[Dr. Leonard Harris strides confidently into the lecture hall, pausing to adjust the microphone clipped to his shirt. He glances at his notecards, then looks up, addressing the class with a mix of professionalism and approachable enthusiasm.]
“Good morning, everyone. I’m Dr. Leonard Harris, and when I’m not here teaching at MIT, I work as the Specialist in Metahuman Power Assessment at the National Superhuman Response Agency. My job? To dissect and quantify the seemingly impossible feats superhumans perform every day.”
[He clicks a button, and the projector lights up, displaying a timeline titled “40 Years of Dynology”. He addresses his notecards.]
“Let’s talk about the evolution of this field. Dynology – it’s a term we coined from the Greek ‘Dyna’, meaning power. Over the past four decades, we’ve seen an explosion in superhuman activity. From the first recorded case in 1983, we’ve been playing catch-up, trying to understand how these individuals defy the laws of physics as we know them.”
[He gestures to the timeline, highlighting key milestones.]
“In the early days, we were just trying to keep up, but pioneers like Dr. Emily Hargrove and Dr. Abraham Clarke laid the groundwork. They moved us from awe and speculation to systematic study. Hargrove’s work on the Bracing Effect, Clarke’s taxonomy of Anomalously Originated Materials – these were game-changers. Vital rigor. “
[He turns back to the class, his expression turning slightly more serious.]
“But here’s the thing – what you learned in your undergrad, whether it was Metahuman Studies, Superhuman Law, or even “Cape Biology”, that was just scratching the surface. This is Dynology. We’re not just looking at the people; we’re delving into the how and why of their powers. We’re in the business of unraveling mysteries that challenge the very fabric of our scientific understanding. Your undergraduate and, for some, graduate studies may have prepared you for a surface level understanding, but this is where, as a wise man once said, shit gets real.”
[He pauses, to scattered chuckles. He looks pleased with himself.]
“And that’s what we’re going to do in this class. Get, uh, real. Get ready to leave the easy words at the door. We’re here to explore the unexplored, to make sense of the nonsensical. Maybe, just maybe, one of you will be the one to crack the code, to find that missing piece that brings it all together.”
[Dr. Harris advances to a new slide, showcasing images of various superhumans in action, each defying different laws of physics. He steps closer to the screen, pointing at the images with a laser pointer.]
“Now, let’s delve into the complexity of superpowers. Every day, individuals with extraordinary abilities challenge our understanding of the natural world. Superstrength, teleportation, manipulation of elements – these aren’t just cool party tricks. They fundamentally defy the physical laws as we know them. They’d make Newton blow a gasket.”
[He turns, facing the students with a serious expression.]
“This is where rigorous, scientific analysis comes in. We can’t just accept dynalogical phenomena at face value. We need to dissect, quantify, and understand the mechanisms behind them.”
[He paces slowly, emphasizing each point.]
“How does someone teleport from Boston to Tokyo in a blink of an eye, violating the universal speed limit as we understand it? What’s happening at a molecular level when someone becomes invisible? These aren’t just hypothetical questions – they are the challenges we face in dynology every day. Understanding them not only helps individual cases, but has the potential to bring wider, broader understanding to almost every field of science.”
[He gestures towards the next slide, which displays an image of a galaxy and a black hole.]
“And this brings us to a critical analogy: Astrophysics. Studying superpowers is akin to exploring the mysteries of the cosmic microwave background or the depths of a black hole. We know they exist, but the deeper we delve, the more questions we uncover.”
[Dr. Harris stands beside the image of a galaxy, his expression reflective.]
“Just as astrophysicists grapple with the mysteries of the universe, we in dynology confront the unknowns of superpowers. Consider this: we still don’t know why superpowers began to manifest. It’s like the Big Bang – a sudden onset in the early ’80s, and since then, a continuous emergence of powers. And just like the universe’s mysteries, we have no concrete explanation for this phenomenon.”
[He takes a deep breath, turning back to the class.]
“This uncertainty is what makes our field both fascinating and daunting. Each power is a puzzle piece in a much larger picture we’re still trying to assemble.”
[He gestures to transition to the next slide, hinting at a shift in topic.]
“Now, this brings us to the heart of our approach in dynology: the importance of detailed, individual analysis. We can’t generalize; we must assess each power on its own merits, its own peculiarities.”
[Dr. Harris stands before a slide filled with detailed graphs and charts, each representing a unique aspect of superhuman abilities.]
“In the field of dynology, we embrace a detailed, case-by-case approach. It’s crucial to understand that every superpower, while potentially fitting into broader categories like telekinesis or pyrokinesis, is fundamentally unique. These powers are as diverse as the individuals who wield them, and our approach must be equally nuanced.”
[He points to a specific chart, highlighting varied power assessment methods.]
“Our methodologies are diverse, ranging from in-depth physiological monitoring to carefully designed field tests and even psychometric examinations. We’re not just looking at surface-level manifestations; we delve into everything from the minutest energy output to subtle molecular changes. For example, in analyzing telekinetic abilities, we look far beyond the mere movement of objects. We examine intricate energy patterns, neural activity, and even the slightest environmental alterations caused by their powers. The speed at which an object is moved, the invisible forces propelling it. Or has this person been mischaracterized as a telekinetic, when, really, they’ve been an aerogenetic?”
[He gestures towards a complex diagram showing a neural network.]
“Consider the brain’s role in these abilities. Our neurological studies aren’t just about activity patterns; we’re exploring how these patterns correlate with power use, emotional states, and even unconscious control mechanisms.”
[Dr. Harris steps away from the screen, addressing the class directly.]
“With this comprehensive and detailed analysis comes a profound responsibility. We’re not just dealing with abstract phenomena; we’re studying living, breathing individuals. These are people with lives, emotions, and rights. Our research, therefore, must be conducted with the utmost ethical consideration.”
[Dr. Harris transitions to a slide titled “Research Ethics and Responsibilities”.]
“We’re not just studying abstract phenomena; we’re working with individuals who possess these incredible abilities. This requires a deep sense of ethical consideration. We must respect their rights, their privacy, and acknowledge the impact of our research on their lives.”
[He pauses, adjusting his notecard stack to even out the edges.]
“Our work doesn’t just influence academic understanding; it affects how society views and interacts with these individuals. We must conduct our research with compassion, ensuring that our pursuit of knowledge doesn’t harm the very people we’re studying. Remember, as dynologists, our responsibility extends beyond the lab – it reaches into the lives of real people, and the broader society they’re a part of.”
[Dr. Harris gives a moment for reflection before moving on to the next part of the lecture.]
“Syllabi!”
[Dr. Harris clicks to a new slide, densely packed with information on course structure and expectations.]
“Let’s get into the nuts and bolts of this course. Our journey through dynology will be rigorous and comprehensive. We’ll start with foundational principles, understanding the physical and biological underpinnings of superpowers, and the ‘Least Resistance’ concept, which some of you coming from graduate studies may be already somewhat familiar with.”
[He gestures to a bullet-point list outlining the course modules.]
“We’ll cover a range of topics: from the biophysics of power manifestation to the ethics of superhuman research. Each module will include lectures, readings, and practical assignments. You’ll be analyzing case studies, conducting simulations, and even engaging with field research, where possible.”
[He moves to a section on assignments and evaluations.]
“Expect a mix of assignments: research papers, group projects, and even a few hands-on assessments. These are designed not just to test your knowledge, but to push you to think creatively, to question the established norms. So far, there seem to be very few limits to what physical rules can be bent or broken by an individual’s dynological manifestations. Even those coming from a background of chemistry, biology, meteorology, paleontology – nobody is safe. I mean, from having your worldview… disrupted. One moment.”
[Dr. Harris’s nervously shuffles around his cards, having lost his place.]
“There we go. Now, I want you to challenge yourselves, to think outside the box. This field is evolving, and you’re going to be part of that evolution. Innovative thinking isn’t just encouraged; it’s required. The final project will be a comprehensive research paper on a particular category of superpower. This will involve fieldwork with at least three individuals fitting that category – we do have agreements with many superhero organizations, both local and national, for us to perform our fieldwork with them as our guinea pigs.”
[He pauses, looking over the room.]
“This course is intense, but it’s also an opportunity to be at the forefront of dynological research. You’re here because you have the potential to make significant contributions to this field. Let’s get started.”
[Dr. Harris advances to the final slide, titled “The Future of Dynology.”]
“As we wrap up today’s lecture, let’s look ahead. The future of dynology is ripe with potential. Breakthroughs are on the horizon, and you, as new researchers, will play a crucial role in these discoveries.”
[His expression turns earnest.]
“The field is evolving, and with your fresh perspectives and innovative ideas, you’ll contribute to our understanding of superpowers. This isn’t just about academic achievement; it’s about pushing the boundaries of what we know.”
[He concludes with a motivating gesture.]
“Each of you has the potential to make a significant impact. Embrace this opportunity to shape the future of dynology.”
[Dr. Harris steps back from the podium, shifting from foot to foot as he finishes with his notecard pile.]
“Before we wrap up, let’s summarize. Today, we’ve introduced the complexities and challenges of dynology. We’ve explored the need for a rigorous, scientific approach to understanding superpowers and the importance of ethical considerations in our research. We’ve also looked at what you can expect from this course and the significant role you all play in the future of this field.”
[He smiles warmly.]
“Now, I’d love to hear your thoughts and questions. This is an open floor, and no question is too small or too ambitious. Let’s discuss.”
Chum 