Science in Western Culture, 1650-1900
HIST 254
Spring 2011 not offered
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| Crosslisting:
SISP 254 |
| Certificates: International Relations |
Between the mid-17th century and the start of the 20th century, Western science and technology underwent dramatic change. Beginning as a rarefied activity carried out by cultural elites from largely agrarian societies, science by the end of the 19th century was rapidly becoming a massive, institutionalized undertaking lying at the heart of industrial, technological, and economic development. In sum, during this period, the scientific enterprise evolved from something that looks quite foreign to us today into a close approximation of its modern and familiar form. This course traces this evolution, exploring in particular the shifting relationships between science and technology, between scientific and religious authority, and between science and its social, economic, and political environment, from courtly life in the 17th and 18th centuries and imperial expansion to the Industrial Revolution. |
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Essential Capabilities:
None |
| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
SBS HIST |
| Course Format: Lecture | Grading Mode: Student Option |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: None |
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Fulfills a Requirement for: (EDST)(HIST-MN)(HIST)(IDEA-MN)(IDEA)(STS) |
Major Readings:
Jacob, James R., THE SCIENTIFIC REVOLUTION
Bowler, Peter J., CHARLES DARWIN: THE MAN AND HIS INFLUENCE
Paul, Diane B., CONTROLLING HUMAN HEREDITY: 1865 - PRESENT
Badash, Lawrence, SCIENTISTS AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF NUCLEAR WEAPONS
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Examinations and Assignments:
One midterm, two papers, class participation. |
Additional Requirements and/or Comments:
Examinations - There will be four in-class examinations, one for each unit. Each exam will consist of three short answer questions and one essay. The short answer questions will be based on the study questions for each section, but you will not know the exact questions before the exam. I will hand out a list of potential questions for the longer essays about a week before each exam, so they will not surprise you. The final exam will also have a cumulative essay question - also taken from a list of questions that I will hand out ahead of time. The grades will be based on your understanding of the material, your ability to analyze the material in response to questions, and your ability to communicate your analysis in a clear and well-organized fashion. Each of the first three exams will be worth 20% of the course grade. The final exam will be worth 30% of the course grade.
Participation - This will be based on your level of participation in the class. Participation will be worth 10% of the course grade.
Makeups - I will give the tests on the dates listed in the course schedule section of this syllabus. If the need arises, there will be a make-up exam (for Exams One, Two, or Three only) for those who have a verifiable illness or family emergency. Let me know before the exam if you cannot take it (email is probably your best option for contacting me). You must get permission from the Dean of Students to take a make-up Final Examination. |
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