HIST254 - History of Scientific Thought Since 1700

[ Wesleyan Home Page ] [ WesMaps Home Page ] [ WesMaps Archive ] [ Course Search ] [ Course Search by CID ]
Academic Year 2005/2006

History of Scientific Thought Since 1700
HIST 254 SP

Crosslistings:
SISP 254

History 254 treats the history of scientific thought since Newton. It discusses chemistry from the phlogiston doctrine, through Lavoisier, the atomic theory, conservation of energy and entropy; physics from classical mechanics and the emergence of electricity and magnetism through Maxwell and on to the early quantum theory and relativity; and biology from Linnean taxonomy, the cell theory, Darwinian evolution, to the beginning of molecular biology. Some attention is given also to the history of geology and geophysics including space physics and plate tectonics, and to the quantitative and sociometric study of science growth in "Big Science."

MAJOR READINGS

Jacob, James R., THE SCIENTIFIC REVOLUTION
Bowler, Peter J., CHARLES DARWIN: THE MAN AND HIS INFLUENCE
Paul, Diane B., CONTROLLING HUMAN HEREDITY: 1865 - PRESENT
Badash, Lawrence, SCIENTISTS AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF NUCLEAR WEAPONS

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

One midterm, two papers, class participation.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

Examinations - There will be four in-class examinations, one for each unit. Each exam will consist of three short answer questions and one essay. The short answer questions will be based on the study questions for each section, but you will not know the exact questions before the exam. I will hand out a list of potential questions for the longer essays about a week before each exam, so they will not surprise you. The final exam will also have a cumulative essay question - also taken from a list of questions that I will hand out ahead of time. The grades will be based on your understanding of the material, your ability to analyze the material in response to questions, and your ability to communicate your analysis in a clear and well-organized fashio n. Each of the first three exams will be worth 20% of the course grade. The final exam will be worth 30% of the course grade.

Participation - This will be based on your level of participation in the class. Participation will be worth 10% of the cou rse grade.

Makeups - I will give the tests on the dates listed in the course schedule section of this syllabus. If the need arises, there will be a make-up exam (for Exams One, Two, or Three only) for those who have a verifiable illness or family emergency. Let me know before the exam if you cannot take it (email is probably your best option for contacting me). You must get permission from the Dean of Students to take a make-up Final Examination.

COURSE FORMAT: Lecture

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

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

Prerequisites: NONE

SECTION 01

Instructor(s): Cunningham,Michael Doucette

Times: ..T.R.. 01:10PM-02:30PM; Location: PAC107;

Reserved Seats: (Total Limit: 35)

SR. major: 3 Jr. major: 3

SR. non-major: 5 Jr. non-major: 6 SO: 8 FR: 10

Special Attributes:

Links to Web Resources For This Course.

Last Updated on MAR-30-2006