Subject: USNA

Term: Fall 2024

USNA 226: Evolution of Human Behavior (100/11511)

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 250: Science Communication (100/11503)

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

Moawad, H

In this course, students will analyze and practice the genres of communication central to academic science writing, like literature reviews, poster presentations, funding proposals, and visualization and explanation of data. We will also experiment with how to communicate scientific findings in popular venues, like social media, documentaries, popular magazines, and health websites. Students will choose a research question that they work on all semester, writing and presenting in different popular and academic genres to communicate their research. The course content will draw from research work in the physical sciences, including Astronomy, Physics, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences. Students cannot receive credit for both USNA 250 and ASTR 350.

USNA 287C: Animals and Humans: Making Sense of the Human-Animal Bond (100/11506)

MWF 11:40-12:30 PM 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 287S: Society and Natural Resources (100/11507)

MW 03:20-04:35 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 287S: Society and Natural Resources (101/11508)

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 288I: Beyond Silicon Valley: Growing Entrepreneurship in Transitioning Economies (100/11509)

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

Cashon, T; 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 289A: Antibiotics: From Miracle Drugs to Superbugs (100/11501)

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

Wang, S

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 (100/11504)

TR 01:00-02:15 PM 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 289F: Biology of Sleep and Dreams (101/11505)

TR 02:30-03:45 PM 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 (100/11704)

TR 01:00-02:15 PM 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 289X: Sexual Revolutions (100/11707)

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

Rabinovitch-Fox, E

Modern American society, from the late nineteenth century on, saw major changes to human behavior and understanding of sexuality, often seen as a "revolution." This course will examine these changes from the late Victorian Period to present day, focusing on the social and technological developments during this time period. In this course, we will explore the rise of sexology as a field of science, the development of reproductive and sexual technologies, as well as the social, cultural, and political forces that shape ideas about sex. By analyzing both primary and secondary documents, we will investigate what is the idea of sexual freedom and how it intersected with categories of race, religion, and class, as well as what constitutes sexual liberation and oppression. By looking at how issues of sexuality were central to political debates during the twentieth century, students will revisit definitions of sex, gender, identities, revolution, and backlash.

USNA 289X: Sexual Revolutions (101/11708)

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

Rabinovitch-Fox, E

Modern American society, from the late nineteenth century on, saw major changes to human behavior and understanding of sexuality, often seen as a "revolution." This course will examine these changes from the late Victorian Period to present day, focusing on the social and technological developments during this time period. In this course, we will explore the rise of sexology as a field of science, the development of reproductive and sexual technologies, as well as the social, cultural, and political forces that shape ideas about sex. By analyzing both primary and secondary documents, we will investigate what is the idea of sexual freedom and how it intersected with categories of race, religion, and class, as well as what constitutes sexual liberation and oppression. By looking at how issues of sexuality were central to political debates during the twentieth century, students will revisit definitions of sex, gender, identities, revolution, and backlash.

USNA 290A: The History of Medical Technology in Twelve Artifacts (100/11512)

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

Mahoney, A

Drawing upon the Dittrick Medical History Center's artifact collections, this seminar examines the history of medical technology with an emphasis on the complex and increasingly influential role of technology in the U.S. healthcare system during the twentieth century. It explores the development and implementation of new innovations as well as the consequences, both intended and unintended, of our reliance upon such medical devices. Technology (artifacts, techniques, and technical knowledge) is not neutral, it is shaped by society and culture. This class will explore the intersections between medical technology and race, gender, sexuality, and ability and their implications for emerging innovations. In addition to discussing assigned readings, in-class activities will include workshops with Dittrick Museum artifacts and informal individual student presentations. Students will also learn how to write for different audiences by creating exhibit labels, social media content, and exhibition concepts for Dittrick Museum artifacts.

USNA 290B: Technologies of Race and Gender (100/11735)

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

Rabinovitch-Fox, E

Technology has become an essential part of our daily life--the way we experience the world and think about it--and as such is also central to how we understand our identities and status. This seminar will explore the ways in which gender, race, and technology intersect with one another, considering both how notions of race and gender shape technology and the technological professions, and how technology itself produces ideas and practices of gender, sexuality, and race. During the course we will examine questions such as how does technology offer possibilities for new social relations? What role have women and BIPOC people played in the development of technology? How does technology both challenge and maintain gender, race, and class hierarchies? How does technology shape our understanding of sexuality and race? Why are there so few women in STEM? What is the impact of feminism on technological innovations? and can we create an anti-racist technology? The course will examine these questions through a focus on three thematic units: The Race and Gender of Technology, Race and Gender in Technology, and the Technology of Race and Gender, looking at historical and contemporary developments from the nineteenth century to the present.

USNA 290C: Silicon, Applications and Cultural Impact (100/11510)

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

Dudik, L

Silicon is the second most abundant element found on the planet. Over the last century, science has taught us to take this common material and create the products on which our modern society depends. Quantum mechanics gave birth to the electronic age and the computer. The absorption, emission, and reflection of quanta of light (photons) underlie solar cells, light emitting diodes, radiation detectors, and optical fibers. The driving forces behind these discoveries are fascinating. The history of the scientific revolution, the conversion of sand into silicon ingots then into transistors and finally computer chips'is extraordinary. The advancement of accessories based on silicon technology now enables your smartphone to direct you to the nearest Taco Bell through its connection to a satellite orbiting the Earth. There are basic processing steps that change an ingot of pure silicon into a practical device such as a computer chip or a solar cell. Major topics of this course will include discussion of the history of silicon, from the simple transistor to complex microprocessor, solar cells, and sensors, as well as how the swift changes in computing power and the communications revolution powered by it have impacted our daily modern life. Excellent examples of this silicon-based technology include the use of silicon in solar panels and their place in the green energy revolution, and the expanding role of silicon microsensors as one of the fastest growing areas of technology, especially rapidly expanding area of the Internet of Everything (IOT). Students in this class will have the opportunity to design and construct a simple device on a silicon chip for their group project. This course is designed and intended for students of all disciplines, and each student is expected to participate actively in a group project to make a silicon device in a clean room. Students will spend class time engaging in debates about the impact rapidly evolving silicon-based technology has had on our world, discuss how smart devices are impacting our privacy, present a group 'explainer video' on an innovative silicon device, listen to guest speakers whose research involve silicon, and improve on written communication skills by writing papers on topics ranging from the ethics of driver-less cars to exploring the possibilities of a world where silicon technology developed more slowly.

USNA 290F: A Brief History of Cancer (100/11547)

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

Howell, N

This course will cover how the scientific understanding of cancer, and the medical treatment of human cancers, has evolved over time. A common cancer, such as breast cancer, will be used as the central example during the length of the course. Topics will include the prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer, from different viewpoints: historical, scientific, medical, and societal. The class will discuss major developments in cancer research and treatment, and how these impacted and are impacted by evolving approaches in cancer screening and prevention. Students will also discuss how cancer prevalence and outcomes can vary in different communities, and the roles of government agencies and the healthcare industry in establishing public policy and standard of care. Patient advocacy and community resources in addressing continuing challenges in cancer prevention and treatment will also be discussed.

USNA 290H: Our Technological Future(s) (100/11705)

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

Rager, M

Our current moment, The Anthropocene, is an epoch defined by humanity's unique ability to alter the Earth's climate, landscapes, and ecosystems on a global level. Given that the climate crisis is a direct result of our modern technologies and attitudes, with the most vulnerable disproportionately bearing the brunt of global change, the question now is: are new technocratic solutions the answer to combating climate change? Can these solutions reduce inequality, or are they destined to reproduce the imbalances of our current moment? This seminar will examine new technologies that promise to mitigate the effects of climate change, from the immediate and practical (solar power, carbon reduction) to the more far reaching (terraforming Mars, mining asteroids). We will also read key texts in environmental studies and ecological theory that explore and critique the core ideological assumptions embedded in technocratic solutions. We will explore how our very concept of Nature, and our relationship to said Nature, shapes our thinking when it comes to our possible futures, and we will consider how, historically, new technological solution, have been shaped by, and further solidified, inequalities of race, class, and gender. Alongside the scientific and theoretical texts, the seminar will also include speculative fiction that imaginatively projects far into the future to expand our sense of what is possible. A final research project will revolve around the concept of Cleveland 2072. Students will research and explore a specific challenge currently facing Cleveland or the greater Great Lakes region. Using the concepts from the course, they will explore possible solutions, as well as potential complications, to imagine what our world could be 50 years from now.

USNA 290H: Our Technological Future(s) (101/11706)

TR 05:30-06:45 PM Aug 26-Dec 06

Rager, M

Our current moment, The Anthropocene, is an epoch defined by humanity's unique ability to alter the Earth's climate, landscapes, and ecosystems on a global level. Given that the climate crisis is a direct result of our modern technologies and attitudes, with the most vulnerable disproportionately bearing the brunt of global change, the question now is: are new technocratic solutions the answer to combating climate change? Can these solutions reduce inequality, or are they destined to reproduce the imbalances of our current moment? This seminar will examine new technologies that promise to mitigate the effects of climate change, from the immediate and practical (solar power, carbon reduction) to the more far reaching (terraforming Mars, mining asteroids). We will also read key texts in environmental studies and ecological theory that explore and critique the core ideological assumptions embedded in technocratic solutions. We will explore how our very concept of Nature, and our relationship to said Nature, shapes our thinking when it comes to our possible futures, and we will consider how, historically, new technological solution, have been shaped by, and further solidified, inequalities of race, class, and gender. Alongside the scientific and theoretical texts, the seminar will also include speculative fiction that imaginatively projects far into the future to expand our sense of what is possible. A final research project will revolve around the concept of Cleveland 2072. Students will research and explore a specific challenge currently facing Cleveland or the greater Great Lakes region. Using the concepts from the course, they will explore possible solutions, as well as potential complications, to imagine what our world could be 50 years from now.

USNA 290K: The Neurobiology of Trauma (100/11500)

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

Bedell, A

Can your body remember trauma? In what ways does unhealed trauma manifest within individuals and society? How does trauma spill from one generation to the next? This course provides an overview and theoretical background of trauma, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and the impact of early trauma and toxic stress have on individuals, communities, and organizations. We will explore the wide range of manifestations and responses to trauma from the cognitive, emotional, interpersonal, and physical perspectives. A focus will be placed on the neurobiological effects of adversity on brain development and how health and learning can be affected throughout the lifespan. In addition to adversity experienced at the individual level, we will also explore the prevalence and impact of trauma experienced at the community level. Through varying projects that develop writing, critical thinking, and communication skills, our class will engage with evidence-based approaches and trauma-informed frameworks that promote healing and recovery. Students will not only become aware of trauma, its prevalence, and related effects, but they will also develop a deeper understanding of those affected by trauma and apply this knowledge to their own life, to those around them, to their communities, and to their professions.

USNA 290L: The Science and Practice of High-Impact Teamwork (100/11804)

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

Reimschisel, T

It is no exaggeration to say that we have been working in teams throughout the history of humankind. But it is important that we not equate experience with expertise. There is an enormous body of literature on the science of teamwork, yet most individuals have never had any formal training or feedback on their teamwork skills in a workplace setting. We know that this lack of formal education and training on effective workplace teamwork is detrimental to our future success. Based on the science of teamwork, in this course you will learn the mindset, knowledge, skills, and attitudes that are essential for high-impact teamwork while completing an authentic and meaningful, campus-based team project. The team projects will be sponsored by CWRU campus entities and will be focused on addressing the health, mental health, or well-being of our students, staff, faculty, or our entire community. We will focus on individual- and team-level attributes that are important for high-impact teamwork, including self-reflection, self-regulation, curiosity, vulnerability, interpersonal communication, project management, team leadership, giving and receiving deconstructive feedback, conflict management, and negotiation skills. We will use a variety of educational formats, including independent study, self-reflection, small group discussions and exercises, team challenges, large group discussions and debriefs, individual and team written assignments, experiential learning, and team presentations.

USNA 290L: The Science and Practice of High-Impact Teamwork (101/11805)

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

Reimschisel, T

It is no exaggeration to say that we have been working in teams throughout the history of humankind. But it is important that we not equate experience with expertise. There is an enormous body of literature on the science of teamwork, yet most individuals have never had any formal training or feedback on their teamwork skills in a workplace setting. We know that this lack of formal education and training on effective workplace teamwork is detrimental to our future success. Based on the science of teamwork, in this course you will learn the mindset, knowledge, skills, and attitudes that are essential for high-impact teamwork while completing an authentic and meaningful, campus-based team project. The team projects will be sponsored by CWRU campus entities and will be focused on addressing the health, mental health, or well-being of our students, staff, faculty, or our entire community. We will focus on individual- and team-level attributes that are important for high-impact teamwork, including self-reflection, self-regulation, curiosity, vulnerability, interpersonal communication, project management, team leadership, giving and receiving deconstructive feedback, conflict management, and negotiation skills. We will use a variety of educational formats, including independent study, self-reflection, small group discussions and exercises, team challenges, large group discussions and debriefs, individual and team written assignments, experiential learning, and team presentations.

USNA 290N: Aging Well (100/11621)

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

Juratovac, E

Students have a written assignment due the end of the first week.