2016/17 Undergraduate Module Catalogue
HPSC2307 Science, Culture and Society in the Industrial Age
20 creditsClass Size: 50
Module manager: Dr Jon Topham
Email: J.R.Topham@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2016/17
Module replaces
HPSC 2302 Technological Change in HistoryHPSC2305 Introduction to Technological Change in HistoryThis module is approved as a discovery module
Module summary
How did science become so important in our culture? What forces have transformed it over the last two centuries from the pursuit of amateur gentlemen to one of the most powerful enterprises in modern society? This module addresses these questions by surveying key developments in the physical, biological and human sciences since 1800. Throughout students will be helped to see the links between scientific development and wider cultural and industrial changes.Objectives
On completion of this module, students should be able to ...To understand the long-run history of the sciences in their cultural and industrial contexts from the early 19th century to the present.
To analyse the role of some particular sciences as exemplifying key themes in the nexus of science, culture and industry.
To appreciate how scientific change in a given period can be related to contemporary changes in culture and industry.
Learning outcomes
Students will be able to:
1) Summarize major trends in the history of the modern sciences and their industrial contexts and consequences.
2) Evaluate historical perspectives on the rise of particular sciences as exemplifying the interaction of science, industry and culture.
3) Integrate knowledge of the history of modern science with knowledge of other aspects of modern history.
Syllabus
Topics may include the following:
Overview of the sciences c.1800
Physical sciences I (e.g. thermodynamics)
Physical sciences II (e.g. electricity and telegraphy)
Human sciences (e.g. statistics/sociology )
Biological sciences (e.g. Darwinism)
Overview of the sciences c.1900
Physical sciences I (e.g. Einstein and the atom)
Physical sciences II (e.g the Bomb and Big Science)
Human sciences (e.g computing )
Biological sciences (e.g. biotech and genomics)
Overview of the sciences c.2000
Teaching methods
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| Lecture | 11 | 1.00 | 10.00 |
| Seminar | 9 | 1.00 | 9.00 |
| Private study hours | 181.00 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 19.00 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200.00 | ||
Private study
Required Reading (6 hours/week)Reading Lecture Notes and Preparing for Seminars (3 hours/week)
Further Reading and Essay Preparation (2 x 45 hours)
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
Participation in tutorials.Discussion in module leader’s Office Hours.
Performance in 2 x 2,000 word assessed essays.
Methods of assessment
Coursework
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
| Essay | 2x 2,000 words | 100.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100.00 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 27/04/2015
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- Undergraduate module catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
- Undergraduate programme catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue
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