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An immodest proposal - Conceptual physics courses



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Ludwik wrote:
I agree with Nick that it is worth discussing Conceptual Physics courses.
Please do not limit this to a private (not phys-L) exchange of ideas. As
a teacher of Conceptual Physics I am constantly debating the issues and
would like to know what other phys-L-ers think about them. My position is
that Conceptual Physics is a cultural course for non-science majors. It is
like a music appreciation course for those who will never play or compose
anything.
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*If* the Conceptual Physics course is intended to be a cultural course for
non-science majors, one of whose purposes is to raise the level of
scientific literacy; often used to satisfy core science requirements; then
I'm of the opinion that it shouldn't exist as such. I'd rather see an
interdisclipinary course (or sequence) that would fullfill this role and be
call something like "Science 101". this course ought to be a year long and
involve Physics, Chemistry, Biology and probably earth science with a little
astronomy thrown in. I just don't think it is appropriate for a student to
take a one semester conceptual physics course and then bless them as being
now scientifically literate.

Joel

PS please don't take the above as my saying conceptual physics courses have
no place in the panoply of options, I'm just saying that they shouldn't be
what fullfills the purposes listed above, (which is how they are often
defended); some other type of course should fullfill that role.