Colby-Sawyer College 2013–2014
Science
163
REL 206 The Meaning of Death 3 credits In this course students are introduced to how various religious traditions have responded to death. Is life worth living if death is its outcome? If God exists and is good, why do death, evil, and suffering exist? Is there an afterlife? Emphasis is placed on the reading of texts and their application to contemporary life. Offered fall of even-numbered years. Exploration Area: Humanities REL 234 Myth and Folklore 3 credits This course introduces students to mythology and folklore from a variety of cultures and epochs. Myths and folk tales not only serve as explanations for natural phenomena they also create foundations for spiritual discovery. Students study ancient and modern stories and attempt to describe the role that myth plays in people’s lives. Offered spring of oddnumbered years. Exploration Area: Humanities REL 237 Comparative Religion 3 credits This course explores two or more religious traditions in significant depth. The goal is to delve more deeply into the ideas and practices of the religions than is possible in REL 100. Emphasis is placed on the interpretation of texts and on making the traditions meaningful regardless of a student’s religious commitments. Offered fall of odd-numbered years. Exploration Area: Humanities REL 250, 350 Topics in Religion See Additional Curricular Opportunities for requirements.
1–3 credits
REL 295, 395, 495 Independent Study 1–3 credits See the section entitled Additional Curricular Opportunities for Independent Study requirements.
Science Science Course Offerings SCI 107, 109, 111, 113 Science Seminar 1 credit The Natural Sciences Department provides a program of speakers and presentations that focus on topics in science. A set of different topics are presented each year. Seminars are open to the public. Students receive one credit hour for attendance at 80 percent of the semester’s talks and are required to produce several short writing assignments. Students make take consecutive seminars (with a different number) for credit. Graded Pass/Fail. Offered fall. SCI 112 Introduction to Astronomy 4 credits This laboratory course provides a hands-on introduction to astronomy. Students take an historical perspective, noting major theoretical developments in astronomy such as the work of Galileo, Kepler, Newton, Einstein, Hubble, and Hawking, and also a practical perspective, discussing the exploration of space by satellites, shuttles, and telescopes. Laboratory work involves computer demonstrations and night sky observations. Offered spring. Exploration Area: Science