Conforming to Expectations
``Which is it, nature or nurture? That is, does our genetic makeup or
our environment predominate in determining who we are? But in either
case, must we inevitably conform to the limitations that heredity and
environment impose on us? As much as people have tried to cloak their
answers to these questions in the mantle of the neutral ``science'' of
statistics, answers have been laced with attitudes about gender, race,
ethnicity and class. In this semester we will continue the study of
statistics and explore cultural influences on science as we try to
answer these questions.'' (From the original course description)
Since May of last year, when the preceding paragraph was written, the
non-statistical focus of the course has changed somewhat, so that our
emphasis will be more on the cultural influences on science rather
than on the ``nature or nurture'' question. Thus, we will weave three
significant examples of science gone awry into our continuing
discussion of statistics: the Tuskegee syphilis experiments, Nazi
medical experiments, and post-World War II experiments with
radioactivity. Most Fridays and a few other scattered days during the
semester will be devoted to these experiments as indicated below in
the class schedule. There will be reserve reading for these classes.
Class Format/Journals
As in the first semester, the format of the class will vary from class
to class and topic to topic. We will again have discussions involving
the whole class, small group discussions of statistics, computer
laboratory sessions, and lectures. You will again be asked to
maintain a weekly journal with 1 or 2 entries per week, some of them on
assigned topics, which are due on Mondays. And, to quote from last
semester's syllabus, I will be reading your journals for content and
not style, nonetheless, I would appreciate a modest attention to your
writing.
Assignments and Grading
There will again be four types of regular assignments during the semester, the FYP journals (described above), 2 papers of 3-5 pages concerning the common readings, individual statistics assignments, and collaborative statistics assignments based upon the group-work in class. There will also be an in-class mid-term exam on Friday, March 1 and a final exam Friday, May 10, the regularly scheduled exam period for our class time. (Keep this date in mind when you make your end of the semester travel plans.) The format of the final exam will be announced later in the semester.
Note that the Class Participation component includes attendance at
co-curricular events. There will be an average of one event per week.
It is strongly recommended that you attend as many of the events as
possible. Attendance is mandatory at the events that are central to
the program or to this class. The co-curricular events will be
discussed in class. A list of events that have been scheduled at
this time is given at the end of the syllabus.
Grading Scheme:Texts:
Class Participation and Journal 15 % Individual and Group 20 % Statistics Assignments Short Papers 25 % Due Feb. 25 (final date) and April 29 Mid-term Exam 15 % Friday, March 1. Final Exam 25 % May 10, 2002 Total 100 %
Common Readings:Text for Conforming to Expectations:
- The Life of Galileo. Bertolt Brecht. Reissue edition (October 1991) Grove Press.
- Night, Elie Wiesel, Reissue edition (April 1, 1982) Bantam Books.
- Night Flight to Hanoi: Daniel Berrigan's War Diary With Eleven Poems, Daniel Berrigan. Out of Print. (Will be photocopied for purchase through the bookstore later in the semester.
- ``Letter from Birmingham Jail.'' Martin Luther King. Available on-line at http://www.stanford.edu/group/King/.
- Statistics. David Freedman, Robert Pisani and Roger Purves. Norton, 3rd Edition, 1998.
Schedule of Readings, Papers and Exams
The common texts should be read by the first day they are discussed in class. Particular readings in Statistics and reserve readings will be assigned weekly and may vary somewhat from the following.
Schedule of Events and Activities: (as of 1/16/02)
Note: The Branford Marsalis performance will cost $15. The
transportation and room for the Washington trip will cost no more
than $50. You will be responsible for your own meals in Washington.
There is scholarship assistance for these events if you cannot afford
them.
Other events will be recommended as the semester progresses. Check out the Upcoming Events page of the FYP web page for a complete listing of events.