Week 1: The Two Cultures

The idea of two cultures was one I had not explicitly thought about before this course, yet is a concept that is extremely relevant. C.P. Snow’s idea of two cultures that are separate from one another as well as the claim that universities and their curriculum are the root of the problem was very intriguing to me. When Vesna mentioned that the term science refers to mainly “physical” and “natural” sciences, I found myself guilty of this interpretation of the sciences. The idea of the third culture, which John Brockman claimed is contemporary scientists, whereas Vesna suggested that it is artists working with technology, could be an overlap of these two labels.

C.P. Snow and his bridge between the two cultures

At UCLA, the two cultures can be seen clearly. I once heard the tour guide say, “I have a little secret that you will not find on any pamphlet or website - UCLA is actually divided into two campuses, North Campus and South Campus.” The separation between the STEM and humanities majors is not only distinguished by their respective classes, but also the physical and geographical divide of campus.

The clear geographical divide between UCLA north campus and south campus

I am an Undeclared Life Sciences major, likely to major in some type of biology, clearly under the “science” culture. However, I am minoring in Spanish, which is much more connected with linguistics and the humanities. When considering my career goals, I hope to pursue a career in medicine and be able to use Spanish in my career. As an undergraduate student, I am not only learning the Spanish language, but also studying Spanish literature and culture. Being able to understand and bridge the connection between the two cultures will greatly help me be successful here not only at UCLA, but also in the future.

I have always considered myself as a person geared toward the sciences, rather than a person who is very creative and artistic. However, as I have read articles and watched videos discussing the two cultures, it brings me to the question: why can’t I be both scientific and creative? Do we have to be simply right brain or left brain? I should embrace both cultures and be open to new ideas and perspectives, no matter whether they fall under the scientific or humanitarian category.

The idea of being either left brain or right brain

References:

Brockman, John. The Third Culture. New York, New York, Simon and Schuster, 1995. Print.

Krauss, Lawrence M. “An Update on C. P. Snow's ‘Two Cultures.’” Scientific American, 1 Sept. 2009, www.scientificamerican.com/article/an-update-on-cp-snows-two-cultures/.

Mahendru, Srishti. “Exhaustive Guide To Becoming A Psychologist And Its Scope In India.” Mindler Blog, 10 Apr. 2018, www.mindler.com/blog/psychology-courses-scope-india/.

Snow, C. P. The Two Cultures and the Scientific Revolution. New York, New York, Cambridge University Press, 1959. Print.

“UCLA Campus... - University of California Office Photo.” Glassdoor, www.glassdoor.co.uk/Photos/University-of-California-Office-Photos-IMG1498915.htm.

Vesna, Victoria. “Toward a Third Culture: Being in Between.” Leonardo 34.2 (2001): 121-25. Print.