First-Year Seminars 110PP - Pop Science: Science and Culture

Pop science is the term for science communication that distills scientific discoveries for a general audience. Some of these scientific ideas can have striking cultural influence. For example, the "butterfly effect" as an explanation of the mathematical definition of chaos led to a cultural change from belief in a predictable universe to one where small changes can have big effects. Through a range of books, news articles, and social media from the 1980s until today, we will examine the cultural influences of scientific advances in popular understanding. In addition, we will consider critiques of pop science, including concerns about its accuracy and the effects of racism and sexism on science communication.

Mount Holyoke first-year students only, by placement.