Nuclear Problems and Society

Abstract

When the first artificial self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction was created in 1942 in Chicago, human society was destined to tackle with an unsolvable conundrum. How could our society possibly justify the augmentation of this enormous energy that could destroy our own existence? This course investigates discourses around two major uses of nuclear...

Download this resource to see full details. Download this resource to see full details.

Details

Subject Area(s):

Comparative Sociology/Historical Sociology, Environmental Sociology, Peace, War, World Conflict, and Conflict Resolution, Racial and Ethnic Relations, Science and Technology

Resource Type(s):

Assignment, Syllabus

Class Level(s):

College 100, College 200, College 300

Class Size(s):

Small

Usage Notes

This course is designed under the First Year Seminar umbrella, providing freshman students with basic academic skills. The course particularly aims for students to develop independent research and writing skill sets, thus, accordingly, the class takes a step-by-step approach through weekly assignments. There are 3 major assignments: Op-Ed/Persuasive...

Learning Goals and Assessments

Learning Goal(s):

1. By the end of this course, students will become familiar with major sociological concepts to inquire into issues surrounding nuclear energy. They will be able to design and conduct original qualitative research. They will be able to write up a sociological research paper based on data and information collected through an individual research project. They...

Goal Assessment(s):

1. Students will critically read assigned texts to write weekly reading responses.
   
2. Students will write a 3- page persuasive opinion essay using evidence.
   
3. Students will develop a proposal and annotated bibliography for their independent research.
   
4. Students will write a 5- to 10-page sociological research paper.
   
5. Students will give a 7-minute presentation on their research project and findings.