spotlight on honors

A DAY IN THE LIFE...

STUDY ABROAD

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING

HONORS FACULTY

NEWS

PHOTOS

honors faculty

Dr. george bakken

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

Ph.D., Rice University

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Some of Dr. Bakkan’s research interests include physiological ecology, biometeorology, evolution, and thermoregulation. He, along with interested and qualified students, investigate and analyze the behavioral and physiological responses of animals to outdoor microclimates in two well-equipped laboratories.

HONORS BEGINNINGS

Dr. Bakkan was approached about teaching Honors classes by Dr. Jennerman, the Honors director at the time, in 1978. He recalls that when Dr. Jennerman asked him to create a course, “It sounded interesting because I could create a course that used the full range of my background. This includes an undergraduate minor in philosophy, a Ph.D. in physics, a professional career in biophysical ecology, and strong side interests in history, geology, and religious ideas.”

Timing for his first course could not have been better; an important Arkansas creationism trial was quickly developing, and Dr. Bakkan had a chance to confront modern problems related to both history and science. He remembers, “I thought the evolution-creation controversy in religion and politics (there is no controversy in science) would be a great wehicle for exploring some otherwise dry and dusty ideas in philosophy and how science differs from other ‘ways of knowing.’”

TYPICAL CLASSES TAUGHT

Dr. Bakkan typically teaches a 300 level Honors course on Impact of the Theory Evolution. The course focuses on history of religion, philosophy, and science leading up to Darwin and the religious and political impact of Darwin's theory.

Dr. Bakkan describes why he enjoys teaching Honors students: “I have a lot of fun with the ideas when I have a good group of student that are engaged and interactive.”

ADVICE TO HONORS STUDENTS

“Be responsive and engaged in class. Don’t just sit and take notes!”