First Year Students

The Final Frontier: Visions of Space and the Future

Simpson Colloquium 101 P -  The Final Frontier: Visions of Space and the Future
M T TH F  1- 2 PM

 Science fiction is one of the most popular forms of fiction. Since The Time Machine and War of the Worlds by Jules Verne published in the 1890s, and the film “La Voyage dans la Lune” which came out in 1902, people have been fascinated by these tales of the future. Science fiction has provided a window into possible futures for human society, travel through space or time, potential life on other planets, and crises created by technology or by alien creatures. What is it about these stories that appeal to us? What do these stories tell us about ourselves, about our dreams and aspirations? In this course, we will look at contemporary efforts to explore our solar system, and films and stories about the future, and the universe. We will read The Physics of Star Trek by Lawrence Kraus, Star Wars and Philosophy by Decker, Erbel, and Irwin, 2001: A Space Odyssey by Arthur Clark, Starship Troopers by Robert Heinlein, Foundation by Isaac Asimov, and Dune by Frank Herbert. We will also watch a number of films including “Blade Runner”, “Star Wars”, “Star Trek”,  and “WALL-E” among others.

Meet Your Professor
 Eduardo Magalhaes III, Ph.D.
 Professor of HistoryEduardo Magalhaes III

Eduardo Magalhães III is from Illinois (by way of Brazil for two and a half years in high school). He graduated from Kewanee High School and Monmouth College in Illinois before going to the University of Iowa to study Political Science. Eduardo became interested in politics when he started reading Time magazine in 7th grade. He thought for years that meant he would run for public office, but discovered in College that you need the platform of a real job before you can run for office. So, because he had always had an interest in teaching, Eduardo pursued a career teaching at a small, liberal arts college, like his alma mater. Eduardo has been at Simpson since 1991. He primarily teaches courses in international relations and comparative politics, though in the last ten years he has developed courses on women in American politics and Latinos in American politics.

He and his wife, Terri (from South English, IA), have four kids ages 9 to 15 (a girl and three boys), and live on a small acreage outside of Indianola (where the kids can make lots of noise and not disturb the neighbors). The whole family likes to golf and vacation (recent trips: Boston and the Rocky Mountains).

Jessalyn HoldcraftMeet Your Destination Leader
 Jessalyn Holdcraft

Hello! I am Jessalyn Holdcraft and I will be your Destination Leader for “The Final Frontier: Visions of Space and the Future.” I’m a sophomore for the 2012-2013 with a double major in Political Science and Multimedia Journalism and a minor in Spanish. In addition to being your Destination Leader, I am in Pre-Law Society, PRSSA, Comic Book Club, a contributor to The Simpsonian, a member of the sorority Delta Delta Delta and the SGA Sophomore Class President.

I’m very outgoing and involved; it’s a goal of mine to never have to sit alone in Pfeiffer. I’m also a driven student and I tend to spend a lot of time in the library, so much in fact that I’ve gotten locked in the library.

I’m an avid Facebook user, I check my email daily, and I’m on Twitter, so feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns that you may have regarding classes, Simpson, or college in general. I’m looking forward to meeting all of you! 

Meet Your Writing FellowValerie Goodhue-Nolte
Valerie Goodhue-Nolte

My name is Valerie Goodhue-Nolte and I will be your Writing Fellow for “The Final Frontier.” I am from Carlisle, Iowa. In high school I was involved in Debate, National Honors Society and I played soccer my freshman year.  When I was a sophomore in high school I took the opportunity to study abroad in Spain for the academic year. Ever since then I have been very passionate about learning languages and traveling. My personal goal is to learn and speak five languages fluently.

I chose Simpson, not because I am a fourth generation here, but for the traveling opportunities through semester abroad and May term. This May term I will be traveling to Brazil. I hope to study abroad for a semester in Murcia, Spain next spring.

I am a sophomore for the 2012-2013 academic year with majors in Spanish and French and minors in History and Political Science. At Simpson I am a Culver Fellow and a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority, College Republicans and the Students for Life group. In my free time I enjoy watching movies, listening to music, target shooting, 4-wheeling and hanging out with my friends.

I look forward to meeting you all in the fall and getting to know each and everyone of you! If you have any questions or concerns (parents or students) feel free to contact me. My email is valerie.nolte@my.simpson.edu or you can contact me on facebook. Have a wonderful summer and I will see you in August!

Last Updated: 5/21/12