NOTE(S): THESE COURSES ARE OFFERED BY CULTURAL HISTORY. STUDENTS INTERESTED IN THESE OPTIONS MIGHT WISH TO CONSIDER THE COURSES OUTLINED IN THE CULTURAL HISTORY SECTION OF THIS CATALOGUE
Level 2
- HS 2003 - HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHY OF SCIENCE I
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- Credit Points
- 15
- Course Coordinator
- Dr B Marsden
Pre-requisites
Available only to students in Programme Year 2 or above.
Co-requisites
None.
Overview
Topics from the history of science from antiquity to the early eighteenth century, with particular emphasis on the Scientific Revolution of 1500-1700. The course offers two complementary perspectives: (i) an introduction to the history of science in a social, cultural, and intellectual context focusing on well-known figures (Copernicus, Galileo, Newton), topics (astronomy, alchemy, medicine), institutions (Royal Society of London, court culture), practices (experiment, instruments), and other themes (the role of women, science and religion); and (ii) an introduction to central themes in the philosophical understanding of science and its methods (induction, deduction, Popper, Kuhn).
Structure
2 one-hour lectures per week and 1 one-hour tutorial per fortnight.
Assessment
1st Attempt: One 1½-hour written examination (60%) and in-course assessment (40%) of which essay (2,000 words, 30%) and tutorial assessment (10%).
Resit: One 1½-hour written examination (100%).
Feedback
Essay: feedback is provided through the standard History essay feedback form which indicates student achievement in key areas (sources, language, argument etc).
Tutorial: each student is asked to do a presentation and to participate meaningfully in class discussion (on set readings, and peers' presentations); the tutor provides ongoing verbal feedback regarding class discussion; and feedback verbally or via e-mail on strengths and weaknesses of presentation.
- HS 2503 - HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHY OF SCIENCE II
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- Credit Points
- 15
- Course Coordinator
- Prof Ralph O'Connor
Pre-requisites
Available only to students in Programme Year 2 or above.
Overview
This course offers an introduction to the history of science, technology and medicine from the late eighteenth century to recent times. It focuses on key historical topics, including: science and cultures of improvement in the Enlightenment; James Watt and revolutions in industry; evolution and its impacts before and after Darwin; scientizing the human mind and body (including intelligence testing and eugenics); medicine in history; ethical issues in contemporary science (eg. 'Big Science' and the making of the atomic bomb). Students are asked to consider the nature of scientific and medical change; the relationship of science and medicine to wider cultural forms; and the impacts of science and medicine in everyday lives.
Structure
2 one-hour lectures per week and 1 one-hour tutorial per fortnight
Assessment
1st Attempt: One 1½-hour written examination (60%) and in-course assessment (40%) of which essay (2,000 words, 30%) and tutorial assessment (10%).
Resit: One 1½-hour written examination (100%).
Feedback
Essay: feedback is provided through the standard History essay feedback form which indicates student achievement in key areas (sources, language, argument etc)
Tutorial: each student is asked to do a presentation and to participate meaningfully in class discussion (on set readings, and peers' presentations); the tutor provides ongoing verbal feedback regarding class discussion; and feedback verbally or via e-mail on strengths and weaknesses of presentation.