HIST 405 - History of Modern Science

(3 credits)
Prerequisite: HIST 111 or HIST 112 or HIST 221 or HIST 222

See Addenda  for changes to this course, effective Spring 2018.

This course surveys the development of science weighted toward the modern era. Rather than an exhaustive survey, this course will emphasize influential individuals, controversies and events that manifest the tensions between science and society. The goal of this course is not simply to explain science to non-scientists, but rather to encourage students to understand science as a human institution that both shapes and is shaped by the political, economic and social context in which it takes place. Specific topics to be explored include the scientific community, science and religion, science and war, science and race, science and gender and social science. No scientific knowledge or experience is expected or required for this course. Offered alternate years.