2018 E-term Bulletin

20 GEN*E299*52 The Science of Immortality Kate Hayden Prerequisites: None Open To: First-Years Grading System: Letter Max. Enrollment: 16 Meeting Times: M Tu WTh9:30 am–12:00 pm Throughout history, humankind has been infatuated with the concept of immortality. From the fountain of youth to the Holy Grail, demi- gods to zombies, our various cultures have explored both the potential benefits and challenges humans face when cheating death. In this project, students will have the opportunity to explore, align, and discuss the driving forces behind our desire for immortality as well as explore the potential science behind making immortality a reality and what potential consequences exist when we try to live forever. Throughout the termwe will utilize both texts and primary literature to explore the aging process in human biology, to examine the science behind preventing aging, to review examples of “immortality” that exist in nature, and to explore the natural consequences of humans living longer such as cancer and dementia. Throughout the project, students will work in small groups or with partners to deliver content by developing and implementing lesson plans that incorporate active learning and blended learning strategies. Students will be assessed on class participation, the planning/implementation of their lesson plans, and on two 3-5-page reflective essays. GEN*E299*53 Service-Learning in San Francisco: Communities of Compassion and Action Kent Andersen and Emily Thornton Prerequisites: Instructor Consent Open To: All Students Grading System: Option Max. Enrollment: 16 Meeting Times: On Campus: January 3-5 Travel: January 6-24 Students will travel to San Francisco to work with the outreach programs of the Glide Foundation and other service providers in the San Francisco area. Glide describes itself as a “radically inclusive, just and loving community mobilized to alleviate suffering and break the cycles of poverty and marginalization.” Students will participate and learn about Glide’s programs; we will also work with other nonprofits in the area and learn about the history and context of San Francisco. As part of the project, we will meet with directors, staff, and clients at these agencies to learn about their work and the services provided. Participation is a major commitment, requiring self-motivated and self-disciplined students. Requirements include careful examination of required readings that provide context to our work, full participation on site, willingness to be engaged in teamwork and collaborative discussions, written reflections, and an open mind. Evaluation will be based on the quality of the student’s work on each of the requirements listed above. To apply, contact Dr. Andersen or EmilyThornton in the Bunting Center. Estimated Student Fees: $2500 GEN*E299*50 Pre-Health Internship Sue Buckingham Prerequisites: 3.2 GPA, Proof of Vaccinations and Health Insurance Open To: Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors on the Pre-Health Track Grading System: S/U Max. Enrollment: No Limit Meeting Times: M Tu WTh F TBD by preceptor This projects allows students planning a career in health care to shadow physicians, dentists, and other health professionals through a 130-contract-hour internship. This internship is designed for students who are sophomores or above. A limited number of established internships are available at Birmingham area healthcare facilities, or students may set up their own internship with a private healthcare professional if approved by Dr. Buckingham. Students will read two books about medicine and health care, reflect on their readings and experiences, and write a 5-7-page essay. A satisfactory essay AND a satisfactory evaluation from the student’s on-site supervisor are required for credit. A mandatory meeting is held during fall term (TBD). Current immunization records must be submitted to Dr. Buckingham. This project may be repeated for credit, but it must be with a different person that the previous internship. Estimated Student Fees: $25 for book GEN*E299*51 Queer Health in the American South Caleb Moxley Prerequisites: None Open To: All Students Grading System: Letter Max. Enrollment: 12 Meeting Times: Tu WTh 10:00 am–12:00 pm and 1:00 pm–3:00 pm Staying healthy looks very different from one person to the next. What does it look like for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, and asexual individuals and others with diverse gender and sexual identities (LGBTQIA+) in the South? In this project, students will look at historical and current trends in queer health, examine the influences and consequences of these trends, and explore their ethical implications. This foundation will be used as a springboard for students to investigate LGBTQIA+ health outcomes on their own, using data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and statistical computing software like R or Minitab to test their own questions or the statements made in popular sources. Students will be evaluated on participation and homework (30%), four written critiques of assigned articles and papers (40%, 700-800 words each), and a final project investigating research questions (30%, 1100-1200 words). Estimated Student Fees: $30 ris e 3