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“Why poetry?,” you might ask. At first glance, science and poetry seem like unlikely companions, yet this course will explore the ways in which they can complement each other. Poetry encourages us to slow down, reflect, and engage with big ideas. We will read a diverse selection of poems from various languages and cultures that explore questions of scientific discovery, space, the environment, biology, aging, and medicine. We will examine how these poems grapple with scientific concepts, the natural world, and the human experience. Students will also be invited to discover and share poems that speak to their scientific and intellectual interests. Throughout the course, we will approach poetry not as an intimidating art form to be decoded, but as a space for reflection, playful exploration of ideas, and deeper thinking. Readings are in English and English translation ranging from Dylan Thomas, Marianne Moore, Jane Hirshfield, Scott Momaday, David Ignatow to German writer Johann Wolfang von Goethe, French poet Jacques Prévert, Swedish author Harry Martinson and Polish poet Wislawa Szymborska.