Laurentian University, Canada , HIST 2245, History of Science

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Title:

HIST 2245, History of Science

Institution:

Laurentian University, Canada

Level:

Degree.

Description:

A study of the rise of science in relation to the development of Western society. This course traces the development of selected aspects of western science from the reception and amendment of Greek science in the Middle Ages to the modern revolution in physics of the late 19th and 20th centuries. It is not a science course but rather a study that treats of science, as one might deal with religion, or art, or philosophy, as one of the fundamental cultural attributes of developing Western civilization. One major concern of the course is to study the questions raised by historians of science about the process by which science developed in the West. The other not unrelated focus of attention is on the interaction of science and society in the West. For example, what was the impact of religion or of developing capitalism on science, and, in turn, what was the impact of science on religious belief, literature, art, the worldview of the West? In short, science is not examined in isolation but in the context of developing Western society.

Assessment may include: Assignments, examinations.

Assessment is by six assignments (30%), mid-term examination (20%), final examination (50%).

Programmes in which this course may be included:

Bachelor of Arts.

Textbooks:

Mason, S., A History of the Sciences, 1962;
Clagett, M., Greek Science in Antiquity;
Boas, M., The Scientific Renaissance 1450-1630, 1966;
Butterfield, H., The Origins of Modern Science, 1965;
Drake, S., Discoveries and Opinions of Galileo, 1957;
Appleman, P., Darwin (2nd ed), 1979;
Grant, E., Physical Science in the Middle Ages, 1978.

Recommended:
Cohen, I., The Birth of a New Physics, 1985;
Koestler, A., The Sleepwalkers.

Languages:

English

Media and methods employed: Printed text.

Administrative information:

This is a two term course (24 weeks) and awards 6 credits.

Classification:

070420 HISTORY OF SCIENCE

Date:

16 August 1996 bb
Source: 1996-1997 Winter Calendar

[About the Institution][Courses][Programmes]

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