cultural value of the local landscape.

USNA 238: The Role of Materials Science in Emerging Technologies (100/11402)

MWF 03:00-03:50 PM Jan 12-Apr 27

Lagerlof, P

The development of engineering applications is, and has historically been, closely related to the development of new engineering materials. In fact, specific civilizations and time periods in the past are classified by the materials used for engineering applications, e.g., the Bronze Age. This university seminar will examine the role of materials developments in the past, as well as explore the needs and impact of new materials in emerging technologies; areas of focus will be (I) Power generation, transmission and storage, (ii) Electronic devices and electronic applications, and (iii) Biomedical engineering and medical imaging applications.

USNA 243: CWRU's Carbon Footprint (100/11560)

TR 01:15-02:30 PM Jan 12-Apr 27

Robson, L

CWRU has conducted dozens of energy efficiency projects addressing sustainability, energy, and climate issues. All of which aims at reducing the University's environmental footprint.. A core component of CWRU's first carbon footprint inventory, is engaging in strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Using the campus as a living laboratory, participants will complete CWRU's first carbon footprint inventory, and will collectively write the University's first Climate Action Plan. Students will become familiar with general climate issues and will conduct an institutional greenhouse gas inventory using data on CWRU's energy consumption and other pertinent institutional practices. Complimenting the practical aspects of the course, we will also explore organizational and economic opportunities in sustainability, energy, policy, and processes of organizational change for sustainability. Many examples from other campuses will be used in addition to expert guest speakers.

USNA 247: Epidemics in Human History (100/11111)

TR 04:30-05:45 PM Jan 12-Apr 27

Maguire, M

This course will examine the role of epidemics (of all types) in human history. Disease has shaped our society in many ways and continues to do so. Despite the plethora of antibiotic and antiviral drugs since 1940, 90% of the decrease in (First World) infectious disease is due to simple public health measures and better hygiene. But overuse of antibiotics increasingly is causing the rapid evolution of "superbugs" that threaten new plagues and epidemics. Both historical and modern epidemics of plague, smallpox, Salmonella, cholera, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS will be examined. The interaction of these epidemics with societies and how the epidemics influence society, cultures, art, and literature will be major topics of discussion. The course is primarily discussion with short student presentations. In addition, 3-4 short "Front Lines" talks by and discussion with CWRU and University Hospital clinicians explore today's realities of epidemics, infection, and antibiotic resistance in the United States, Uganda, South Africa and elsewhere.

USNA 248: Our Energy Enigma (100/11344)

MWF 09:30-10:20 AM Jan 12-Apr 27

Chottiner, G

There is little consensus about energy policies in the United States. Should we drill for more oil, build more nuclear power plants, invest in solar and wind power, grow biofuels, clean our dirty coal, mandate stricter efficiency standards, or hold out for hydrogen? Many just throw up their hands in frustration at the flood of so-called facts and with the barrage of proposals for dealing with impending energy and global climate change crises, which may or may not be real. We will attempt to separate reality from hype, and policy from politics. This won't be simple and it will not be possible to classify every option as right or wrong, good or bad. It is, however, important to make the effort, since energy production will be critical to our future. Also, the type of research and reasoning needed to understand energy policies can be applied across a broad spectrum of issues. Students in Our Energy Enigma will read a variety of books, essays and news articles on both sides of important issues such as: are we running out of oil, is nuclear energy safe and affordable, are wind and solar energy practical, are conservation and efficiency standards helpful, is global climate change a real concern. The important considerations in our discussions won't generally be the capabilities of our technologies (that's the easy part) but rather the psychology, sociology, economics and politics associated with making changes in national policies and personal habits.