Abstract: For many years we have offered a very popular general-education course called Science in Literature. It is a small discussion-seminar style course, taken as a selection in both science and non-science majors. Students read a list of novels that contain substantive science content, critique their own understanding of the science topics, and refine their skills in literary analysis.
The focus of the course is genetics and evolution, and a popular topic is the possibility of life outside our biosphere. For many semesters, we have read Octavia Butler's acclaimed novel DAWN (1987), a novel in which humanity encounters an advanced alien species whose overriding biological urge is to mate with, and genetically merge with, new species across the galaxy.
This text, an outstanding example both of character development and of hard science fiction, provides an opportunity for students to interrogate their own knowledge and misconceptions about molecular genetics. Moreover, it provides an opportunity to explore ideas in SETI, origins of life, and the like.
This short presentation will present some highlights from classroom discussion and written submissions.
