Science: Revolutions and Evolutions

Subject 136-217 (2008)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2008.Search for this in the current handbookSearch for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.500
Level: Undergraduate
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2008:

Semester 2, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable

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Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: Two 1-hour lectures and a 1-hour tutorial per week.
Total Time Commitment: .
Prerequisites: Usually 75 points of first year study across any disciplinary areas.
Corequisites: .
Recommended Background Knowledge: .
Non Allowed Subjects: .
Core Participation Requirements: .

Coordinator

Dr Gerhard Wiesenfeldt
Subject Overview:

This subject examines the developments that lead to the rise of modern science. It will explore the complex relation between the dynamics of scientific thought and the social, cultural and political factors that contributed to these dynamics. The subject introduces students to important methods developed to analyse scientific change in a historical perspective. It will scrutinize these methods by applying them to important transformations that occurred in early modern Europe and that lead to a reshaped rational world view. Students who complete this subject should gain the ability to understand central elements of the processes that lead to our present day science and its social and cultural functions.

Assessment: Written work totalling 4000 words comprising a 1500 word essay 30% (due during semester) and a 2500 word essay 70% (due at the end of examination period). A hurdle requirement of attendance at eight tutorials is applicable.
Prescribed Texts: A subject reader will be made available.
Recommended Texts:

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Breadth Options: This subject is a level 2 or level 3 subject and is not available to new generation degree students as a breadth option in 2008.
This subject or an equivalent will be available as breadth in the future.
Breadth subjects are currently being developed and these existing subject details can be used as guide to the type of options that might be available.
2009 subjects to be offered as breadth will be finalised before re-enrolment for 2009 starts in early October.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

  • develop skills in written and oral communication;

  • conduct independent research;

  • make appropriate use of primary sources and secondary literature in mounting an argument;

  • form defensible judgments on the basis of a critical evaluation of conflicting arguments;

  • put their own position in a historical perspective.
Notes: .
Related Course(s): Bachelor of Arts
Graduate Certificate in Arts (History & Philosophy of Science)
Graduate Diploma in Arts (History and Philosophy of Science)

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