Asian Civilisations & Science (Science3)

Subject 136-311 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 3 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

Semester 1, - 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


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: A 90 minute lecture and a 1 hour tutorial per week
Total Time Commitment: *
Prerequisites:

Two second-year HPS subjects.
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

Assoc Prof Helen Ruth Verran

Contact

Assoc Prof Helen Verran

hrv@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

This subject examines the development of science as a cultural phenomenon in Asian contexts. It is taught through contemporary and historical case studies. We examine ways sciences 'came to life' in particular places at particular times as modern Asian endeavours. Examining particular instances, students will better understand contemporary sciences as a global phenomenon. Studies will reveal some of the characteristics and properties of the scientific enterprise in contemporary and historical Asian contexts.
Objectives: Students who successfully complete this subject should...
  • Analyse the multiple roles played by the sciences in Asian modernities;
  • Develop understandings of contemporary sciences as cultural phenomena;
  • Recognise the heterogeneous origins of contemporary sciences in modern Asian societies.
Assessment:

Two essays of 2000 words each worth 50% (essay 1 submitted in week 7, essay 2 submitted after swot vac).
Prescribed Texts: A subject reader will be available for purchase from the University Bookshop.
Recommended Texts:

The Hungry Tide (Useful pre-reading: A Ghosh), Harper Collins 2004

Breadth Options:

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

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 and secondary sources in mounting an argument;

  • form defensible judgements based on a critical evaluation of conflicting arguments.
Notes:

Students enrolled in the BSc (pre-2008 BSc), or a combined BSc course (except for the BA/BSc) will receive science credit for the completion of this subject.

This subject is available only to science students for credit at third year level. This subject is based on 136-211 but involves additional work.
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: History and Philosophy of Science

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