Instructor: Peter Cranston, Department of Entomology, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
Description: Insects figure in many films ranging form the scary and exaggerated to the scientifically literate documentary. We propose to select from across this range, but with frequent reference to David Attenborough's BBG series 'Life in the Undergrowth' as a 'reality check'. Each 2-hour meeting will be organized around a classic bug movie, preceded by a discussion of issue that the students should watch for, and followed by a discussion of the biological validity of targeted issues. This is where suitable sections from Life in the Undergrowth can be used for clarification. Each student will be a given (or will select) a particular entomological topic, on which to prepare and present a 1000 word term paper regarding the accuracy of portrayal of their topic across several movies. The seminar will try to engage the students' interest in biology, especially of insects, in relation to popular (mis)conceptions. It will seek to encourage critical thinking across different media, and enhance their ability to distinguish between information and entertainment.
Format: Each 2 hour meeting will be organized around part (or all ?) of a classic 'bug' movie, preceded by a discussion of one or more issues that the students should watch for, and followed by a discussion of the biological validity of targeted issues. The class will be held in Briggs 166 where reliable audio-visual aids are available, the late afternoons are never otherwise occupied, and the seats are too uncomfortable for sleeping. Timing from 7-9 pm allows non-interference with other classes, and a dark enough theatre in May/June. DVDS of films will be made available to the students (by loan) for their own research / study for their particular term paper study. Grading: Students will be pass/ fail graded on their attendance and participation, the quality of their contributions to discussions (25%), evidence of having understood their assigned entomological 'issues' and on their 1000 word maximum-length term paper based on their topic.
About the Instructor: Peter S. Cranston came to Davis in 2000 from a Government Research position in Australia. His research interests lie in the biodiversity of insects, but he has wide interests in biodiversity conservation on a global scale. Peter spends research time in South Africa, recently returned from a 4 month sabbatical at Rhodes University, and will teach a Quarter Abroad for seniors at Stellenbosch University in 2007, and intends to offer the Quarter Abroad program in subsequent years until 2010.