SlideShare a Scribd company logo
Proposal
for a University Department
for 'The Study Of Time'
by Rick Doble
Copyright © 2017 Rick Doble
You can view other papers by Rick Doble about art and time at:
https://unc.academia.edu/RickDoble
Or view Rick Doble's blog DeconstructingTime at:
http://deconstructingtime.blogspot.com
INTRODUCTION
Today circular repeating time (right) is being replaced with
linear time as the digital clock on the left shows.
Time is the most used noun in the English language according to the Concise Oxford English Dictionary. This is
probably true for most other languages as well.
Time is critical to everything we do as individuals, as nations, and as human beings who inhabit the Earth.
Consider: On your gravestone will be your name and the date you were born and the date you died. Time is that
important.
There are, however, distinctly different ways of dealing with and understanding time in countries and cultures
around the world. Further, time has been understood quite differently throughout human history. While the physics
of time is fascinating, the critical area of concern for us as homo sapiens sapiens is the human experience of time --
as our experience and our ability to understand time is crucial for our survival as a species.
Doble, Rick Proposal for a University Department for 'The Study Of Time' Page 1 of 6
Because the human experience of time is so important, I propose that there should be departments at a number of
universities for 'The Study of Time'. I find it odd, that while science is forging ahead with significant studies on a
variety of topics from brain studies to climate change, there are virtually no university departments for The Study of
Time.
I have a Master of Arts in Communication from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. I am a great believer
in the importance of academic studies because they can focus on important issues and guide the discussion and
inquiry with professional rigor. But this kind of work is not being done by universities, as far as I can see.
These departments should NOT be about the physics of time such as that of Einstein and the theory of relativity, but
instead time as we humans experience it from 9-5 on workdays, during time off on weekends, from New Years to
New Years year after year and from generation to generation.
Yet there are few studies about the many different aspects of time other than time and motion studies for factories,
i.e., studies only for commercial purposes.
A search of the Internet revealed that there are two principle centers for the study of time:
The Centre for Time at the University of Sydney in Australia
http://sydney.edu.au/centre_for_time/
The International Society for the Study of Time
http://www.studyoftime.org/ContentPage.aspx?ID=28
This society was founded by J.T. Fraser who almost single handedly mapped out areas of time that should be
investigated.
In addition I found only one university course that is currently being taught about the human experience of time, yet
even so it is only offered every other year during the fall semester:
Course Listing:
KULH1112 - Fast Forward -The Cultural History of Time: Texts, Things, and Technologies
The University of Oslo
https://www.uio.no/studier/emner/hf/ikos/KULH1112/index-eng.html
Course content: In the course we will focus on time as a cultural and historical phenomenon and explore how experiences
of time have changed throughout history, mainly in the Western world.
WHY 'THE STUDY OF TIME' IS IMPORTANT
Our understanding of the passage of time, plus our human perception of the future and what to do about it, may
determine the fate of our species.
A good example is climate change or global warming. If climate change happens quickly it will be hard to adapt; if it
happens slowly, then we could learn how to cope and make plans to deal with, for example, rising sea levels. The
amount of time we have and the time needed to understand climate change and to build technologies that deal with
climate change is pivotal for the survival of the human race. But just as important is the time it will take to develop
the political will on a global scale that can deal with the consequences and modifications of our fast moving (there's
that time thing again) technology that has led to climate change in the first place. Humans can handle day to day,
month to month, and year to year time quite well. However, longer term time demands are problematic.
I believe that a comprehensive study of time as outlined below will yield answers. This study will begin to reveal
how humans relate to time and consequently how important issues can be framed that take this relationship into
account.
However, coming to terms with climate change is only the most urgent aspect. There are many other ways that an
investigation of our relation to time could affect life-styles, cultures, businesses, commerce and a sense of well-
being for the individual.
Yet we often lack the most basic vocabulary. I have proposed, for example, that we think of 'hard time' as time that is
unforgiving and irreversible such as the death of a parent or a car accident and 'soft time' meaning flexible time that
can be changed or managed such as going to the store today or waiting until tomorrow. There are quite a few
Doble, Rick Proposal for a University Department for 'The Study Of Time' Page 2 of 6
aspects of time that need to be explored such as terminology. These can work toward developing a sophisticated
understanding that will make us more aware of how time operates and also make us better able to work with time
and to be more comfortable with time demands.
SPECIFIC TOPICS
TO BE COVERED BY A UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT
FOR 'THE STUDY OF TIME'
The following 10 areas of study could be included in such a department -- with examples of essays from my blog
DeconstructingTime:
Modern Time Technology:
This area of study would include the increasing accuracy and standardization in the keeping of time along with the
coordination of time and how these have affected human societies. It would also include a study of new
technologies that can record time related events such as photography, film and music and how these have changed
the human relation to time.
How Photography Changed Time: Part 1
http://deconstructingtime.blogspot.com/2013/04/how-photography-changed-time-part-1.html
How Photography Changed Time: Part 2
http://deconstructingtime.blogspot.com/2013/04/how-photography-changed-time-part-2.html
The Environment & War Technology
http://deconstructingtime.blogspot.com/2015/09/environment-war-technology.html
A Revolution in Time
http://deconstructingtime.blogspot.com/2013/04/a-revolution-in-time.html
Today time is exact worldwide,
since Internet time is synchronized to an accurate atomic clock.
Doble, Rick Proposal for a University Department for 'The Study Of Time' Page 3 of 6
Language And Symbolic Thinking:
This area of study would include how concepts of time are part of all languages and how those concepts differ. It
would also include how cultures share symbolic structures for a shared understanding of time.
How Our Concept of Time Is Embedded & Derived from Our Language
http://deconstructingtime.blogspot.com/2017/02/concept-of-time-embedded-in-language.html
The Human Revolution: Symbolic Culture
http://deconstructingtime.blogspot.com/2013/11/the-human-revolution-symbolic-culture.html
Virtual Human Meta-Time
http://deconstructingtime.blogspot.com/2013/01/virtual-human-meta-time.html
Prehistoric And Ancient Timekeeping:
This area of study would include how time was marked and understood in the past.
The Ancient Manipulation of Time: Part 1
http://deconstructingtime.blogspot.com/2013/01/the-ancient-manipulation-of-time-part-1.html
The Ancient Manipulation of Time: Part 2
http://deconstructingtime.blogspot.com/2013/01/the-ancient-manipulation-of-time-part-2.html
Computing the Winter Solstice at Newgrange: Was Neolithic Science Equal To or Better Than Ancient Greek or
Roman Science?
http://deconstructingtime.blogspot.com/2015/03/computing-winter-solstice-at-newgrange.html
Winter Solstice Celebrations: Roman Saturnalia and Modern Christmas
http://deconstructingtime.blogspot.com/2015/11/winter-solstice-celebrations-roman.html
The neolithic Newgrange passage tomb in Ireland was able to determine the time of the winter solstice
5000 years ago. The passageway was carefully designed to align with the rising sun on the day of the solstice.
Doble, Rick Proposal for a University Department for 'The Study Of Time' Page 4 of 6
Education:
This area of study would include how each culture teaches its children about time during the education process.
School's Most Important Subject: Time
http://deconstructingtime.blogspot.com/2014/11/schools-most-important-subject-time.html
Commerce:
This area of study would include how business affects and changes a culture's relation to time.
Modern Time: Time as a Commodity
http://deconstructingtime.blogspot.com/2013/12/modern-time-time-as-commodity.html
The Individual:
This study would include an understanding of how the human psyche deals with time demands, especially time on
and off the clock.
Choosing Your Personal Time-Style
http://deconstructingtime.blogspot.com/2017/01/choosing-your-personal-time-style.html
The Future:
This area of study would include how human societies make predictions about the future and then make decisions
based on those predictions to build and plan for the future.
The Protective Bubble of Civilization
http://deconstructingtime.blogspot.com/2014/06/the-civilization-bubble.html
Global Warming & The Future: Part 1
http://deconstructingtime.blogspot.com/2013/06/global-warming-future-part-2.html
Global Warming & The Future: Part 2
http://deconstructingtime.blogspot.com/2013/06/global-warming-future-part-1.html
Biology:
This area of study would include how the human brain has a unique sense of time unavailable to other animals.
Animal Senses Compared to the Human Sense of Time (my most popular essay)
http://deconstructingtime.blogspot.com/2014/08/animal-senses-compared-to-human-sense.html
Art And Sports:
This area of study would include how various art forms and cultural forms use time.
Games & Time
http://deconstructingtime.blogspot.com/2013/05/games-time-part-1.html
How Culture Plays With Time
http://deconstructingtime.blogspot.com/2013/05/how-culture-plays-with-time-part-2.html
Doble, Rick Proposal for a University Department for 'The Study Of Time' Page 5 of 6
This time lapse series shows the motion of a baseball pitcher.
Time and motion is at the heart of sports' contests.
The Nature Of The Human Sense Of Time:
Time & The Human Sense of Duration
http://deconstructingtime.blogspot.com/2013/03/time-human-sense-duration.html
Continuity & Time
http://deconstructingtime.blogspot.com/2013/04/continuity-time.html
Patterns & Memory
http://deconstructingtime.blogspot.com/2013/11/patterns-memory.html
New Terminology About Time
http://deconstructingtime.blogspot.com/2013/06/new-terminology-about-time.html
AFTERWORD
The above areas of study are, of course, merely suggestions. Each department would need to decide how it would
organize it's field.
The above linked essays were derived from my blog:
DeconstructingTime
http://deconstructingtime.blogspot.com
See the 3 Year Index for these blogs divided into categories:
http://deconstructingtime.blogspot.com/2016/01/index-overview-3-years-of.html
NOTE:
But isn't the Department of History about time you might ask? In a word, no, not at all. History is about events and the
sequence of events. History does not generally deal with the nature of time itself. History will be important in my proposed
department but it will be a history of how humans have understood and dealt with time.
Doble, Rick Proposal for a University Department for 'The Study Of Time' Page 6 of 6

More Related Content

Similar to Proposal for a University Department for 'The Study Of Time'

Education Conclusion Essay. How To Write a Conclusion for an Essay: Expert Ti...
Education Conclusion Essay. How To Write a Conclusion for an Essay: Expert Ti...Education Conclusion Essay. How To Write a Conclusion for an Essay: Expert Ti...
Education Conclusion Essay. How To Write a Conclusion for an Essay: Expert Ti...
Jenny Reese
 
Week 9 Earth and Space SciencesThe Earth and Space Sciences sub-s.docx
Week 9 Earth and Space SciencesThe Earth and Space Sciences sub-s.docxWeek 9 Earth and Space SciencesThe Earth and Space Sciences sub-s.docx
Week 9 Earth and Space SciencesThe Earth and Space Sciences sub-s.docx
melbruce90096
 
Unit 1 Homework Assignment (ACC340 Intermediate Accounting II).docx
Unit 1 Homework Assignment (ACC340 Intermediate Accounting II).docxUnit 1 Homework Assignment (ACC340 Intermediate Accounting II).docx
Unit 1 Homework Assignment (ACC340 Intermediate Accounting II).docx
jolleybendicty
 
Attachment Theory Essay. Attachment theory essay. What is Attachment Theory?...
Attachment Theory Essay.  Attachment theory essay. What is Attachment Theory?...Attachment Theory Essay.  Attachment theory essay. What is Attachment Theory?...
Attachment Theory Essay. Attachment theory essay. What is Attachment Theory?...
Faith Russell
 
Attachment Theory Essay.pdf
Attachment Theory Essay.pdfAttachment Theory Essay.pdf
Attachment Theory Essay.pdf
Sarah Camacho
 
Thesis Examples In Essays
Thesis Examples In EssaysThesis Examples In Essays
Thesis Examples In Essays
Deborah Reyes
 
geoscience
geosciencegeoscience
Climate literacy highres_english
Climate literacy highres_englishClimate literacy highres_english
Climate literacy highres_english
Almudena Alegría
 
Is Global Climate Change Man Made Argumentative Essay.pdf
Is Global Climate Change Man Made Argumentative Essay.pdfIs Global Climate Change Man Made Argumentative Essay.pdf
Is Global Climate Change Man Made Argumentative Essay.pdf
Lisa Swager
 
Is Global Climate Change Man Made Argumentative Essay.pdf
Is Global Climate Change Man Made Argumentative Essay.pdfIs Global Climate Change Man Made Argumentative Essay.pdf
Is Global Climate Change Man Made Argumentative Essay.pdf
Brittany Koch
 
On Time Essay.pdf
On Time Essay.pdfOn Time Essay.pdf
On Time Essay.pdf
Linda Roy
 
Instructional Computers. Past, present and future
Instructional Computers. Past, present and futureInstructional Computers. Past, present and future
Instructional Computers. Past, present and future
Ghazally Faridah
 
FallGraduateNewsletter_web
FallGraduateNewsletter_webFallGraduateNewsletter_web
FallGraduateNewsletter_web
Tori Dreyer
 
Social-Studies-In-Britain_014502.pdf
Social-Studies-In-Britain_014502.pdfSocial-Studies-In-Britain_014502.pdf
Social-Studies-In-Britain_014502.pdf
SheyneCauan
 
Antiquities, archaeology and the public
Antiquities, archaeology and the publicAntiquities, archaeology and the public
Antiquities, archaeology and the public
hgeake
 
Practical Teaching Experience Project Power Point
Practical Teaching Experience Project   Power PointPractical Teaching Experience Project   Power Point
Practical Teaching Experience Project Power Point
jsykes3
 
Practical Teaching Experience Project Power Point
Practical Teaching Experience Project   Power PointPractical Teaching Experience Project   Power Point
Practical Teaching Experience Project Power Point
jsykes3
 
Grade 5 Science 4th Quarter Curriculum Map
Grade 5 Science 4th Quarter Curriculum Map Grade 5 Science 4th Quarter Curriculum Map
Grade 5 Science 4th Quarter Curriculum Map
Vivian Viñas
 
Examples Of Compare And Contrast Essays For Issuu -
Examples Of Compare And Contrast Essays For Issuu -Examples Of Compare And Contrast Essays For Issuu -
Examples Of Compare And Contrast Essays For Issuu -
Lisa Garcia
 
Final Unit Plan
Final Unit PlanFinal Unit Plan
Final Unit Plan
Courtney Shear
 

Similar to Proposal for a University Department for 'The Study Of Time' (20)

Education Conclusion Essay. How To Write a Conclusion for an Essay: Expert Ti...
Education Conclusion Essay. How To Write a Conclusion for an Essay: Expert Ti...Education Conclusion Essay. How To Write a Conclusion for an Essay: Expert Ti...
Education Conclusion Essay. How To Write a Conclusion for an Essay: Expert Ti...
 
Week 9 Earth and Space SciencesThe Earth and Space Sciences sub-s.docx
Week 9 Earth and Space SciencesThe Earth and Space Sciences sub-s.docxWeek 9 Earth and Space SciencesThe Earth and Space Sciences sub-s.docx
Week 9 Earth and Space SciencesThe Earth and Space Sciences sub-s.docx
 
Unit 1 Homework Assignment (ACC340 Intermediate Accounting II).docx
Unit 1 Homework Assignment (ACC340 Intermediate Accounting II).docxUnit 1 Homework Assignment (ACC340 Intermediate Accounting II).docx
Unit 1 Homework Assignment (ACC340 Intermediate Accounting II).docx
 
Attachment Theory Essay. Attachment theory essay. What is Attachment Theory?...
Attachment Theory Essay.  Attachment theory essay. What is Attachment Theory?...Attachment Theory Essay.  Attachment theory essay. What is Attachment Theory?...
Attachment Theory Essay. Attachment theory essay. What is Attachment Theory?...
 
Attachment Theory Essay.pdf
Attachment Theory Essay.pdfAttachment Theory Essay.pdf
Attachment Theory Essay.pdf
 
Thesis Examples In Essays
Thesis Examples In EssaysThesis Examples In Essays
Thesis Examples In Essays
 
geoscience
geosciencegeoscience
geoscience
 
Climate literacy highres_english
Climate literacy highres_englishClimate literacy highres_english
Climate literacy highres_english
 
Is Global Climate Change Man Made Argumentative Essay.pdf
Is Global Climate Change Man Made Argumentative Essay.pdfIs Global Climate Change Man Made Argumentative Essay.pdf
Is Global Climate Change Man Made Argumentative Essay.pdf
 
Is Global Climate Change Man Made Argumentative Essay.pdf
Is Global Climate Change Man Made Argumentative Essay.pdfIs Global Climate Change Man Made Argumentative Essay.pdf
Is Global Climate Change Man Made Argumentative Essay.pdf
 
On Time Essay.pdf
On Time Essay.pdfOn Time Essay.pdf
On Time Essay.pdf
 
Instructional Computers. Past, present and future
Instructional Computers. Past, present and futureInstructional Computers. Past, present and future
Instructional Computers. Past, present and future
 
FallGraduateNewsletter_web
FallGraduateNewsletter_webFallGraduateNewsletter_web
FallGraduateNewsletter_web
 
Social-Studies-In-Britain_014502.pdf
Social-Studies-In-Britain_014502.pdfSocial-Studies-In-Britain_014502.pdf
Social-Studies-In-Britain_014502.pdf
 
Antiquities, archaeology and the public
Antiquities, archaeology and the publicAntiquities, archaeology and the public
Antiquities, archaeology and the public
 
Practical Teaching Experience Project Power Point
Practical Teaching Experience Project   Power PointPractical Teaching Experience Project   Power Point
Practical Teaching Experience Project Power Point
 
Practical Teaching Experience Project Power Point
Practical Teaching Experience Project   Power PointPractical Teaching Experience Project   Power Point
Practical Teaching Experience Project Power Point
 
Grade 5 Science 4th Quarter Curriculum Map
Grade 5 Science 4th Quarter Curriculum Map Grade 5 Science 4th Quarter Curriculum Map
Grade 5 Science 4th Quarter Curriculum Map
 
Examples Of Compare And Contrast Essays For Issuu -
Examples Of Compare And Contrast Essays For Issuu -Examples Of Compare And Contrast Essays For Issuu -
Examples Of Compare And Contrast Essays For Issuu -
 
Final Unit Plan
Final Unit PlanFinal Unit Plan
Final Unit Plan
 

More from Rick Doble

Manifesto: Time-Flow Photography - Draft 2
Manifesto: Time-Flow Photography - Draft 2Manifesto: Time-Flow Photography - Draft 2
Manifesto: Time-Flow Photography - Draft 2
Rick Doble
 
Thoughts About the Future of Art in the 21st Century (1997)
Thoughts About the Future of Art in the 21st Century (1997)Thoughts About the Future of Art in the 21st Century (1997)
Thoughts About the Future of Art in the 21st Century (1997)
Rick Doble
 
Time-Flow Photography: Experimental Imagery with Continuous Motion and Long S...
Time-Flow Photography: Experimental Imagery with Continuous Motion and Long S...Time-Flow Photography: Experimental Imagery with Continuous Motion and Long S...
Time-Flow Photography: Experimental Imagery with Continuous Motion and Long S...
Rick Doble
 
Digital Pictures Made Directly From the Big Bang Radio Signal by Rick Doble
Digital Pictures Made Directly From the Big Bang Radio Signal by Rick DobleDigital Pictures Made Directly From the Big Bang Radio Signal by Rick Doble
Digital Pictures Made Directly From the Big Bang Radio Signal by Rick Doble
Rick Doble
 
Introduction to Scientific Experimental Methods for Artists: How Science and...
Introduction to Scientific Experimental Methods for Artists:  How Science and...Introduction to Scientific Experimental Methods for Artists:  How Science and...
Introduction to Scientific Experimental Methods for Artists: How Science and...
Rick Doble
 
Space-Time Digital Photography: Photographs Recorded Over a Duration of Time
Space-Time Digital Photography: Photographs Recorded Over a Duration of TimeSpace-Time Digital Photography: Photographs Recorded Over a Duration of Time
Space-Time Digital Photography: Photographs Recorded Over a Duration of Time
Rick Doble
 
Stealing the Oceans: Humanity Struggles for Survival in This 1000 Year Epic W...
Stealing the Oceans: Humanity Struggles for Survival in This 1000 Year Epic W...Stealing the Oceans: Humanity Struggles for Survival in This 1000 Year Epic W...
Stealing the Oceans: Humanity Struggles for Survival in This 1000 Year Epic W...
Rick Doble
 
A Brief History of Light & Photography by Rick Doble
A Brief History of Light & Photography by Rick DobleA Brief History of Light & Photography by Rick Doble
A Brief History of Light & Photography by Rick Doble
Rick Doble
 
5 Year Photographic Study of Musicians in Motion: Still Photos Exposed For Se...
5 Year Photographic Study of Musicians in Motion: Still Photos Exposed For Se...5 Year Photographic Study of Musicians in Motion: Still Photos Exposed For Se...
5 Year Photographic Study of Musicians in Motion: Still Photos Exposed For Se...
Rick Doble
 
Historic Timeline: The Capture of Movement in Painting and Photography by Ric...
Historic Timeline: The Capture of Movement in Painting and Photography by Ric...Historic Timeline: The Capture of Movement in Painting and Photography by Ric...
Historic Timeline: The Capture of Movement in Painting and Photography by Ric...
Rick Doble
 

More from Rick Doble (10)

Manifesto: Time-Flow Photography - Draft 2
Manifesto: Time-Flow Photography - Draft 2Manifesto: Time-Flow Photography - Draft 2
Manifesto: Time-Flow Photography - Draft 2
 
Thoughts About the Future of Art in the 21st Century (1997)
Thoughts About the Future of Art in the 21st Century (1997)Thoughts About the Future of Art in the 21st Century (1997)
Thoughts About the Future of Art in the 21st Century (1997)
 
Time-Flow Photography: Experimental Imagery with Continuous Motion and Long S...
Time-Flow Photography: Experimental Imagery with Continuous Motion and Long S...Time-Flow Photography: Experimental Imagery with Continuous Motion and Long S...
Time-Flow Photography: Experimental Imagery with Continuous Motion and Long S...
 
Digital Pictures Made Directly From the Big Bang Radio Signal by Rick Doble
Digital Pictures Made Directly From the Big Bang Radio Signal by Rick DobleDigital Pictures Made Directly From the Big Bang Radio Signal by Rick Doble
Digital Pictures Made Directly From the Big Bang Radio Signal by Rick Doble
 
Introduction to Scientific Experimental Methods for Artists: How Science and...
Introduction to Scientific Experimental Methods for Artists:  How Science and...Introduction to Scientific Experimental Methods for Artists:  How Science and...
Introduction to Scientific Experimental Methods for Artists: How Science and...
 
Space-Time Digital Photography: Photographs Recorded Over a Duration of Time
Space-Time Digital Photography: Photographs Recorded Over a Duration of TimeSpace-Time Digital Photography: Photographs Recorded Over a Duration of Time
Space-Time Digital Photography: Photographs Recorded Over a Duration of Time
 
Stealing the Oceans: Humanity Struggles for Survival in This 1000 Year Epic W...
Stealing the Oceans: Humanity Struggles for Survival in This 1000 Year Epic W...Stealing the Oceans: Humanity Struggles for Survival in This 1000 Year Epic W...
Stealing the Oceans: Humanity Struggles for Survival in This 1000 Year Epic W...
 
A Brief History of Light & Photography by Rick Doble
A Brief History of Light & Photography by Rick DobleA Brief History of Light & Photography by Rick Doble
A Brief History of Light & Photography by Rick Doble
 
5 Year Photographic Study of Musicians in Motion: Still Photos Exposed For Se...
5 Year Photographic Study of Musicians in Motion: Still Photos Exposed For Se...5 Year Photographic Study of Musicians in Motion: Still Photos Exposed For Se...
5 Year Photographic Study of Musicians in Motion: Still Photos Exposed For Se...
 
Historic Timeline: The Capture of Movement in Painting and Photography by Ric...
Historic Timeline: The Capture of Movement in Painting and Photography by Ric...Historic Timeline: The Capture of Movement in Painting and Photography by Ric...
Historic Timeline: The Capture of Movement in Painting and Photography by Ric...
 

Recently uploaded

Chapter 4 - Islamic Financial Institutions in Malaysia.pptx
Chapter 4 - Islamic Financial Institutions in Malaysia.pptxChapter 4 - Islamic Financial Institutions in Malaysia.pptx
Chapter 4 - Islamic Financial Institutions in Malaysia.pptx
Mohd Adib Abd Muin, Senior Lecturer at Universiti Utara Malaysia
 
ANATOMY AND BIOMECHANICS OF HIP JOINT.pdf
ANATOMY AND BIOMECHANICS OF HIP JOINT.pdfANATOMY AND BIOMECHANICS OF HIP JOINT.pdf
ANATOMY AND BIOMECHANICS OF HIP JOINT.pdf
Priyankaranawat4
 
How to deliver Powerpoint Presentations.pptx
How to deliver Powerpoint  Presentations.pptxHow to deliver Powerpoint  Presentations.pptx
How to deliver Powerpoint Presentations.pptx
HajraNaeem15
 
Walmart Business+ and Spark Good for Nonprofits.pdf
Walmart Business+ and Spark Good for Nonprofits.pdfWalmart Business+ and Spark Good for Nonprofits.pdf
Walmart Business+ and Spark Good for Nonprofits.pdf
TechSoup
 
How to Add Chatter in the odoo 17 ERP Module
How to Add Chatter in the odoo 17 ERP ModuleHow to Add Chatter in the odoo 17 ERP Module
How to Add Chatter in the odoo 17 ERP Module
Celine George
 
Hindi varnamala | hindi alphabet PPT.pdf
Hindi varnamala | hindi alphabet PPT.pdfHindi varnamala | hindi alphabet PPT.pdf
Hindi varnamala | hindi alphabet PPT.pdf
Dr. Mulla Adam Ali
 
Digital Artefact 1 - Tiny Home Environmental Design
Digital Artefact 1 - Tiny Home Environmental DesignDigital Artefact 1 - Tiny Home Environmental Design
Digital Artefact 1 - Tiny Home Environmental Design
amberjdewit93
 
Liberal Approach to the Study of Indian Politics.pdf
Liberal Approach to the Study of Indian Politics.pdfLiberal Approach to the Study of Indian Politics.pdf
Liberal Approach to the Study of Indian Politics.pdf
WaniBasim
 
Chapter wise All Notes of First year Basic Civil Engineering.pptx
Chapter wise All Notes of First year Basic Civil Engineering.pptxChapter wise All Notes of First year Basic Civil Engineering.pptx
Chapter wise All Notes of First year Basic Civil Engineering.pptx
Denish Jangid
 
A Independência da América Espanhola LAPBOOK.pdf
A Independência da América Espanhola LAPBOOK.pdfA Independência da América Espanhola LAPBOOK.pdf
A Independência da América Espanhola LAPBOOK.pdf
Jean Carlos Nunes Paixão
 
How to Setup Warehouse & Location in Odoo 17 Inventory
How to Setup Warehouse & Location in Odoo 17 InventoryHow to Setup Warehouse & Location in Odoo 17 Inventory
How to Setup Warehouse & Location in Odoo 17 Inventory
Celine George
 
The Diamonds of 2023-2024 in the IGRA collection
The Diamonds of 2023-2024 in the IGRA collectionThe Diamonds of 2023-2024 in the IGRA collection
The Diamonds of 2023-2024 in the IGRA collection
Israel Genealogy Research Association
 
How to Fix the Import Error in the Odoo 17
How to Fix the Import Error in the Odoo 17How to Fix the Import Error in the Odoo 17
How to Fix the Import Error in the Odoo 17
Celine George
 
คำศัพท์ คำพื้นฐานการอ่าน ภาษาอังกฤษ ระดับชั้น ม.1
คำศัพท์ คำพื้นฐานการอ่าน ภาษาอังกฤษ ระดับชั้น ม.1คำศัพท์ คำพื้นฐานการอ่าน ภาษาอังกฤษ ระดับชั้น ม.1
คำศัพท์ คำพื้นฐานการอ่าน ภาษาอังกฤษ ระดับชั้น ม.1
สมใจ จันสุกสี
 
Life upper-Intermediate B2 Workbook for student
Life upper-Intermediate B2 Workbook for studentLife upper-Intermediate B2 Workbook for student
Life upper-Intermediate B2 Workbook for student
NgcHiNguyn25
 
The History of Stoke Newington Street Names
The History of Stoke Newington Street NamesThe History of Stoke Newington Street Names
The History of Stoke Newington Street Names
History of Stoke Newington
 
What is Digital Literacy? A guest blog from Andy McLaughlin, University of Ab...
What is Digital Literacy? A guest blog from Andy McLaughlin, University of Ab...What is Digital Literacy? A guest blog from Andy McLaughlin, University of Ab...
What is Digital Literacy? A guest blog from Andy McLaughlin, University of Ab...
GeorgeMilliken2
 
Pengantar Penggunaan Flutter - Dart programming language1.pptx
Pengantar Penggunaan Flutter - Dart programming language1.pptxPengantar Penggunaan Flutter - Dart programming language1.pptx
Pengantar Penggunaan Flutter - Dart programming language1.pptx
Fajar Baskoro
 
Advanced Java[Extra Concepts, Not Difficult].docx
Advanced Java[Extra Concepts, Not Difficult].docxAdvanced Java[Extra Concepts, Not Difficult].docx
Advanced Java[Extra Concepts, Not Difficult].docx
adhitya5119
 
BBR 2024 Summer Sessions Interview Training
BBR  2024 Summer Sessions Interview TrainingBBR  2024 Summer Sessions Interview Training
BBR 2024 Summer Sessions Interview Training
Katrina Pritchard
 

Recently uploaded (20)

Chapter 4 - Islamic Financial Institutions in Malaysia.pptx
Chapter 4 - Islamic Financial Institutions in Malaysia.pptxChapter 4 - Islamic Financial Institutions in Malaysia.pptx
Chapter 4 - Islamic Financial Institutions in Malaysia.pptx
 
ANATOMY AND BIOMECHANICS OF HIP JOINT.pdf
ANATOMY AND BIOMECHANICS OF HIP JOINT.pdfANATOMY AND BIOMECHANICS OF HIP JOINT.pdf
ANATOMY AND BIOMECHANICS OF HIP JOINT.pdf
 
How to deliver Powerpoint Presentations.pptx
How to deliver Powerpoint  Presentations.pptxHow to deliver Powerpoint  Presentations.pptx
How to deliver Powerpoint Presentations.pptx
 
Walmart Business+ and Spark Good for Nonprofits.pdf
Walmart Business+ and Spark Good for Nonprofits.pdfWalmart Business+ and Spark Good for Nonprofits.pdf
Walmart Business+ and Spark Good for Nonprofits.pdf
 
How to Add Chatter in the odoo 17 ERP Module
How to Add Chatter in the odoo 17 ERP ModuleHow to Add Chatter in the odoo 17 ERP Module
How to Add Chatter in the odoo 17 ERP Module
 
Hindi varnamala | hindi alphabet PPT.pdf
Hindi varnamala | hindi alphabet PPT.pdfHindi varnamala | hindi alphabet PPT.pdf
Hindi varnamala | hindi alphabet PPT.pdf
 
Digital Artefact 1 - Tiny Home Environmental Design
Digital Artefact 1 - Tiny Home Environmental DesignDigital Artefact 1 - Tiny Home Environmental Design
Digital Artefact 1 - Tiny Home Environmental Design
 
Liberal Approach to the Study of Indian Politics.pdf
Liberal Approach to the Study of Indian Politics.pdfLiberal Approach to the Study of Indian Politics.pdf
Liberal Approach to the Study of Indian Politics.pdf
 
Chapter wise All Notes of First year Basic Civil Engineering.pptx
Chapter wise All Notes of First year Basic Civil Engineering.pptxChapter wise All Notes of First year Basic Civil Engineering.pptx
Chapter wise All Notes of First year Basic Civil Engineering.pptx
 
A Independência da América Espanhola LAPBOOK.pdf
A Independência da América Espanhola LAPBOOK.pdfA Independência da América Espanhola LAPBOOK.pdf
A Independência da América Espanhola LAPBOOK.pdf
 
How to Setup Warehouse & Location in Odoo 17 Inventory
How to Setup Warehouse & Location in Odoo 17 InventoryHow to Setup Warehouse & Location in Odoo 17 Inventory
How to Setup Warehouse & Location in Odoo 17 Inventory
 
The Diamonds of 2023-2024 in the IGRA collection
The Diamonds of 2023-2024 in the IGRA collectionThe Diamonds of 2023-2024 in the IGRA collection
The Diamonds of 2023-2024 in the IGRA collection
 
How to Fix the Import Error in the Odoo 17
How to Fix the Import Error in the Odoo 17How to Fix the Import Error in the Odoo 17
How to Fix the Import Error in the Odoo 17
 
คำศัพท์ คำพื้นฐานการอ่าน ภาษาอังกฤษ ระดับชั้น ม.1
คำศัพท์ คำพื้นฐานการอ่าน ภาษาอังกฤษ ระดับชั้น ม.1คำศัพท์ คำพื้นฐานการอ่าน ภาษาอังกฤษ ระดับชั้น ม.1
คำศัพท์ คำพื้นฐานการอ่าน ภาษาอังกฤษ ระดับชั้น ม.1
 
Life upper-Intermediate B2 Workbook for student
Life upper-Intermediate B2 Workbook for studentLife upper-Intermediate B2 Workbook for student
Life upper-Intermediate B2 Workbook for student
 
The History of Stoke Newington Street Names
The History of Stoke Newington Street NamesThe History of Stoke Newington Street Names
The History of Stoke Newington Street Names
 
What is Digital Literacy? A guest blog from Andy McLaughlin, University of Ab...
What is Digital Literacy? A guest blog from Andy McLaughlin, University of Ab...What is Digital Literacy? A guest blog from Andy McLaughlin, University of Ab...
What is Digital Literacy? A guest blog from Andy McLaughlin, University of Ab...
 
Pengantar Penggunaan Flutter - Dart programming language1.pptx
Pengantar Penggunaan Flutter - Dart programming language1.pptxPengantar Penggunaan Flutter - Dart programming language1.pptx
Pengantar Penggunaan Flutter - Dart programming language1.pptx
 
Advanced Java[Extra Concepts, Not Difficult].docx
Advanced Java[Extra Concepts, Not Difficult].docxAdvanced Java[Extra Concepts, Not Difficult].docx
Advanced Java[Extra Concepts, Not Difficult].docx
 
BBR 2024 Summer Sessions Interview Training
BBR  2024 Summer Sessions Interview TrainingBBR  2024 Summer Sessions Interview Training
BBR 2024 Summer Sessions Interview Training
 

Proposal for a University Department for 'The Study Of Time'

  • 1. Proposal for a University Department for 'The Study Of Time' by Rick Doble Copyright © 2017 Rick Doble You can view other papers by Rick Doble about art and time at: https://unc.academia.edu/RickDoble Or view Rick Doble's blog DeconstructingTime at: http://deconstructingtime.blogspot.com INTRODUCTION Today circular repeating time (right) is being replaced with linear time as the digital clock on the left shows. Time is the most used noun in the English language according to the Concise Oxford English Dictionary. This is probably true for most other languages as well. Time is critical to everything we do as individuals, as nations, and as human beings who inhabit the Earth. Consider: On your gravestone will be your name and the date you were born and the date you died. Time is that important. There are, however, distinctly different ways of dealing with and understanding time in countries and cultures around the world. Further, time has been understood quite differently throughout human history. While the physics of time is fascinating, the critical area of concern for us as homo sapiens sapiens is the human experience of time -- as our experience and our ability to understand time is crucial for our survival as a species. Doble, Rick Proposal for a University Department for 'The Study Of Time' Page 1 of 6
  • 2. Because the human experience of time is so important, I propose that there should be departments at a number of universities for 'The Study of Time'. I find it odd, that while science is forging ahead with significant studies on a variety of topics from brain studies to climate change, there are virtually no university departments for The Study of Time. I have a Master of Arts in Communication from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. I am a great believer in the importance of academic studies because they can focus on important issues and guide the discussion and inquiry with professional rigor. But this kind of work is not being done by universities, as far as I can see. These departments should NOT be about the physics of time such as that of Einstein and the theory of relativity, but instead time as we humans experience it from 9-5 on workdays, during time off on weekends, from New Years to New Years year after year and from generation to generation. Yet there are few studies about the many different aspects of time other than time and motion studies for factories, i.e., studies only for commercial purposes. A search of the Internet revealed that there are two principle centers for the study of time: The Centre for Time at the University of Sydney in Australia http://sydney.edu.au/centre_for_time/ The International Society for the Study of Time http://www.studyoftime.org/ContentPage.aspx?ID=28 This society was founded by J.T. Fraser who almost single handedly mapped out areas of time that should be investigated. In addition I found only one university course that is currently being taught about the human experience of time, yet even so it is only offered every other year during the fall semester: Course Listing: KULH1112 - Fast Forward -The Cultural History of Time: Texts, Things, and Technologies The University of Oslo https://www.uio.no/studier/emner/hf/ikos/KULH1112/index-eng.html Course content: In the course we will focus on time as a cultural and historical phenomenon and explore how experiences of time have changed throughout history, mainly in the Western world. WHY 'THE STUDY OF TIME' IS IMPORTANT Our understanding of the passage of time, plus our human perception of the future and what to do about it, may determine the fate of our species. A good example is climate change or global warming. If climate change happens quickly it will be hard to adapt; if it happens slowly, then we could learn how to cope and make plans to deal with, for example, rising sea levels. The amount of time we have and the time needed to understand climate change and to build technologies that deal with climate change is pivotal for the survival of the human race. But just as important is the time it will take to develop the political will on a global scale that can deal with the consequences and modifications of our fast moving (there's that time thing again) technology that has led to climate change in the first place. Humans can handle day to day, month to month, and year to year time quite well. However, longer term time demands are problematic. I believe that a comprehensive study of time as outlined below will yield answers. This study will begin to reveal how humans relate to time and consequently how important issues can be framed that take this relationship into account. However, coming to terms with climate change is only the most urgent aspect. There are many other ways that an investigation of our relation to time could affect life-styles, cultures, businesses, commerce and a sense of well- being for the individual. Yet we often lack the most basic vocabulary. I have proposed, for example, that we think of 'hard time' as time that is unforgiving and irreversible such as the death of a parent or a car accident and 'soft time' meaning flexible time that can be changed or managed such as going to the store today or waiting until tomorrow. There are quite a few Doble, Rick Proposal for a University Department for 'The Study Of Time' Page 2 of 6
  • 3. aspects of time that need to be explored such as terminology. These can work toward developing a sophisticated understanding that will make us more aware of how time operates and also make us better able to work with time and to be more comfortable with time demands. SPECIFIC TOPICS TO BE COVERED BY A UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT FOR 'THE STUDY OF TIME' The following 10 areas of study could be included in such a department -- with examples of essays from my blog DeconstructingTime: Modern Time Technology: This area of study would include the increasing accuracy and standardization in the keeping of time along with the coordination of time and how these have affected human societies. It would also include a study of new technologies that can record time related events such as photography, film and music and how these have changed the human relation to time. How Photography Changed Time: Part 1 http://deconstructingtime.blogspot.com/2013/04/how-photography-changed-time-part-1.html How Photography Changed Time: Part 2 http://deconstructingtime.blogspot.com/2013/04/how-photography-changed-time-part-2.html The Environment & War Technology http://deconstructingtime.blogspot.com/2015/09/environment-war-technology.html A Revolution in Time http://deconstructingtime.blogspot.com/2013/04/a-revolution-in-time.html Today time is exact worldwide, since Internet time is synchronized to an accurate atomic clock. Doble, Rick Proposal for a University Department for 'The Study Of Time' Page 3 of 6
  • 4. Language And Symbolic Thinking: This area of study would include how concepts of time are part of all languages and how those concepts differ. It would also include how cultures share symbolic structures for a shared understanding of time. How Our Concept of Time Is Embedded & Derived from Our Language http://deconstructingtime.blogspot.com/2017/02/concept-of-time-embedded-in-language.html The Human Revolution: Symbolic Culture http://deconstructingtime.blogspot.com/2013/11/the-human-revolution-symbolic-culture.html Virtual Human Meta-Time http://deconstructingtime.blogspot.com/2013/01/virtual-human-meta-time.html Prehistoric And Ancient Timekeeping: This area of study would include how time was marked and understood in the past. The Ancient Manipulation of Time: Part 1 http://deconstructingtime.blogspot.com/2013/01/the-ancient-manipulation-of-time-part-1.html The Ancient Manipulation of Time: Part 2 http://deconstructingtime.blogspot.com/2013/01/the-ancient-manipulation-of-time-part-2.html Computing the Winter Solstice at Newgrange: Was Neolithic Science Equal To or Better Than Ancient Greek or Roman Science? http://deconstructingtime.blogspot.com/2015/03/computing-winter-solstice-at-newgrange.html Winter Solstice Celebrations: Roman Saturnalia and Modern Christmas http://deconstructingtime.blogspot.com/2015/11/winter-solstice-celebrations-roman.html The neolithic Newgrange passage tomb in Ireland was able to determine the time of the winter solstice 5000 years ago. The passageway was carefully designed to align with the rising sun on the day of the solstice. Doble, Rick Proposal for a University Department for 'The Study Of Time' Page 4 of 6
  • 5. Education: This area of study would include how each culture teaches its children about time during the education process. School's Most Important Subject: Time http://deconstructingtime.blogspot.com/2014/11/schools-most-important-subject-time.html Commerce: This area of study would include how business affects and changes a culture's relation to time. Modern Time: Time as a Commodity http://deconstructingtime.blogspot.com/2013/12/modern-time-time-as-commodity.html The Individual: This study would include an understanding of how the human psyche deals with time demands, especially time on and off the clock. Choosing Your Personal Time-Style http://deconstructingtime.blogspot.com/2017/01/choosing-your-personal-time-style.html The Future: This area of study would include how human societies make predictions about the future and then make decisions based on those predictions to build and plan for the future. The Protective Bubble of Civilization http://deconstructingtime.blogspot.com/2014/06/the-civilization-bubble.html Global Warming & The Future: Part 1 http://deconstructingtime.blogspot.com/2013/06/global-warming-future-part-2.html Global Warming & The Future: Part 2 http://deconstructingtime.blogspot.com/2013/06/global-warming-future-part-1.html Biology: This area of study would include how the human brain has a unique sense of time unavailable to other animals. Animal Senses Compared to the Human Sense of Time (my most popular essay) http://deconstructingtime.blogspot.com/2014/08/animal-senses-compared-to-human-sense.html Art And Sports: This area of study would include how various art forms and cultural forms use time. Games & Time http://deconstructingtime.blogspot.com/2013/05/games-time-part-1.html How Culture Plays With Time http://deconstructingtime.blogspot.com/2013/05/how-culture-plays-with-time-part-2.html Doble, Rick Proposal for a University Department for 'The Study Of Time' Page 5 of 6
  • 6. This time lapse series shows the motion of a baseball pitcher. Time and motion is at the heart of sports' contests. The Nature Of The Human Sense Of Time: Time & The Human Sense of Duration http://deconstructingtime.blogspot.com/2013/03/time-human-sense-duration.html Continuity & Time http://deconstructingtime.blogspot.com/2013/04/continuity-time.html Patterns & Memory http://deconstructingtime.blogspot.com/2013/11/patterns-memory.html New Terminology About Time http://deconstructingtime.blogspot.com/2013/06/new-terminology-about-time.html AFTERWORD The above areas of study are, of course, merely suggestions. Each department would need to decide how it would organize it's field. The above linked essays were derived from my blog: DeconstructingTime http://deconstructingtime.blogspot.com See the 3 Year Index for these blogs divided into categories: http://deconstructingtime.blogspot.com/2016/01/index-overview-3-years-of.html NOTE: But isn't the Department of History about time you might ask? In a word, no, not at all. History is about events and the sequence of events. History does not generally deal with the nature of time itself. History will be important in my proposed department but it will be a history of how humans have understood and dealt with time. Doble, Rick Proposal for a University Department for 'The Study Of Time' Page 6 of 6