A historical survey of science and technology. Principal topics include science and technology in prehistory, Egyptian and Babylonian science and culture, Greek science, Medieval technology and science, the Scientific Revolution, the making of the modern physical science, Darwin, and the Darwinian Revolution.
An introduction to the basic methods of journalism, including gathering and verifying facts, finding and interviewing sources, and constructing compelling narratives.
This course is an examination of theories of and possible solutions to warfare purveyed by prominent thinkers, from Plato and Aristotle up through modern scientists such as Steven Pinker.
This course provides a critical examination of topics addressed in events sponsored by the Center for Science Writings, during which prominent science writers delve into a variety of aspects of science and technology-and their impact on society-from both a historical and contemporary point of view. In addition to regular weekly class meetings, students have the unique opportunity to meet CSW speakers to discuss their work.
CAL 105:CAL Colloquium: Knowledge, Nature, Culture
This course introduces students to all the humanistic disciplines offered by the College of Arts and Letters: history, literature, philosophy, the social sciences, art, and music. By studying seminal works and engaging in discussions and debates regarding the themes and ideas presented in them, students learn how to examine evidence in formulating ideas, how to subject opinions, both their own, as well those of others, to rational evaluation, and in the end, how to appreciate and respect a wide diversity of opinions and points of view.
School: College of Arts & Letters
Department: General Humanities / CAL 105
Program: General Humanities
Research & Education
Education
1983. M.S., School of Journalism, Columbia University. 1982. B.A., School of General Studies, Columbia University. Summa Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa, Honors in English.
Research
Throughout my career, I have been engaged in research--including interviewing, reading and attending conferences--on the biological, social and environmental correlates of war and peace. I incorporated this research into my 2012 book "The End of War", published by McSweeney's. I am also constantly researching and writing about a wide variety of other science-related topics.
Experience & Service
Experience
August 2005-Present. Director of the Center for Sciences Writings and Affiliate Professor in the College of Arts and Letters, Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, New Jersey. Responsibilities include organizing events on science-related topics, writing a weekly column, "The Scientific Curmudgeon," for The Stute (the Stevens school paper) and teaching courses on science-related topics.
1997-Present. Freelance science writer. Articles published in the New York Times, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, Time, Newsweek, London Times, Chronicle of Higher Education, New Republic, Discover, Science, New Scientist, Technology Review, Slate, and elsewhere.
1986-1997. Senior Writer, Scientific American Magazine. Wrote over 400 articles on science, technology, medicine, mathematics, philosophy, and national security. Also edited articles and managed news section.
1983-1986. Associate Editor, IEEE Spectrum Magazine. Wrote and edited articles on technology and its social implications.
Achievements & Professional Societies
Honors & Awards
2009. Included in Best American Science Writing, edited by Natalie Angier.
2007. Included in The Best American Science and Nature Writing, published by Houghton Mifflin (also in 2005 and 2006 editions).
2005. Templeton-Cambridge Journalism Fellowship in Science and Religion.
1997. American Psychiatric Association Certificate of Commendation for Outstanding Reporting on Psychiatric Issues.
1994. American Association for the Advancement of Science Journalism Award.
1994. "Excellent" rating from Forbes Media Guide: A Review of the Nation’s Most Influential Journalists.
1993. National Association of Science Writers Science-in-Society Award.
1993. New York Business Press Editors Award.
1992. American Association for the Advancement of Science Journalism Award.
1986. Co-winner with other editors of IEEE Spectrum of National Magazine Award for Best Single-Topic Issue.
1985. Society of National Association Publications Award for Investigative Reporting.
Selected Publications
Books
John Horgan. (2012). The End of War, McSweeney's.
John Horgan, Frank Geer. (2002). Where Was God on September 11?, Brown Trout.
John Horgan. (2003). Rational Mysticism, Houghton Mifflin.
John Horgan. (1999). "The Undiscovered Mind", Free Press.
John Horgan. (1996). The End of Science, Addison Wesley.
