January 2007

Intelligent Design on Students' Minds (January 6-12)

“Intelligent Design” is the idea that the universe and human life are so complex they must have been created: neither could have emerged without the guiding hand of a creator. Most scientists cannot understand the debate over teaching “intelligent design” as part of the science curriculum, considering the idea more philosophy than science. Aaron Johnson ( University of Virginia ’s College at Wise) says the debate reflects the public’s confusion over what science is and that this confusion has its origins in the way we teach science in schools.

Also: Emile Lester (The University of Mary Washington ) examines a pioneering high school class that is teaching the religions of the world to promote tolerance among students.

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The Millenials (January 13-19)

Many parents of today’s college students have earned the nickname "helicopter parents," because they "hover" over their children, calling every day, phoning a professor when Johnny doesn't get his "A," or arguing with administrators if Susie doesn't get the class she wants. Edward Spencer (Virginia Tech) says college is a perfect time for the parents of the so-called Millennial Generation to let go.

Also: Mary Washko (J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College) is part of an innovative program that helps high school dropouts complete their education. She says that, like the character played by Will Smith in the hit movie “Pursuit of Happiness,” these young people face more daily challenges than most of us can imagine.

Zipper! (January 20-26)

It’s almost impossible to imagine modern life without the zipper. Yet for thirty years after its invention, it was so mechanically awkward that it had no real advantage over hooks and buttons. Robert Friedel, author of Zipper: An Exploration in Novelty, examines how new things become part of and actually shape our daily lives. Friedel and Professor of Business Administration Alexander Horniman--both with the Batten Institute at the University of Virginia’s Darden Graduate School of Business--show how the zipper illustrates the limitations and expectations of technology. The zipper, they say, is a wonderful example of technology looking for meaning: “Our technologies do not themselves contain their meaning. We impose meaning on our technology.”

Global Jamestown and the Poles (January 27 - February 2)

Patrick Griffin (University of Virginia) says Jamestown was in the vanguard of England’s participation in a growing global economy. And, says James Horn (College of William and Mary), this new venture took advantage of England’s increased economic links to other nations. The Virginia Company sought out skilled Polish craftsmen, among other nationalities, to help build the colony at Jamestown. John Radzilowski (University of St. Thomas) says the Poles not only made essential contributions to daily life in Jamestown, they were also involved in rescuing Captain John Smith from an Indian attack and became the first non-English to vote for members of the representative assembly.

This is the final episode in a series of five WGR programs--produced with special support from the Rosenstiel Foundation--devoted to "New Perspectives on Jamestown” and leading up to 2007 and the 400th anniversary of the founding of the settlement.