Science as we know is the product of a historical process. In this course, we will explore the emergence of its concepts, practices, goals, and cognitive authority by surveying its roots in their social and cultural setting. We will trace the development of conceptions of the natural world from antiquity through the Scientific Revolution and the Enlightenment and up to the modern age. All the sciences fall within our purview, from their early forms up to today.

Science as we know is the product of a historical process. In this course, we will explore the origins of its concepts, practices, goals, and cognitive authority by surveying its roots in their diverse social and cultural settings. We will trace the development of conceptions of the natural world from antiquity through the Middle Ages up to the Scientific Revolution and the Enlightenment. In this way, we’ll study the relations of modern science to other forms of knowledge—magical, religious, and philosophical. Our considerations will have a truly global reach, and all the main branches of science and technology fall within our purview.

Credit Restrictions

Students will receive no credit for HISTORY 30 after completing XHISTOR 30. A deficient grade in HISTORY 30 may be removed by taking XHISTOR 30.

Repeat Rules

Course is not repeatable for credit.

Requirements class fulfills