Perceptions of Science in Western Society

Instructor: S. MacDonald

Language and Humanities
Illinois State University

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Syllabus
• Required Reading Material

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SYLLABUS

Topics and Reading and Film Assignments:

Topics will not necessarily be covered in the order presented.

• Science and Modern Society
  [reading: Sagan, pp.3-39]
• What is the Scientific Method?
  [reading: Shermer, pp.13-61; Sagan, pp.169-188]
  Video: Cosmos
  Video: The Search for Butch & Sundance
• Witch Hunts and Trials
  [reading: Shermer, pp.99-113; Sagan, pp.113-134]
  Video: Salem Witch Trials
• Black Death
  [reading: reading packet]
• UFOs and Alien Abductions
  [reading: Shermer, pp.88-98; Sagan, pp.61-96; CSICOP, pp.44-69]
• Shroud of Turin
  [reading: reading packet]
• Creationism and Evolution
  [reading: Shermer, pp.125-172; Sagan, pp.319-336]
• Historical Scholarship and the Holocaust Deniers
  [reading: Shermer, pp.173-241; Sagan, pp.151-168]
  Video: Nazi Designers of Death
• Facilitated Communication
  [reading: reading packet]
  Video: Prisoners of Silence
• Repressed Memories
  [reading: Sagan, pp.151-168]
  Video: Divided Memories
• Psychics and Faith Healers
  [reading: Shermer, pp.63-87; Sagan, pp.189-218; CSICOP, pp.70-99]
• Astrology
  [reading: Sagan, pp.293-306; CSICOP, pp.16-43]
• Spontaneous Human Combustion
  [reading: CSICOP, pp.110-115]
• Living in the Center of the Universe
  [reading: reading packet]

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REQUIRED READING MATERIAL

• Carl Sagan, The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark
• Michael Shermer, Why People Believe Weird Things
• Joe Nickell, Barry Karr, and Tom Genoni (Eds.), The Outer Edge

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If you have material to contribute, please contact us via e-mail

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