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Academic Year 2004/2005

Scientific Biography
HIST 112 SP

History 112 is intended as a First Year Initiative course on the history of science as seen through biographies of scientists, engineers, and philosophers. The course includes practice in writing (5 to 6 papers required) and speaking (class reports and "historical debates"). Biographies will be chosen from figures in the modern twentieth century as well as from earlier periods. This course especially should appeal to the first year student who is interested in a career in science, medicine or philosophy, but any first year student is welcome.

MAJOR READINGS

Arthur Koestler, THE WATERSHED (life of Kepler)
Richard S. Westfall, ISAAC NEWTON
C. Stewart Gillmor, COULOMB AND THE EVOLUTION OF PHYSICS AND ENGINEERING IN EIGHTEENTH-CENTURY FRANCE
Charles Darwin, THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF CHARLES DARWIN
G.H. Hardy, A MATHEMATICIAN'S APOLOGY
Edward O. Wilson, NATURALIST (autobiography)

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

No written exams. 5 papers, plus final paper.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

Class participation

COURSE FORMAT: Lecture/Discussion

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UGRD    Credit: 1    Gen Ed Area Dept: SBS HIST    Grading Mode: Graded   

Prerequisites: NONE Links to Web Resources For This Course.

Last Updated on MAR-21-2005

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