INSPIRE 3MP3 - A World of Big Questions and Multiple Perspectives

3 unit(s)

There are many perspectives to understanding the world, and academia provides a method for society to objectively build knowledge to answer the Big Questions. However, academic papers and textbooks are written by humans who have their own perspectives, biases and agendas; often, the behind-the-scenes story is even more interesting. While exploring an eclectic mix of fascinating topics with short modules from working academics from a range of fields, we will explore the history, philosophy, controversies, and applications of the scholarly pursuit. In this course, students will experience an expanded view of the nature of evidence-based practices, gain in-depth knowledge of contemporary research questions that scholars at McMaster University are exploring, and learn to become informed and critical consumers of information and media.
Lectures (three hours); one term
Not open to students with credit or registration in INSPIRE 3EL3 if the topic was Perspectives in Science.