Science and Literature: Wonder in the Complete Sense

A Quantum Leap Program provided with Support from Indiana Humanities and the National Endowment for the Humanities

Instructor:  Jessica Reed

What to bring: paper and pencils/pens, sack lunch

In her essay, “Wonder in Science and Poetry,” poet Pattiann Rogers writes, “Scientists and poets and toddlers wonder, in the complete sense of that word. They are amazed and curious about what others might term the commonplace or simple things of the world.” What’s true of poets is true of writers in other literary genres: to incorporate and respond to scientific ideas on the page is to reengage with a childlike wonder, to celebrate and explore the spirit of possibility that scientists and artists share. How can literature convey the wonder of—and inform—the public about science? How can different kinds of literature “perform” scientific ideas? This workshop will include readings, short discussions, and writing exercises to explore the wonder at the heart of science and art.

Includes a copy of the graphic novel Feynman, by Jim Ottaviani and Leland Myrick.