Faculty: Jessica Healy
Description: “Aliens will not resemble anything we’ve seen. Considering that octopi, sea cucumbers, and oak trees are all very closely related to us, an alien visitor would look less like us than does a squid. Some fossils in the ancient Burgess shale are so alien we can’t determine which end of the creatures is up, and yet these monsters evolved right here on Earth from the same origins as we did.” – Johan Forsberg
Anyone who has spent time looking up at the stars has wondered, “Is there life out there?” This class will begin by investigating science fiction archetypes of aliens in print and film, from The War of the Worlds to Star Trek. Next we will discuss biodiversity on Earth and how life evolved into the outstanding array of organisms found in the fossil record and alive today. Finally, we will explore how life might evolve on other planets and what forms that life might take.
Meeting Information: 01/04/2021-01/26/2021 On Campus Jan Term Course Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Section Requisites: Out Of Pocket Expense: $82.57