CDIS58 — Science Topic
CDIS 58-001 The Ice Age: Science and MythThe discovery of the Ice Age was shaped by the interpretation of skeletons and frozen remains of large mammals found in Siberia in the early 1800s. The concept of the Great Ice Age stands in contrast to notions emphasized in the Bible and earlier in the Epic of Gilgamesh. Join Ron Riepe, professor emeritus of geology, in the discussion of the once-labeled "diluvial" deposits and landforms, evidence of the ice sheets in Eurasia and North America. See CTRP 15-001 for a trip to the Kenosha Public Museum to study in detail the exhibit about the local mammoth excavation.Lee Minnerly will join the Saturday Lecture Series with two interesting and thought-provoking lectures on historical discussions of "out-of-this-world" topics. CDIS 58-002 Are We Alone?: Exploring the Extraterrestrial Life Debate, from Aristotle to H.G. WellsThe question “Are we alone in the universe?” has preoccupied human beings for millennia. Many have opinions about the answer, but few know the rich and revealing story of the “extraterrestrial life debate” studied by historians of Western science. This illustrated lecture surveys some key developments in the debate, sampling ideas from different historical periods and how they changed Western culture.CDIS 58-003 Science, Imagination and Popular Culture: Revisiting the Mars “Canal” Controversy of 1877-1910In 1877 an astronomer named Giovanni Schiaparelli announced the discovery of "canali" on Mars, and for the next 30 years scientists and members of the public alike speculated about their meaning. Many thought the “canals” were evidence of an advanced Martian civilization. This illustrated lecture examines the controversy and what it tells us about the nature of science and our fascination with the idea of life beyond Earth.