<p>Is the Freshman Triad Course (Origins and Mind) still offered at Carleton? Can anyone describe the nature of the class/evaluate how effective the integrative approach was? Do similar programs exist at other LACs?</p>
<p>they call it a “dyad” course though i am not sure what that ecactly stands for.</p>
<p>this is taken directly from the 2005 course description online for new students (by the way, i listed it as my first choice).</p>
<p>BIOL 125 Genes, Evolution, and Development (includes lab) and PHIL 110 Evolution and Mind An introduction to questions in the philosophy of mind and language by considering the importance of evolution theory for issues relating to the nature of cognition and language. Central questions to be discussed include: the nature of Darwinian evolution; the nature, structure and function of human language; the nature and role of consciousness; the possibility of innate structures of cognition and language; the universality and diversity of human culture and categorization of experience.</p>
<p>Biologists and philosophers are intrigued by evolution, cognition, and behavior but go about asking and answering questions in distinctive ways. For example, biologists consider the brain from a genetic and evolutionary frame of reference. Philosophers and cognitive scientists offer analyses of different theories of how the mind works. By combining these approaches, a more holistic appreciation for brain-mind-behavior relationships develop. The theory of evolution readily encompasses these approaches and raises additional questions as well, as current discussions in biology, cognitive science and philosophy reveal: How and why did the mind evolve? Can the roles of cognition and culture be effectively addressed by evolutionary theory? What can the biology of the gene and the psychology and philosophy of cognition tell us about language, learning, culture, ethics, consciousness and free will? Finally, what is the nature and explanatory power of the theory of evolution itself?</p>
<p>One way we will explore different perspectives on evolution and the mind is through common readings. For example, Paul Ehrlich’s Human Natures: Genes, Cultures, and the Human Prospect reflects an evolutionary biologist’s perspective, and Daniel Dennett’s Freedom Evolves presents issues that center on the relationship of evolution to ethics and human freedom. Computer simulations and interdisciplinary case studies will also be used. Lab experiences will primarily be in biology. You will have a common weekly meeting with the faculty members to enhance the interdisciplinary nature of the program. 6 credits each (6 MS, 6 HU) WRS. Singer, R. Elveton</p>
<p>My son listed it as one of his top choices, too.</p>
<p>
It used to be a “triad”, as the course was really a course each trimester (18 credits). Now that the course is spread over two courses and two trimesters (12 credits), it’s called a “dyad”. </p>
<p>I’ve heard good things about the course, though I never took it. I never had Susan, but I enjoyed Roy [Elveton] in my Introduction to Classical Philosophy – as a caveat, others found him a bit boring, but we had some great discussions about what the pre-Socratics would have thought of modern physics.</p>
<p>actually both courses are in the same trimester. the classes are taken back to back on monday, wednesday, friday. the bio lab is on thursday, and there is a meeting with both professors and the students once a week as well. the DYAD takes up 2/3 of a student’s first term courses, meaning it is 12 credits all together.</p>