2005/06 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

HPSC2102 Topic in the History of Science

20 creditsClass Size: 100

Module manager: Geoffrey Cantor/Jonathan Hodge

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2005/06

Pre-requisites

20 credits of HPSC level 1 modules or equivalent

Module replaces

HPSC2800 History & Philosophy of Physics

This module is approved as an Elective

Objectives

On completion of this module, students should be able to:

demonstrate an understanding of the main historical issues and episodes relating to a major topic in the History of Science;
demonstrate a good knowledge of the main primary sources on that topic;
demonstrate a broad and critical understanding of the main secondary sources that discuss that topic.

Syllabus

This module will analyse a significant area in the history of science, as defined by a major subject or discipline over a fairly extended period; for example, natural philosophy during the Englightenment, 'classical' physics in the eighteenth to nineteenth centuries (sample syllabus included below); biology during the nineteenth century; the creation of 'psychology' from the late nineteenth to twentieth centuries, or the rise of modern physics in the twentieth century. The main lines of development will be charted, paying close attention to the major innovative ideas, methods and institutions. The study will be historically contextualised, paying attention to social, technological and philosophical interconnections.

Lectures will be used to introduce the main themes with the emphasis on chronological development. Close attention will also be paid to key primary texts, discussion of which will form the basis of the accompanying tutorials. Moreover, the course will draw critically on the available secondary literature.

Teaching methods

Lectures 11 x 1 hour

Tutorials 11 x 1 hour

Private study

11 hours reading each week in connection with the lecture and tutorial.
35 hours preparing and writing essay
38 hours revising for exam

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

The essay, which is to be submitted at the end of week 6, will be marked promptly and returned to student with extensive written comments.

Methods of assessment

One essay of 2000 words, to be submitted at the end of week 6 (50%)
2 hour examination at end of semester (50%)

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 20/09/2006

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