Physics and Literature -- An Experimental Course

Works of literature have often contained elements of physics either as an integral part of plot development or as a minor character. Several examples from a course offered at the University of Dayton will be presented to illustrate how literary works can be used as a way of discussing physics principles. Works read in the course include the plays ``Proof'' by David Auburn, ``Oedipus Rex'' by Sophocles, ``Arcadia'' by Tom Stoppard and ``Copenhagen'' by Michael Frayn, as well as Thomas Pynchon's novel ``The Crying of Lot 49.'' Students learn not only the theoretical principles needed to understand more fully the literary works, but perform experiments and keep a journal of observations and questions.