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Academic Year 2004/2005

Sophomore Seminar: Scientific Biography
HIST 185 SP

History 185 is designed as a sophomore seminar. Sophomores have preference, and others are allowed if spaces remain. This course examines the history of science as seen through biographies of scientists, engineers, and philosophers. The course includes practice in writing (several short and one longer paper required) and speaking (class reports and discussions). Biographies are chosen from figures from the seventeenth through the twentieth centuries. This seminar should appeal to those interested in majoring in history as well as students interested in a career in science, medicine or philosophy.

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. Hard, A MATHEMATICIAN'S APOLOGY
Edward O. Wilson, NATURALIST (autobiography)

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

4 or 5 papers, including a term paper plus oral reports in class.

COURSE FORMAT: Seminar

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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