HNUH268Z

Formerly: HONR258A. Animal bodies have clear boundaries across space and time - or do they? Although the most familiar animals have clearly delimited bodies and persist only for a certain amount of time, evolution has produced many remarkable animals that defy simple definitions of bodies. Some animals shatter their bodies into pieces to reproduce, generating a collection of identical clones. Others remain physically attached to their siblings or offspring - coordinating activities across attached individuals and functioning as a meta-organism. Still others continually renew their bodies and attain immortality. In this seminar, we will explore the naturally-occurring phenomena that challenge our concept of body. As we analyze the complex ways that bodies relate to one another in the world and broaden the definition of body, students will engage in authentic scientific practices with transferable skills. Restricted to UH students matriculating in Fall 2020 or later. This course is part of the "Body Politics" thematic cluster. Body Politics courses will be offered through Spring 2023.