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Course Description
This class will examine environmental factors that
affect human health through the use of popular and documentary film. We will explore how scientific issues
related to health and the environment are embedded in a cultural matrix that
involves ethical, legal and social concerns, and evaluate how science and
scientific information are portrayed in these films. Some of the questions we
will be asking: What real-world events prompted the making of the film? What
scientific issues are central to the film? What has happened since the film
was made? How did the film affect our
society’s thinking about environmental health hazards? Five films will be
presented in this class. There will be
a film shown every other week, followed by a discussion on the weeks when no
film is shown. Learning
Objectives
At
the end of this course, students will be able to: · explain the key scientific concepts presented in the
five course films · describe how drinking water can be contaminated with
hazardous chemicals · explain the major health risks associated with
smoking · explain the major health risks associated with
nuclear power · explain the health effects associated with asbestos
exposure · explain how scientific evidence is used in legal
disputes related to environmental contamination · describe the role of the media in the presentation
of environmental health risks Grading Grades will be awarded based on attendance record (20%), class
participation (10%), film commentaries (30%), oral presentation (10%), and
paper (30%). Attendance is encouraged
at all class sessions. Excused
absences should be arranged in advance.
There will be no final examination for this course. Student Responsibilities · Attendance at Film Viewing: All students should plan to attend the film
presentations; pre-arranged excused absences will be permitted for 1-2 film
viewings, provided the student watches the film on his/her own prior to the
next class session. · Attendance at Discussion Sessions: Attendance at the first class session and the five
discussion sessions is an essential component of class participation. We encourage everyone to attend and
participate actively during each of these sessions. We strongly advise that you not enroll in the course if you
cannot attendance these sessions. o
NOTE: the final
class discussion session will take place during finals week, at the time
scheduled for the course’s final examination. · Electronic Device Use: cell phones and other communication devices will
need to be turned off during class. Students are expected to remain in the
classroom throughout the class session. Discussion sessions will typically
have a 5-10 minute break midway through class. · Film Selection: each student will be asked to select one film for
detailed study. Instructors will provide questions about each film. · Class Presentations: each student is responsible for a short (5-minute)
presentation on one of these questions.
Each student should consult the resources on their assigned film
provided in the syllabus, explore other library and internet resources, and
be prepared to take a leading role in the film’s discussion. Students working on the same film are
encouraged to meet together at least once to plan class presentations. · Written Assignments: each student will prepare a paper (4-6 pages,
double-spaced) on the assigned question. The paper will be due one week
following the discussion period for that film (except for the last week when
the paper will be due the Friday of that week). Each student will also be
expected to write a short commentary (1 page max) on each of the other films
in the course, due at the beginning of the discussion session for that film. Final Examination Period The class will meet for its last session during the scheduled
final exam period (Tuesday, March 18, Students with
Disabilities
To
request academic accommodations due to a disability, please contact Disabled
Student Services, 448 Schmitz, 206-543-8924 (voice/TTY). If you have a letter from Disabled Student
Services indicating that you have a disability that requires academic
accommodations, please present the letter to me so we can discuss the
accommodations you might need in this class. |
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