From the MATRIX to MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: Physics in Movies
(Fall 2009, Tue/Thu, 8:00-9:15 am, PH 247)
INSTRUCTOR: Prof. Christian Iliadis (office PH 174; Ph.:
962-3016; email: iliadis@unc.edu; webpage:
www.physics.unc.edu/~iliadis);
office hours: Thursday, 9:30-10:30 am, or by appointment.
WHAT
THIS COURSE IS ABOUT: Many films
present viewers with very interesting phenomena and actions that relate to important
concepts in physics. This course is based on the notion that we can use scenes
from popular films to learn these concepts.
In traditional physics courses the model of instruction is "teaching by telling" - lecturing to passive students. However, research has shown that students need to be intellectually engaged in order to develop a fundamental understanding of physics concepts. Research also shows that a student who has achieved facility in the solving of standard, end-of-chapter quantitative problems has not necessarily achieved deep insight into physics concepts.
In this course, during each class session, we will
watch short movie clips that have some physics content. Instead of me lecturing
about one specific physics concept after another, we will attempt to
disentangle and comprehend these complicated situations through group work. This way, you will define your own difficulties,
make your own suggestions for solutions, and achieve a deeper insight by
learning from each other. Consider me as a coach (not an instructor in the
traditional sense) who helps you along the process just described.
ATTENDANCE: Since the course depends on your initiative and
enthusiasm it should be obvious that you need to attend all scheduled classes
and be prepared to work together. Interruption to our work caused by the
ringing of cell phones is not acceptable - so please turn off your cell phone
during class. Don't sleep in class, don't read the newspaper in class.
Attendance at the final exam is required. Absence from
the exam will result in a grade of zero unless an official written explanation
is presented. No makeup exam will be given unless special arrangements are made
before the scheduled exam. Please bring a scientific
calculator to each class session.
TEXTBOOK: You do not
need to purchase a physics textbook. However, some of you may find it helpful
to read up on certain concepts. Any introductory college text will do, for
example, "The Physics of Everyday Phenomena" by Griffith, or "Physics: A World
View" by Kirkpatrick and Wheeler. These books should be available in the
Physics/Math library on the third floor of Phillips Hall. Otherwise, please
ask me for a copy.
HOMEWORK: There may be about 5-7 homework assignments during
the course of the semester. Homework is due one week after the assignment sheet
is handed out. You will find the answers to the homework problems in a folder
at the Physics/Math library one week after the assignment is made. (For this
reason, it should be obvious why I will not
be able to accept homework assignments
late!). Some of the homework problems may be similar in difficulty to the
problems assigned on the final exam.
EXAMINATIONS:
The final exam will be cumulative and
of closed-book format (bring only a pen and a calculator). Please do
not ask me any questions during
the exams.
PROJECTS: Three projects are required of each student:
(a) a short physics discussion (quantitative or qualitative) of a movie
of your choice (about 2-3 pages long). The assignment is due on October 15.
(b) a media course project that requires you to shoot your
own scene containing some physics concepts. For this project you will
collaborate in groups of two or three. I will assign the groups and get you started
early, since we need to make reservations for the camcorder. This project is
due November 24. I will provide more detailed instructions in class when we
discuss the project.
(c) a written course project containing a discussion, analysis,
explanation, derivations etc. of the physics in certain movies of your choice. There are many
possibilities and you can let your imagination and interest be your guide. Your
paper (about 6 pages long) is due December 1. More detailed instructions will be
provided in class.
GRADES: The final grade will be based on homework (25%),
final exam (25%), written course project (20%), written discussion of movie (5%), and media course
project
(25%).
There will be no extra credit in this course.
SHORT PAPER: Due October 15.
MEDIA PROJECT: Due November 24.
WRITTEN PROJECT: Due December 1.
FINAL EXAM: Saturday, December 12, 8:00 am, Room 247
HOLIDAYS: Thu. 10/22; Thu. 11/26.
FIELD TRIPS: TBA.