Dean's Scholars Honors Program Steering Committee

Alan Kaylor Cline Director, Dean's Scholars Honors Program cline 'at' cs.utexas.edu

Sharda Jogee Department of Astronomy sj 'at' astro.as.utexas.edu

David Laude Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry Associate Dean, College of Natural Sciences dalaude 'at' mail.utexas.edu

Calvin Lin Department of Computer Sciences lin 'at' cs.utexas.edu

Leon Long Department of Geological Sciences leonlong 'at' mail.utexas.edu

Arturo De Lozanne Section of Molecular Cell and Developmental Biology a.delozanne 'at' mail.utexas.edu

Jennifer Matjasko Department of Human Ecology matjasko 'at' mail.utexas.edu

Shelley Payne Section of Molecular Genetics, Microbiology, and Immunology payne 'at' mail.utexas.edu

Greg Sitz Department of Physics gositz 'at' physics.utexas.edu

Michael Starbird Department of Mathematics starbird 'at' mail.utexas.edu

Allisa Carter Program Coordinator, Dean's Scholars Honors Program allisa 'at' mail.utexas.edu

Earl Lundquist Administrative Associate, College of Natural Sciences earl 'at' mail.utexas.edu

David Spight Academic Advisor, College of Natural Sciences dspight 'at' mail.utexas.edu

Rob Seilheimer Student Representative robs66 'at' mail.utexas.edu

Jessica Jia Chang Student Representative jiajchang 'at' gmail.com

DS Seminar Leaders

Instructor: Lorenzo Alvisi and Calvin Lin Seminar Title: Impact of Modern Technology on Economics, Politics, Culture, and Education

This seminar will explore various aspects of modern technology on economics, politics, culture, and education. The number of specific topics is enormous. Here are just a few examples. Do we believe Thomas Friedman's claims that the "world is flat?" How have universities reacted to the flat world hypothesis? How should the US react strategically to this hypothesis? How have various laws and policies become outdated due to changes in technology? How has technology such as the internet, blogs, and digital media, changed the impact of traditional print media? Can technology be used to ease the plight of third world countries? How can we improve math and science education in the US?

Instructor: William Beckner Seminar Title: The scientist -- roles in culture and society

This class will use readings and discussion topics to focus on the role of the scientist as public figure or "intellectual character" in our culture and society. One goal will be to appraise the impact of individual scientific effort, especially in terms of leadership within the intellectual and scientific community, and the change of focus from "small science" to "large science", including the emergence of "large-scale interdisciplinary science". Some sample questions: a) is science more anonymous today than say prior to 1970; 2) can science impact society in ways other than just building "better lifestyle gadgets" or "reconfiguring our biological makeup"; 3) is "scientific" the right description for our culture; 4) how do charismatic or iconic individuals affect public support for science? We will start with Newton in the late 17th century, but then look at three scientific figures from the 20th century: Robert Oppenheimer, Richard Feynman and Francis Crick, plus a quick overview at the impact of modern computing on the development of science, and a discussion of David Auburn's play, Proof.

Instructor: Chris Bell Seminar Title:

A speaking seminar course.

Instructor: Christine Hawkes Seminar Title: Science, Culture, & Communication

This course will examine the connections between science and society. We will focus on how the communication and translation of science and its impacts on other realms of life, including human behavior, global health, education, technology development, urban planning, environmental policy, and so forth. We will also discuss cases in which science has been mistranslated. The format will consist of a mixture of lecture and discussion, with guest speakers representing a diverse array of pathways linking science to society.

Instructor: Brent Iverson Seminar Title: Learning to deliver a powerful scientific presentation

A speaking seminar course. One of the most important skills a scientist can have is the ability to communicate effectively. Most of the key decisions that influence the launching and advancement of a scientific career will be based in large part on a presentation of some sort. That includes hiring, tenure decisions, promotions within companies, etc. This seminar will give you the basics on how to design and deliver strong presentations in which you establish your own scientific credibility, and leave the audience something they will remember.

Instructor: David Laude Seminar Title: Neurotheology--is there a biochemical basis for spirituality

We will explore the debate as to whether there is a scientific explanation for spirituality. Are people religious simply because of their genetic makeup? Is it brain chemistry that makes for a good Tibetan monk? Are near death experiences simply a biochemical anomaly? Were the great spiritualists and mystics in history simply folks with temporal-lobe epilepsy? Even if this is all true, is this the way God planned it and is he or she kind of snickering over how long it has taken for us to figure this out? The seminar will feature lively debate as students are asked to present on a range of topics in this increasingly popular field of study. And by all means, let's get some religious folks into this class so that it isn't a bunch of agnostics saying "see, I told you so."

Instructor: Arturo De Lozanne Seminar Title: The intelligent design movement

What is intelligent design? Does it have any scientific basis? What are the social and political roots of this movement? We will read and discuss several papers and issues surrounding this movement.

Instructor: Dee Silverthorn Seminar Title: History of Science & Medicine

We will be reading and discussing writings on the history of science and medicine. Students will share responsibility for leading the discussion.

Instructor: Greg O. Sitz Seminar Title: Breakthroughs in Science

A speaking seminar course. Students will select a 'breakthrough' topic of their choosing in consultation with the instructor. Over the term they will make 3 presentations: first a 5-10 minute preview; second, a 15-20 biographical sketch of the lead person and the historical context of the discovery; third, a 25 minute presentation of the science. The second and third presentations will have to be computer based (powerpoint, acrobator, the like). For 12 students, the first stage will take 2 weeks, the second 4 weeks and the third 6 weeks.

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