The Science and Philosophy curriculum at Tujenge is designed, more than anything, to promote deep, critical thinking in scholars. While the courses taken at Tujenge cover a wide range of topics, the primary goal is to nurture an analytic and holistic perspective of the modern world and the human practices therein.
Initially introduced in the summer term and continuing through the remainder of scholars’ academic experience, science and philosophy coursework is fundamentally interdisciplinary and designed to challenge students conceptions of the physical and social world around them.
While always subject to change depending on availability of teaching staff, the curriculum largely follows the following structure:
Summer Term
Science and Humanity
A survey of the philosophy of science, and an introduction to (i) human evolutionary history, (ii) neuroscience, and (iii) linguistics, in order to form the basis for an answer to the question “what does it mean to be human?”
Fall Term
Climate, Environment, and Human Societies
The destruction of natural ecosystems and rapidly changing climates present myriad challenges for all living creatures. As the architects of this devastation, humans must ask what it is about their societies that engender such potential for suffering. This course presents both the scientific background and intersectional perspective to understanding current and future environmental damages.
Activism and Moral Action: in a world of abundant injustices, how do individuals go about improving their societies? In this survey course, we examine past and current activist movements, from the American Civil Rights movement, to the anti-nuclear weapons movement, to on-going environmental movements, to ask what the strategic considerations are for nonviolent movements in seeking a more just world.
Spring Term
Modern Science and Technology
A survey of topics in contemporary scientific circles, students encounter the hard science alongside discussions about the societal impacts of scientific and technological breakthroughs. This course synthesizes the discussions from courses in previous terms to challenge students to view the high-tech world through a critical lens. Topics range from CRISPR to geo-engineering to artificial intelligence.