GCC1908: Ways of Knowing Science

Every human society codifies its own unique approach, understanding, and experience of the world around it into systems of knowledge. However, until very recently, scientific researchers at large Western universities have paid little attention to this knowledge, in part because much is dismissed as “unscientific”—implying inferiority to Western science. In this seminar, we will take a more culturally sensitive “inside look” at diverse ways of knowing. Experience is often the best teacher. By direct experience and involvement with another culture, we come to better recognize their cultural worldview and its way of seeing and making sense of the world. In this way, learners will encounter different ways of knowing. Each week, experiential learning is supplemented through reading assignments that include published inquiries by indigenous and academic authors. This is a Grand Challenge Curriculum course.

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