Course offers intellectual
discussion
By Alicia Swan
Staff
Writer
Once a week, a group of students and a teacher
gather for class, eat pizza and question, "Should the history of
science be X-rated?"
This gathering is for the class HONR299A, "Should
the History of Science be X-Rated," which meets for three evening
hours each week.
The group of students is a mixture of all majors,
mainly from science and liberal arts.
Chemistry professor George Bodner, instructor of
the class, sits at a long table with the students and discusses with
them just about any subject they desire. The topic usually begins lightheartedly
and quickly turns into an intellectual discussion.
As the group begins working, Bodner distributes
a packet of papers titled "Constructivism: A Theory of Knowledge."
It is written by Bodner and he proclaims it as one of his better pieces
of academic work.
Though oftentimes playful and entertaining in conversation,
the class is still intellectually involved. After learning about the
history and theories in science, the class goes on to discuss controversial
topics.
The relaxed atmosphere and informal style can seem
more like a casual meeting of friends than a required gathering for
a three credit hour class.
Spring 2001 is the third time the class has been
offered by the Lily Endowment Retention Initiatives, but in that short
time it has managed to leave a deep and lasting impression on those
qualified to take it.
Shawn Brownfield, a junior in the School of Science,
remembers the class fondly from when he took it two years ago.
Brownfield said he took the class because he had
previously had Bodner as a professor in a chemistry course and enjoyed
his teaching style.
"I enjoyed going to class with him as the
professor; he’s a little bit unconventional," said Brownfield.
He also said the class was an incredible experience.
"The class really opened a new area of thought
I had never considered before," said Brownfield.
Bodner has been teaching the HONR 299A since its
creation and sees the class as an opportunity to bring together students
from different majors. His ultimate goal is to make the class, which
is in a trial period, a permanent offering.
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