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Yeah, that doesn't fit into a melody quite as well as RESPECT, but that's ok.

I really enjoyed visiting the Conceptual Physics class on Monday. While it was only a brief look at what this course actually has to offer, I did get the sense that Prof. Beckmann is fulfilling the goal that Barad outlined in her paper on Science Literacy. He is teaching people to think scientifically and critically regardless of the math or the calculations. He mentioned that he does teach "the technical stuff" and that this course is "rigorous" and is certainly not what one might call "physics for football players" (no offense to any football player - E.A.G.L.E.S. all the way). I think it's great that he gets the science in - that is, perhaps, the point of this class. But what I found really encouraging was the evaluative nature of this class... People really try to wrap their heads around physics/philosophy concepts, and he pushes people to say what they think, even if they don't believe it. He's teaching people to be *responsible* scientific thinkers. Don't just trust what people feed you - think about it, mull it over, and even if you do believe it, be willing to think something different later. Realize that your own perception has an influence on what you know and understand... Have he and Barad talked? It seems like they'd get along.

I really liked the discussion about reality and relativity (surrounding the "tree story"). Had I read the story I may have felt more in the loop, but mostly I was just really amazed that so many students had something to say and that they had really read the piece and cared to offer an answer... He has obviously created an environment in which the students feel comfortable.

On a completely different note, I thought it was interesting that no males were in the class. Of course, we have a 3:1 female to male ratio in the bi-co, and that plays a factor, but not one single male? Why is that? There are pleny of guys who take Geo103 to pass their science requirement/lab requirement and it involves probably just as little math...

Also, on the reading from Race and Gender, I found it very interesting that scientists/phrenologists tried to classify women as a separate "race" for some time... That really, hardly makes sense to me. It seems like women were thought to be... loathesome in some way... which doesn't make any sense because they are NEEDED for reproduction.... harumph I say.