A Chemislry-Culture Course for Nonscience Majors Chemi;try fnculttrs at many inrtirtmons learning are 1,ecoming more and mure aware thnr rhemis~rydrpnrrmenw muzr pnrride cour~rrti,r the lilwal a m ot'nonsripncr moioa. With ~ ~ , n t i n u i n ~ d e v ~ l t , p mint rnr~r*h m ~ l and o ~ tile consequent impact of chemicals upon every aspect of daily existence, it becomes increasingly important that all students have same exposure t o a t least the fundamentals of chemistry. Perusing a series of chemical periodicals reveals that many institutions have, for this reason, introduced courses treating the complex relationship between chemistry and the environment. At Mount Marty College such a course for non-majors is called "Chemistry and Culture" to indicate the almost imperceptible but real permeation of chemicals into every aspect of daily living. A major objective of the course is to develop open-minded critical attitudes in students which will allow them t o question scientific articles, advertisements, ete. without being strongly emotionally opinionated. Students taking this course have found it rewarding t o learn that they can read scientific periodicals with understanding. The course has two basic sections to achieve these objectives: (1)an introduction to the vocabulary and notation (symbols, formulas, equations) of chemistry and (2) a study of the impact of chemistryupon all phases of living. The first section provides concepts and terminology essential for the understanding of the second portion which requires reading of chemically related literature. The second half of the course considers chemistry in foods, clothing, medicines and drugs, cosmetics, cleansing neenta. enerev. , ~.~ ~ " . . etc. , n ~ aerieulture. . ~ - , nollution. The major topics nre rattgori,rd ns folhmi. Chemistry and Fuodu.Chemisrry and Apriculrurr. C h ~ m i r a lin i the Home. Chemirak and Hmlth, ('hrmiitp and Pollution. and Clmn~srr)and Knrrm. Each student provid~san article from current p e r d i r al.; < t n m;h of rhr mapr arras whwh are then cuvrred in class via panrl d~sru~siuns'l'hc nrtirler help all studrnts become actively interested in the discussions. Tours and demonstrations are an integral part of the course. Three tours have been very successful:a paint factory which explains the function of a dozen chemicals in a paint product, the city water purification plant which explains the use of the various chemicals which are added, and the city sewage disposal plant. Since the introduction of the course, enrollment has increased each year. I t is also available as a night class for continuing education and has gained popularity. This course fills a definite need for the nonmajor students in our college. ~~
~
~
~~
This paper was presented a t the 14th Midwest Regional ACS Meeting in Rolla, MO.
Mount Marty College Yankton, South Dakota 57078
392 1 Journal of Chemical Education
S. Laetieia Kilzer
