The discoveries of physics have played a central role in our technological age. In a larger sense, the spirit of physics — the relentless quest for fundamental principles, for simplicity, for rigorous experimental validation, for mathematical precision — has had profound influence. This sprint covers the methods and findings of physics, from classical mechanics to exotic properties of spacetime, and from quantum fields to black holes to superfluidity.

This sprint begins by laying out the descriptive and prescriptive dimensions of politics and the political behavior of individuals, groups, and states. The history of political thought provides context for contemporary inquiry into the various subfields of political science: political theory, comparative politics, international relations, public policy, and so on. We will also examine methods of inquiry in political science today, including the increasing use of quantitative methods, ending with the connection between academic political science and the practice of politics.

The philosophy sprint begins with accounts of the value of philosophy itself. From there, it moves to questions philosophy considers. What is the relationship between philosophy and science? Can we know anything? Do the laws of nature imply that we have no more free will than planets, plants, and protons? These questions and others are situated in the long history of philosophical study, as well as contemporary branches of philosophy.