Alexander 1

Jennifer Alexander

Professor Hammerman

CAL 105-A

18 December 2023

Reflecting on CAL-105

As I reflect on the first humanities course that I enrolled in at Stevens, I have found that

CAL-105: Knowledge, Nature, Culture, has brought a great balance to my course schedule and

collegiate journey. Led by Professor Hammerman, the classroom experience revolved around

group discussions with regards to various texts, such as Prometheus Bound, Frankenstein,

and Destroyer. Though this is a required class, as a computer science major, I had a lot of anxiety

with regards to the layout and materials of a humanities class. Despite that, CAL-105 and

Professor Hammerman have brought a lot of value to both my academics and personal mindset.

This class focused on the question, “What does it mean to be human?” intertwined with

scientific writing pieces, like Frankenstein and Prometheus Bound. Both texts raised a lot of

great discussion questions, many revolving around the risk and responsibility that comes with

creating innovation and putting it out into the world. One of my favorite aspects of these books

are their strong connections to scientific topics, as opposed to more literary or historical works.

More specifically, I was enthused that Hammerman chose to use the version of Frankenstein that

included annotations and analyses from the MIT press. As a STEM major, this encouraged me

greatly to delve into this novel as it provided an excellent perspective of the novel’s events. We

also touched on Victor LaValle’s Destroyer, which brought insight to the complexities of
Alexander 2

morality and challenging stereotypes. In supplement to these writing pieces, our class conducted

research individually to explore the implications of technological innovation.

The research projects were a valuable component of the course, allowing us to apply the

critical thinking skills and viewpoints that were developed through our readings to real-world

scenarios. The process of researching and presenting findings allowed us to gather a deeper

understanding of the ethical dilemmas often associated with technological advancements.

Personally, I gained a lot of knowledge and perspective for my own research through the

presentations of and collaboration with my classmates. These projects served as a great

connection between the discussions in class and their practical implications in modern society.

The classroom discussions, strongly guided by Professor Hammerman, were a highlight

of the course. Engaging in conversations with my peers about the ethical considerations in

Prometheus Bound, the moral implications of Victor Frankenstein's creation in "Frankenstein,"

and the societal reflections presented in Victor LaValle's "Destroyer," grew my understanding of

the broader themes of humanity, science, and culture. The diverse perspectives within the

classroom, especially Professor Hammerman’s, contributed to a dynamic range of ideas,

challenging my original mindset and encouraging me to think deeper about the intersections

between technology and humanity.

In conclusion, CAL-105 has been a pivotal experience that exceeded my initial

apprehensions about taking a humanities course. Professor Hammerman's approach, emphasizing

the relevance of these timeless themes to our contemporary world, made the course both

intellectually stimulating and personally beneficial. The combination of these scientific texts and

modern science, in combination with the research projects, has broadened my perspective on the
Alexander 3

intersection of knowledge, nature, and culture. As I share my takeaways with other students, I am

excited to convey how this course has not only contributed to my academic growth but also

encouraged a deeper appreciation for the connection of science and the human experience.