Integrative Experience (IE) | Courses

Integrative Experience
The founders of the College held that “technology divorced from humanity is worse than no technology at all.” To explore the meaning of the founders’ vision, students may choose a one-semester integrative experience (IE) course that explores the interaction between science, technology and society. IE courses may be offered by any academic department, and they are frequently team-taught. Some of the courses are listed here, others may be found in the departmental sections. A list of approved Integrative Experience courses is maintained by the Office of the Dean of Faculty. This requirement applies only to students who entered HMC during 2009-10 or prior.

INTEGRATIVE EXPERIENCE (IE) COURSES

IE 142. Seminar on Math and Science Education (3)
Levy, Yong, Dodds (Computer Science). Students will learn about and contribute to math and science education in our community. Over the course of the semester, students observe math and science classrooms and reach out to integrate with our readings and discussions, which will be centered around questions such as, “What is effective math and science teaching?”, “What is effective math and science education?”, and, “How does math and science education impact our society?” Prerequisites: none. (Fall or Spring)

IE 144. Mathematics, Music, Art: Cosmic Harmony (3)
Orrison, Alves (Humanities, Social Sciences, and the Arts). A seminar exploring some of the many intersections between mathematics and music within our own and non-Western cultures, including proportion in art, tuning systems, algorithmic composition, artificial intelligence and creativity, and music synthesis. The class will also examine the ethical, aesthetic, and cultural ramifications of compression technology, sampling, downloading, and the effects of technology on music and vice-versa. Prerequisites: none. (Fall or Spring)

179. Special Topics (3)
Staff.  Course will consider issues of current importance to society.