Dr. Kowalchuk's interests span politics, literature and philosophy. Recently, she has studied Rousseau's depiction of the feminine, and its role in the generation and preservation of morality, as well as Fyodor Dostoevsky's understanding of the role of reason in belief formation. She is also deeply interested in the interaction between science and culture and in questions concerning the evolution of culture.
keywords
ancient philosophy, ancient political philosophy, Greek drama and epic, modern philosophy, history of political thought, history of science, limits of reason
Teaching
courses taught
ENES 1010 - Engineering, Ethics and Society
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2020 / Spring 2021 / Fall 2021 / Spring 2022 / Fall 2022 / Spring 2023
Explores a wide variety of challenging and interesting humanistic themes (love, responsibility, ambition, etc.) in many forms (fiction, philosophy, plays, poetry, art, music, etc.). In small discussion-based classes, emphasizes the writing, public speaking and critical thinking skills needed to excel as a professional engineer. Fulfills College of Engineering writing requirement for first-year freshmen only. Formerly HUEN 1010.
ENES 3100 - Seminar in Engineering, Ethics & Society
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2020 / Spring 2021 / Summer 2021 / Fall 2021 / Spring 2022 / Summer 2022 / Fall 2022 / Spring 2023
Introduces students to foundational texts in personal ethics (from philosophy, literature, history, and the arts). Class discussion puts these texts into context for students preparing to enter careers in engineering and applied science.'Includes extensive writing. Fulfills the College of Engineering & Applied Science writing requirement.'Department prerequisite: a minimum GPA of 3.0. Formerly HUEN 3100.
HUEN 2210 - Engineering, Science, and Society
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2018
Explores challenges that engineering and science pose for society plus the ways that societies shape or impede science and engineering. Case studies range from contemporary issues (global warming, nuclear weapons, and genetic engineering) to classic cases (the execution of Socrates). Core texts in the Western Tradition supplement contemporary articles and films. Formerly HUEN 2210.
