In this seminar
we will discuss many of the widely varied aspects relating to the nature of
time, using fields of study including physical sciences such as biology,
chemistry, geology, astrophysics, and paleontology as well as disciplines such
as philosophy, psychology, history, politics, literature, and the fine arts.
No prior knowledge in any of these fields is assumed, but a
willingness to learn parts of all the fields is expected.
To be a success, this class requires interested, motivated students willing to
freely and openly participate in the discussion. Every person will have
some experience with most topics, though no one can be an expert in all the
various disciplines related to time. We will rely on each other and a broad
reading list in order to exit the course with a good sense of time.
Required Texts: Longitude (1995, Dava Sobel) and
Time: A Travelers Guide (1998, Clifford Pickover)
Grading: The final grades will be determined
from the following formula:
10% Participation
25% Homework
20% Book/Movie Criticism
35% Final Project
10% Presentation
Participation:
This colloquium will emphasize discussion. Thus, attendance,
participation, and preparation are more important in this class than in the
usual lecture. I expect prompt and regular attendance and full participation in
class discussions. I further expect that you will be well prepared to
contribute to the discussion, having read and thought about the day's material
before class.
Homework:
A number of short homework assignments will be assigned. Most will be
short essay questions requiring your analysis of a particular topic. Other
questions will be quantitative problems involving simple algebra and knowledge
of material presented in the suggested readings. All work must be turned in on
or before the due date to receive a grade. Collaboration of any kind, on any
assignment in this course, is expressly forbidden. No credit will be given for
work that is not demonstrably your own.
Book/Movie Criticism:
Over the course
of human civilization, the possibility of time travel has been the focus of
numerous books and, more recently, movies. Compare and contrast the manner in which
time travel into space is presented in two different books or movies. Your paper must
go beyond a book report which simply summarizes the story. You will be
expected to present a criticism of how each author's treatment of time travel
is used to advance that plot and convey a deeper meaning. One possible pair might be to compare a
book or movie from today's era of spaceflight and relativistic physics to some
work of fiction from the early industrial age. Or, perhaps, you might contrast a story where
humans explore the past/future in an honorable and civilized manner to a story where humans
are exploitative and destructive.
The paper must be at least 1200 words (4 to 6 pages). All
papers must be fully proofread; misspellings and unintelligible grammar will
not be tolerated. The grading will focus on the quality of the analysis.
Successful submissions will exhibit independent, creative thought. The best
papers will point out an unexpected or at least non-obvious aspect of time
travel.
Final Project:
Your final project
should be a detailed presentation of some well defined topic relating to
time. Almost any topic which has
any connection at all with this course is acceptable (you must state the
connection). Make use of your
interests, prior knowledge, and/or other courses to produce a project which is
inspired and engages the audience.
Acceptable projects include:
a research paper on some narrow topic; a critical comparison and
contrast of an issue as presented in two or more books; a piece of fiction
which accurately and intelligently deals with future possibilities; an economic
or political analysis of time travel
implications; a dance presentation or theatrical script dealing with issues
related to time; a computer program or engineering technique to speed up or
slow down a mechanical device; or even the results of a relativistic physics
experiment in which you create a wormhole in the laboratory. It is important
that you choose a narrow topic. Go
beyond introductory texts or items from the popular press. Instead of analyzing a broad subject,
focus on some detailed aspect and present an in-depth discussion of that.
The primary quality I
will be looking for in your project is evidence for critical thought. I want to clearly see that you have
learned something from your project. However, realize I also have the selfish
motive that I want to learn something from your project. Be sure you do not just repeat back to
me what someone else has said. If
you speculate about future possibilities, make certain that it is reasoned and
supported. Assemble multiple
references, evaluate what has been written by others about your topic, and
synthesize ideas of your own as a conclusion. If you choose to write a paper, I
expect at least 2,500 words (8 to 12 pages). If you intend to submit a non-paper project, arrange to
meet with me well before the deadline, so we can estimate the work required.
Presentation:
Each student is
required to give a 10 minute oral presentation of her/his final project during
the final class meeting. The grade will be based on your overall ability to
communicate the substance of your project.
Calendar and Suggested Readings
Mon, 1/23 Introduction - What is time?
Wed, 1/25 Traveling through time - an overview of time travel
Mon, 1/30 Visiting the future - special relativity and cryogenics
Wed, 2/1 Back to the future - unrestricted time travel
Mon, 2/6 Time paradoxes and multiple time lines
Wed, 2/8 Worm holes and hyperspace
Mon, 2/13 Calendar time
Wed, 2/15 Clock time - the importance of keeping time*** Critical Writing Assignment due ***
Mon, 2/20 Deep time - geological and biological
Wed, 2/22 Our sense of time - jet lag and circadian rhythms
Mon, 2/27 The arrow of time - entropy and reversibility
Wed, 3/1 Free will versus predetermination
Mon, 3/6 The beginning (and end?) of time, eternal versus
everlasting *** Final Projects due at beginning of class ***
Wed, 3/8 Student Presentations
Fri, 3/10 Student Presentations
