Subject: USNA

Term: Fall 2019

USNA 211: Einstein, Space and Time (100/10846)

TR 01:00-02:15 PM Aug 26-Dec 06

Kriessler, J

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 226: Evolution of Human Behavior (100/10847)

TR 08:30-09:45 AM Aug 26-Dec 06

Reeves, M

Human behavior is a result of the complex interplay between our genes and the environment, both of which have been shaped by evolutionary forces over millions of years. To what extent does natural selection shape our behavior today? Are humans naturally monogamous? Why do conflicts arise even in our most intimate relationships? Is human behavior ultimately in the service of reproductive success, ensuring that our genes are passed into the next generation? This course reviews the history of evolutionary theories of mind and behavior, as well as current ideas about the ecological and genetic components of behavior. We will examine key principles of neurobiology, sociobiology, and evolutionary psychology to critically evaluate evolutionary interpretations of human behaviors, including those comprising cultural traditions and social institutions. Specific topics to be addressed include human mate choice, parenting strategies, interpersonal conflict, and altruism. The course is structured as a seminar, with emphasis on discussion and formation of logical arguments.

USNA 287C: Animals and Humans: Making Sense of the Human-Animal Bond (100/10848)

MWF 10:35-11:25 AM Aug 26-Dec 06

Oldfield, R

Humans have an incredibly complex relationship with (non-human) animals. We eat some animals and consider other animals members of our family. We worship some animals and vilify others. This class examines the complexities of our relationship with (non-human) animals. Through exploring human emotional, practical, and epistemological ties with animals, this course examines what it means to be animal as well as what it means to be human. We analyze the following questions. How do we come to know and understand animals? What are the issues surrounding the use of animals in scientific speculation, classification and experimentation, such as vivisection, cloning and the human-animal relationship in technoscience? Do some non-human animals possess material culture, social morality, and emotions such as grief and sadness? Why do animals populate our popular culture and art?

USNA 287G: Genes, Genomes and Society (100/10849)

TR 10:00-11:15 AM Aug 26-Dec 06

Salz, H

2013 marks the 60th anniversary of the discovery of the double helix of DNA and the 10th anniversary of the sequencing of the first human genome. Advances in genetics (the study of individual genes), and genomics (the study of an entire genome) have fundamentally altered our understanding of biology. In this seminar, we will focus on topics covered by the mainstream press. We will explore the science behind the news and discuss the philosophical, ethical and societal concerns raised by these scientific advances. Topics will include: the dangers and benefits of genetically modified crops; genetics and the conservation of endangered species; learning about human biology and disease from yeast, flies, worms and fish; the use and potential misuse of genetic fingerprinting by government agencies; genetic testing; personalized medicine; and issues of genetic privacy.

USNA 287S: Society and Natural Resources (100/10850)

MW 04:50-06:05 PM Aug 26-Dec 06

Hardy, S

The relationship between humans and the natural world can be defined in large part by how societies manage natural resources. In this seminar, students will analyze how society-environment interactions have undergone substantial shifts over time...from John Locke's Labor Theory of Value and the rise of utilitarian conservation to more recent approaches based on ecosystem management that emphasize ecological integrity and stakeholder collaboration. Course readings will challenge students to think critically about how humans conceptualize and impact the environment. Class time will be spent discussing the evolution of effective human-ecological systems interactions as outlined in the readings, as well as reviewing student reflection papers that connect course concepts to real word scenarios.

USNA 288C: Physics for Future Innovators & World Leaders (100/11193)

MW 04:50-06:05 PM Aug 26-Dec 06

Caner, E

We live in an increasingly technological society. Advances in technology improve our lives in countess ways, but they sometimes produce problems and challenges that are so complex that the average business or political leader may not understand them--and therefore cannot make effective decisions to address them. Whether the problem is what to do about climate change, deciding on which sources of energy are worthy of investment, updating the electrical grid, or how to deal with terrorist threats, we will be able to find the best solutions only if our leaders have an adequate understanding of the underlying physical principles (e.g., energy, force, space, radiation, electricity, and exponential growth), and where to find credible information that will assist in answering key questions. This course is designed to equip students with that knowledge. We will also explore various "conversation" that pertain to the above issues with the goal of gaining a better understanding of differing points of view (e.g., reporter, scientist, business person, politician, parent, student, people from different cultures), and how rudimentary understanding of the science behind some of our most pressing technological problems can affect a person's stance or actions. This seminar is appropriate for undergraduates of any major.

USNA 288I: Beyond Silicon Valley: Growing Entrepreneurship in Transitioning Economies (100/10851)

MW 12:45-02:00 PM Aug 26-Dec 06

Goldberg, M

The path for entrepreneurs to grow their companies outside of well-developed entrepreneurial ecosystems like Silicon Valley is challenging. Most markets around the world do not look like Silicon Valley and they never will. But there are other models to support new businesses. In transitioning markets (where entrepreneurs do not have much access to private sector financing), government officials, donors, and business leaders are experimenting with creative approaches to support the growth of entrepreneurs. Cleveland is one such place exploring innovative approaches to support new businesses. For over ten years, there has been a massive intervention of government and donor resources to cultivate this entrepreneurial ecosystem. Has this intervention worked in Cleveland? How should success be measured? How does Cleveland's approach differ from approaches elsewhere around the world? In an unusual twist for a SAGES seminar, the regular classroom discussions will be complemented by your enrollment in a massive open online course (MOOC) that I developed for CWRU. The MOOC is called "Beyond Silicon Valley: Growing Entrepreneurship in Transitioning Economies" and examines the Cleveland case study in depth. The course has attracted over 44,000 students from 190 countries since its launch in April 2014. So, not only will you explore how communities around the world support entrepreneurship, you will also learn about the rapidly developing field of online learning and MOOCs.

USNA 288K: Burn, Baby, Burn! (100/10852)

MW 03:20-04:35 PM Aug 26-Dec 06

Schiraldi, D

In the title of his novel Farenheit 451, Ray Bradbury was referring to the autoignition temperature for paper. But why does cellulose burn at 451 degrees and not some other temperature? Why do other materials ignite at other temperatures? What exactly happens when materials burn? How can we apply an understanding of the chemistry of combustion to various engineering and social challenges? For example, how does one test flammability? How can we use this knowledge to reduce fire accidents, for example by producing less flammable materials? To inform our investigation, we will read about the history of fire and society, experiment with the basics of materials combustion and testing, and observe how this knowledge is applied at a flammability testing facility.

USNA 288O: Our Perplexing Universe: From Pluto to Cosmology (100/11194)

MW 03:20-04:35 PM Aug 26-Dec 06

Zehavi, I

Varied and extensive observations over the past century have dramatically changed our understanding of the universe and led to the current era of precision cosmology. Despite the immense progress, several key puzzles about the nature and makeup of the universe remain. How do we make sense of our universe? Why do these questions persist, even with our continued efforts and advanced technologies? In this course, we will consider many of the "big questions" about the cosmos, how our views of it have evolved, and speculate on some of the outstanding problems in modern cosmology. Our inquiry will range from Pluto's planetary status to the Big Bang model and the evidence for dark matter and dark energy, with a special emphasis on the challenge of elucidating these complex phenomena to a wide audience.

USNA 289A: Antibiotics: From Miracle Drugs to Superbugs (100/11012)

TR 04:00-05:15 PM Aug 26-Dec 06

Pusztai-Carey, M

Since the discovery of penicillin in 1928, antibiotics have become an essential drug in the treatment and prevention of bacterial infections. They are used to cure sexually transmitted diseases, to ward off complications after surgery, and to boost the yield and safety of our food supply. This widespread use has created a significant problem: antibiotic-resistant "superbugs" are emerging at an alarming rate. It has been estimated that the useful lifetime of an antibiotic is only eight years. What can physicians, patients, policy-makers, corporations, and consumers do to address this trend? In this seminar, we will examine the science and history of antibiotics, some of the reasons for their overuse, and possible solutions to the problem of antibiotic resistance.

USNA 289A: Antibiotics: From Miracle Drugs to Superbugs (101/11013)

TR 02:30-03:45 PM Aug 26-Dec 06

Carey, P

Since the discovery of penicillin in 1928, antibiotics have become an essential drug in the treatment and prevention of bacterial infections. They are used to cure sexually transmitted diseases, to ward off complications after surgery, and to boost the yield and safety of our food supply. This widespread use has created a significant problem: antibiotic-resistant "superbugs" are emerging at an alarming rate. It has been estimated that the useful lifetime of an antibiotic is only eight years. What can physicians, patients, policy-makers, corporations, and consumers do to address this trend? In this seminar, we will examine the science and history of antibiotics, some of the reasons for their overuse, and possible solutions to the problem of antibiotic resistance.

USNA 289F: Biology of Sleep and Dreams (100/10853)

MW 08:00-09:15 AM Aug 26-Dec 06

Moawad, H

Sleep is a fundamental to human survival, yet the physical and emotional components of sleep are only partially understood. In this seminar, students will investigate unanswered questions about the biology of sleep and dreams, including how sleep impacts and is impacted by wakefulness. We will read about and discuss the meaning of consciousness and the changes that occur in the body during wakefulness, sleep, and dreaming. And we will examine these states primarily from the biological perspective, with attention to the psychological and social influences and effects as well. In applying these perspectives, students will develop familiarity with approaches used to study sleep physiology, including the use of objective measures of altered states of consciousness, as well as narrative descriptions of individuals' experiences when normal sleep patterns are disrupted. In addition, students will investigate their own sleep and dreams.

USNA 289G: Exploring the Drivers of FinTech (100/10901)

TR 10:00-11:15 AM Aug 26-Dec 06

Harmon, G

The field of finance has experienced a burst of technological advances that have disrupted and transformed the traditional methods of accessing, allocating, and transferring capital. Understanding the evolution of traditional finance methods is increasingly important for meaningfully distinguishing the advantages and disadvantages of traditional versus emerging methods and models. Unfortunately, many people's exposure to this revolution is limited to two ideas that are prevalent in the media: crypto-currencies and disruption. While these are key pieces of FinTech, to really appreciate the change it is necessary to understand the three pillars of innovation that are driving it. This course will provide the forum to gain an understanding of those three pillars of FinTech innovation: the Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence, and Blockchain. Armed with this understanding we will explore how they are changing finance broadly, how that may impact the need for regulation, how it is driving change in social acceptance of conducting financial transactions, and how it raises possible concerns in new areas like the need for privacy and security. More technology may not always be the right answer.

USNA 289N: The Mind's Essential Tension (100/10908)

TR 11:30-12:45 PM Aug 26-Dec 06

Jack, A

The idea that the mind is fundamentally divided has been around from ancient to modern times. Sometimes this division is explicitly claimed to be a critical feature of human nature; other times it is expressed as different ways of being-in or experiencing the world; in yet other cases the focus is on contrasting domains that the mind either apprehends or creates. Examples include: yin vs. yang, spiritual vs material, numinous vs. mundane, masculine vs. feminine, mind vs. body/matter, theoretical vs. practical reason, science vs. arts/humanities, reason vs. passion, normative vs descriptive, fact vs. value, poetry vs. prose, to have vs. to be, doing vs. being, left brain vs. right brain, empathizing vs. systemizing, thinking fast vs. slow. There can be no doubt that the notion of a divided mind has proven intuitively appealing to many. However, to what degree is such an idea supported by careful and rigorous scholarship? Each of the claimed divisions listed above has been critiqued, often ferociously and with good reason. However, there is also a compelling case to be made for the presence of a division. Strong examples come from numerous disciplines: from philosophy, work on ethics and aesthetics, in the Continental tradition, and on the problems of consciousness and free will; from psychology, work on decision making (prospect theory) and thinking styles; from neuroscience, work on the network structure of the brain. In this class, we will be focused on asking the following questions: Is there a fundamental division in the mind? If so, what is the nature of the division? Why is it helpful to claim a division--what work does it do? How is it unhelpful? To what degree are apparent divisions products of culture and context, vs. biology? How might a scientific account of the division transform our understanding of historically influential divisions? How might historical and/or philosophical work inform current scientific research?

USNA 289Q: Unsustainable Fashion: The Environmental Impact of Plastics in Textiles (100/11129)

MWF 09:30-10:20 AM Aug 26-Dec 06

Khani, S

The emergence of the plastics industry in the 20th century revolutionized textile fabrication. Rayon and Nylon became inexpensive alternatives to silk. Polyester helped keep clothes wrinkle-free and easy to care for. Performance fleece and faux fur provided alternatives to materials harvested from animals. At the same time, however, textile manufacturing is one of the most important polluting industries in the world, producing toxic chemicals that contaminate water, soil, and the plants and animals that we eat. Therefore, the modern fashion industry is unsustainable and is the 2nd largest water-polluting industry and is responsible for 10% of the carbon footprint in the world. Sustainable fashion is a philosophy that involves creating a strategy to make a change in different levels from textile fabrication to design, production of fashion items and consumers' attitude. What would it take to make fashion more sustainable? Is it possible to re-think textile fabrication and fashion design? Can fashion be "plastic-free?" What role can marketing and consumer behavior play in a more sustainable fashion of the future? In this seminar, we will investigate the history of fashion and textile fabrication, especially how the emergence of plastics revolutionized the industry. We will also examine the social and environmental impacts of the plastics-based fashion industry, considering sustainable solutions, as well as the challenges they face.