PURPOSE

The idea that knowledge can be weaved into a seamless tapestry to create a symphony of understanding is at the heart of Enlightenment experience.

From the times of Thales of Miletus (fl. 6th century BC), who considered all matter to be fundamentally driven from water, to Albert Einstein, the architect of the unification theory, the Ionian quest for a fundamental understanding of nature which links facts across disciplines has been the source of innovation and creativity in human thought.

In the postmodern world, tasked with searching for answers to global environmental issues as well as mapping the human genome and understanding the basis for consciousness, coherent interdisciplinary synthesis becomes a necessary skill for the novice.

In this seminar we will attempt to develop a common groundwork of explanation and link facts and theories of water from various different disciplines and traditions.

In doing so, we will attempt to show how patterns of thinking, concepts, and ideas that traverse through the three major liberal traditions -- Humanities, Social Sciences, and Sciences -- can be forged through interdisciplinary linkages.

CONTENTS INTRODUCTION PURPOSE SCHEDULE REQUIREMENTS PARTICIPANTS

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H20 - The Mystery, Art, and Science of Water
Chris Witcombe and Sang Hwang
Sweet Briar College