Stories We Tell Course Pairing
The World as it Was, Is and Could Be: Chemistry and Society (CH110T)
How is chemistry useful to explain the world we live in? How has chemistry’s discovery and development over time shaped human society? And what might we expect for the future? This core course for nonscience majors uses stories from the history of chemistry—past, present and the potential future—to show how science influences the world around us. Students will gain insights into the workings of science and how to better discern the truth/uncertainty in current issues influenced by science and technology.
Faculty Biography
Dr. Brian Barr is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry. He holds a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Cornell University and has been at Loyola since 1997. In addition to the Messina program, he teaches undergraduate courses in biochemistry for Loyola science majors. Dr. Barr’s research interests involve the development of renewable biofuels/bioenergy from cellulose and algae. Dr. Barr has been an advisor of first year students for many years and enjoys learning about the history of science.
Introduction to Journalism: Storytelling Across Media (CM205T)
Understanding how journalists tell stories for their audiences is important to both those wanting to be in the profession but also those who consume these stories. This course provides a brief history of journalism with a more in-depth focus on ways different types of these stories are told. It also investigates the role changing technology and attitudes about the media and journalists play in creating and understanding some basic media challenges and issues journalists face when dealing with the industry and society today. The course is geared towards those who are interested in the field but also those who simply want to learn more about the news and media that influence their daily lives. Students will find new ways to engage with the material on different levels as they develop their own personas, beliefs, and ideas about the field itself, and how it fits into their first year experiences at Loyola and with Messina.
Faculty Biography
Dr. Sara Magee is an Assistant Professor of Communications who teaches journalism, broadcast (television and radio), and media ethics classes. Her research involves the (thin) line between news and entertainment and investigations into how news is consumed and created as well as the role popular culture plays in the news and journalism field today. She is a former Emmy winning television news producer, reporter and anchor who has also worked for National Public Radio.
Mentor Biography
Cindy Parcover, M.S., Ed., has practiced as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor for 17 years, with a focus on Alcohol and Drug counseling and prevention in Higher Education. In her 16-year tenure at Loyola University Maryland, she has provided individual and group counseling, developed and implemented educational interventions, and provided numerous outreach programs to students, student leadership groups, athletic teams, faculty, administrators, and staff. Cindy has particular interests in health and behavior assessment, social norms marketing, and environmental prevention strategies. Cindy has a passion for working with First Year students and assisting them with the transition into a successful college experience.
