PLSCI 2490 - Hollywood Biology: Science in Cinema

(BIO-AG, OPHLS-AG)

Spring. 3 credits. Letter grades only.

Does not fulfill any requirement of the biology major.

M. Scanlon.

Biological subjects presented in Hollywood films. Lecture topics include the scientific method, Darwinism, development, paleobiology, animal cloning, genome sequencing, forensic DNA, artificial intelligence, eugenics, and epidemiology as background to discussions of their presentation in selected films. Themes: genetics/genomics; evolution; development; epidemiology; physical anthropology; and genetic engineering. This course is suitable for non-life sciences majors.

Outcome 1: Analyze and discuss a wide variety of biological concepts, methodologies, and theories–and their cultural and ethical implications–as confronted in cinema, the popular media, and modern society.

Outcome 2: Explain biological concepts to a lay audience via written and oral communication.

Outcome 3: Describe the scientific method as a human activity designed to test hypotheses about the natural world.

Outcome 4: Discuss the theory of biological evolution as a foundational concept to understanding all biological principles.