Time Schedule:
Bruce W Hevly
HIST 312
Seattle Campus
Growth of modern science since the Renaissance, emphasizing the scientific revolution of the seventeenth century, the development of methodology, and the emergence of new fields of interest and new modes of thought.
Class description
This class will focus on three major topics in the history of modern European science, all subjects of interpretive contention, with emphasis on both command of a working narrative and the critical skills involved in reinterpreting it. Those periods are: the Scientific Revolution of the early modern period, the production of natural knowledge in the Enlightenment, and the definition, establishment and professionalization of science in the nineteenth century. We will deal with developments in the sciences of astronomy, mechanics, electricity and magnetism, geology and terrestrial science more generally, and natural history, including the creation and acceptance of Darwin's theories. Most attention will be paid to history of Britain, France, Germany, and the United States.
Student learning goals
Understand a basic narrative of the history of science in Europe from c. 1500 to c. 1920, and understand some of the limits on such narratives.
Understand the history of science as distinct from the story of science; in particular, understand the process of putting science in contexts.
Locate values and practices of objectivity, progress, experiment, explanation as they relate to science in particular contexts.
Be able to understand a selection of interpretive strategies applied to particular episodes by particular historians of science, as presented in class work.
Be able to make an original argument in the history of science, based on limited resources available within the framework of a survey course.
General method of instruction
Daily lectures with some class discussion, Monday through Thursday. Weekly section meetings focus on interpretation of primary sources, review of historical argument, and development of writing skills.
Recommended preparation
This course assumes no background in European history, history of science, or science; it is an introductory course. Familiarity with any or all of these may be of some use, but none is required.
Class assignments and grading
Two midterm examinations and a final exam.
Short essays based on assigned readings; no outside research required.
Section participation and preparation.
See above.
