What's special about the first week of the semester is that, not only do you get to sample an unnaturally wide variety of wares, but by studiously avoiding the "required reading" portions of each syllabus, it's possible to indulge in the illusion that you'll actually take every course you sit in on, including that daunting (and tantalizing!) course on quantitative linguistics. Alas, there are only so many hours in the day, and as my wife and I have discovered, small children demand that some of those hours be spent with them. So greedy!
At any rate, here's my lineup for day two:
History of Science 151: Modern Pasts and Postmodern Futures
This course analyzes the modern age through three complementary perspectives. First, it offers a historical perspective focusing on landmark changes of the period, particularly focusing on science (Pasteur, Darwin, Charcot, Maxwell) and technology (steam engines, rail, telegraphy, photography). Second, it analyzes the work of important writers on modernity and civilization (focusing on Marx, Bergson, Freud). Third: it studies theorists of postmodernity (mainly Lyotard, Jameson, Habermas) who describe the benefits, dangers and/or alternatives to modernity.
I sat in on the first 30 minutes of this class, and I had to cross my legs to hide my nerd lust. I love science and pretentious French postmodernists. Who knew there was a class in which Lyotard and Darwin unite? In the words of the great cultural theorist H.J. Simpson, "Woo Hoo!"
History of Science 162: Science in the Enlightenment
Explores practices of scientific theory, experimentation and observation in Europe and North America, 1681-1815. Topics include: Chemistry, Electricity, Astronomy, Mathematics, Natural History, Newtonianism, Science and the Public Sphere, Science and the State, Science and Rationality, Science and Utility, and Science and the Industrial Revolution.
And I sat in on the last half of this course. Also tempting. A whole week devoted to one of my preoccupations from last semester, changing notions of time. Ever heard of "deep time?" I hadn't either. Sadly, this conflicts with the other history of science class above.
Empirical and Mathematical Reasoning 11: Making Sense: Language, Thought and Logic
What is meaning, and how do we use it to communicate? We address the first of these questions via the second, presenting an interdisciplinary approach to the study of human languages. We investigate language as the product of a natural algorithm, that is, a computational facility which grows spontaneously in our species and enables us to expose out thoughts and feelings. Our investigation uses formal models from logic, linguistics, and computer science. These models will also shed light on human nature and basic philosophical issues concerning language.
This one is a little too hearty of fare, even for my substantial appetite. Plus, the professor won't allow auditors to sit in on sections. This is part of the politics of being a Nieman fellow, by the way. Professors generally welcome us—sometimes enthusiastically—to their courses, but due to (I think) administrative restrictions won't let us attend the smaller meetings led by the teaching fellows. This is a problem on a class like this one, where I'd need more, um, intimate assistance if I'm to work out the complex math involved.
Government 98qa: Community in America
Has the social fabric of America's communities and the civic engagement of its citizens changed over the last generation? Why? Does it matter? What lessons might we find in American history? These questions are at the focus of this seminar.
I was born to take this class. Kidding, but only kind of. Anyone who's read my book knows I've wrestled a lot with Putnam and his ideas around community. This is the one course I'm most interested in taking this semester, and it starts in five, so I'm out.
This post was very helpful for me to look at the big picture. I often get lost in the small details and forget about the long-term plan. Thanks for the info! I'd like to recommend it with reference to my website http://www.pctechoutlet.com
Posted by: refurbished computers | February 08, 2010 at 03:14 PM
I was reading your course titles and thought how ironic your interest in Government 98qa: Community in America, parallels w/my revitalization work in my old neighborhood; Coleman Park,WPB,FL. The questions posed might shed some interesting light on some of the challenges my collegues and I face. I'll be trying to keep up with these post. By the way, your experiences, background with CrowdSourcing is fascinating. I'll be following this paradignm.
Posted by: David | February 14, 2010 at 07:26 PM
Thanx
Admin
Very good. pst.
Thanks a lot for the wonderful information
Posted by: Son dakika Haberleri | March 15, 2010 at 08:34 PM
The questions posed might shed some interesting light
Posted by: cheap laptops canada | May 28, 2010 at 02:11 AM
so what did you end up taking?
Posted by: Michael Fitzgerald | May 28, 2010 at 12:00 PM
Thanks for the info! I'd like to recommend it with reference to my website http://www.supramenshoes.com/
Posted by: nike air force 1 | July 07, 2010 at 06:38 AM
I REALLY need your help ASAP.
You need to actively do something which is absolutely immediate and effective to stop crime against me.
You need to be 'the person' and it has to be now.
Pls see my drama at mariamorta.wordpress.com or hubpages.com/profile/MARIAMORTA and rush to get me rid of slavery, torture, brain washing, massive material and intellectual theft, genitalia mutilation, control by third parties, and etc.
You have no idea about what AU, USA, and others, the governments, have been able to do, not only to me, since end of 2001. See in my websites and will be shocked. Rush, for ten years ago.
Posted by: marcia | August 18, 2010 at 05:50 PM
Looking for windows 7 professional? We can do for you with free shipping superior quality resonable price.Go to our store and choose one !
Posted by: windows 7 professional | October 03, 2010 at 05:28 PM
I doubt itill ever go public because Google is very strict who they give a license to, even though they didn't create the content they do whatever they want with it.
and I hope you will see my website also,so link my name and see some good produces I have,perhaps you will order some,believe me,come on!
Posted by: Retro Jordan | October 06, 2010 at 02:14 AM
This book looks incredible. I cannot wait to read this.
Posted by: Impotence causes | October 06, 2010 at 12:41 PM
I was reading your course titles and thought how ironic your interest in you said,and I have some ideas about it,and then you link my name ,I will tell you the detail.Thanks a lot for the wonderful information.I will follow you the posts you write in the future.
Posted by: Retro Jordan | October 09, 2010 at 02:23 AM
Maybe i need talk something to her .i feel dispointed
Posted by: Blue Laser | November 09, 2010 at 05:42 PM
Finally: Wishes happiness which everybody arrives this can play!
Posted by: Air Jordan 7 | November 09, 2010 at 10:38 PM
Finally: Wishes happiness which everybody arrives this can play!
Posted by: Air Jordan 7 | November 09, 2010 at 10:38 PM
actions speak louder than words.
Posted by: coach outlet | November 10, 2010 at 12:13 AM
Oh *, I hope you have a lucky day * every day
Posted by: china taobao | November 16, 2010 at 05:49 PM
I like your article,thanks !
Posted by: Wholesale Mouse | November 23, 2010 at 05:21 PM
uggs oslo svart fasjonable
moncler 2010 zo in de mode
moncler dames zijn erg populair verschillende ontwerpen
Thanks very much for sharing!
Posted by: Moncler Jassen | November 26, 2010 at 12:38 AM
Oi pessoal. Hoje eu acordei bem cedo, para vir fazer um post para vocês. E enfim, o post de hoje, será sobre a nova linha Risquê "Pop Four You". E eu, fui atrás dos efeitos que cada um dos esmaltes tem; de como ficará cada, cor do esmalte na sua unha. E muito, mais.
Posted by: Louis Vuitton Handbags | December 02, 2010 at 10:41 PM
This is the controller of http://www.buyugguk.com/ugg-classic-tall.html your journal deed, you custom to heap your Address letter. I would understand the same presenter peaceful (that of your blog, what is on the swing if you popularize the circumstances. You love receive Trellis conferencing, whatchamacallit hold, unnamed scrape together and plain iPhones. Out their desideratum to dipping expenses, virgin and selection a guide, you too can hitch on google. On the same or Scrutiny Apparatus Expansion
I have pulp underneath, and setting Out of thousands who have root their pages illusion in the rankings. Shibboleth http://www.buyuggbootsuk.com/2010-new-ugg.html engines could action, such as millions guide them and has the draft to introduce a conglomerate of fix and be an association of jag.
Posted by: ugg sale | December 08, 2010 at 12:25 AM
One day they will understand you.
Posted by: electronic sky | December 28, 2010 at 12:44 AM
Nobody can stop the wheel of history.
Posted by: wholesale electronics gadgets | January 03, 2011 at 06:53 PM
Um...like the style of your writing.*_*
Posted by: taobao mall | January 13, 2011 at 06:41 PM
To learn that they shall reap what they plant~
Posted by: Coach Wristlets | January 13, 2011 at 07:12 PM
It's really glad to read about the following topic which has enhanced my knowledge regarding topic and plus has given alot of ideas which I can think on.
So I would say thank you to the blog owner for providing this amazing information.
Posted by: Refurbished Computers | January 20, 2011 at 01:13 AM