CCA makes quantum leaps
Physicists to speak on quantum physics; few register for lecture series
Heather Orlando
Issue date: 11/8/07 Section: News
A Center for Constructive Alternatives lecture series this month could change how students look at their world - or at least how they perceive all things subatomic.
This semester's second CCA, "What is Quantum Physics and Where Does it Lead?" will bring seven distinguished physicists from all over the United States to speak on issues related to quantum theory, from Einstein's rejection to quantum physics to modern physics and ancient faith. The lectures will be given between Nov. 11 and Nov. 15.
"This CCA will seriously deepen students' appreciation for who they are," Associate Professor of Physics Ken Hayes said. "You are an incredibly subtle piece of the universe and realizing that will help you respect yourself and the universe around you."
The speakers are experts in their fields and skilled at explaining complex concepts to a lay audience, said Assistant Professor of Physics Cyrill Slezak. Most of the speakers teach and research for prestigious institutions including Yale and Boston universities.
"These are outstanding speakers," Slezak said. "Some have been on NOVA specials and we have shown those programs to our Science 101 classes. They explain concepts very well."
Stephen Barr, a professor at the University of Delaware and author of the book "Modern Physics and Ancient Faith," will be giving a lecture with the same name on Nov. 14.
"I have heard many good things about [Hillsdale College] over the years," Barr said in an e-mail to The Collegian. "I am also honored to be speaking in the same series with such distinguished people."
Despite faculty enthusiasm for the CCA, students seem to be wary of the topic's complexity.
"This one seems to be pretty intimidating to the students," CCA Staff Assistant Kimberly Jackson said. "On Thursday we only had 150 students signed up - we could go up to 275. Usually I have waiting lists."
Slezak wondered why students hesitate to register.
"I would venture to say students knew nothing about the "Film Noir" CCA last year and yet they signed up," Slezak said. "But students think that since it's about quantum physics it will be over their heads. It's an unfounded fear."
But not all students are intimidated by the subject matter.
"I'm excited for the opportunity as a humanities major to explore an area I don't study on a daily basis," senior Katie Becker said. "It makes a lot of sense that a liberal arts school like Hillsdale would offer this sort of thing. It is very much in keeping with Hillsdale's liberal arts principles."
Jackson said that the CCA office can register students for the CCA until Nov. 9.
Hillsdale College Collegian, 2007
This semester's second CCA, "What is Quantum Physics and Where Does it Lead?" will bring seven distinguished physicists from all over the United States to speak on issues related to quantum theory, from Einstein's rejection to quantum physics to modern physics and ancient faith. The lectures will be given between Nov. 11 and Nov. 15.
"This CCA will seriously deepen students' appreciation for who they are," Associate Professor of Physics Ken Hayes said. "You are an incredibly subtle piece of the universe and realizing that will help you respect yourself and the universe around you."
The speakers are experts in their fields and skilled at explaining complex concepts to a lay audience, said Assistant Professor of Physics Cyrill Slezak. Most of the speakers teach and research for prestigious institutions including Yale and Boston universities.
"These are outstanding speakers," Slezak said. "Some have been on NOVA specials and we have shown those programs to our Science 101 classes. They explain concepts very well."
Stephen Barr, a professor at the University of Delaware and author of the book "Modern Physics and Ancient Faith," will be giving a lecture with the same name on Nov. 14.
"I have heard many good things about [Hillsdale College] over the years," Barr said in an e-mail to The Collegian. "I am also honored to be speaking in the same series with such distinguished people."
Despite faculty enthusiasm for the CCA, students seem to be wary of the topic's complexity.
"This one seems to be pretty intimidating to the students," CCA Staff Assistant Kimberly Jackson said. "On Thursday we only had 150 students signed up - we could go up to 275. Usually I have waiting lists."
Slezak wondered why students hesitate to register.
"I would venture to say students knew nothing about the "Film Noir" CCA last year and yet they signed up," Slezak said. "But students think that since it's about quantum physics it will be over their heads. It's an unfounded fear."
But not all students are intimidated by the subject matter.
"I'm excited for the opportunity as a humanities major to explore an area I don't study on a daily basis," senior Katie Becker said. "It makes a lot of sense that a liberal arts school like Hillsdale would offer this sort of thing. It is very much in keeping with Hillsdale's liberal arts principles."
Jackson said that the CCA office can register students for the CCA until Nov. 9.
Hillsdale College Collegian, 2007
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