Fall 2020 (Aug 19-Dec 2, 2020): In-person course

Adapted from UNCW Academic Catalogue, with more detailed description to be published before Fall semester commences: The history of science from antiquity (ancient Babylon and Greece) to the 17th century. Topics include the rise of natural philosophy in ancient Greece, Rome, Islam, and Mayan culture; medieval universities; Copernicus and the 16th century revolution in astronomy; Renaissance medicine and anatomy; and Isaac Newton’s mathematical study of gravitation.

Credit Hours: 3

University Studies: Approaches and Perspectives/Historical and Philosophical Approaches. Course Repeatablility: Course may not be repeated. Maximum Repeatable Hours: 3

In addition to the below textbook, there may be one or two further books added before the semester begins. Otherwise, all materials will be provided.

Textbook:
Andrew Ede and Lesley B. Cormack, A History of Science in Society, Volume I: From the Ancient Greeks to the Scientific Revolution, Third Edition (Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 2016).
* Available as e-textbook or print book.
* Available through online sellers or UNCW Bookstore.

From this course, students should be able to:

• identify important ideas and people in the development of the sciences from antiquity to the Scientific Revolution
• contextualize scientific ideas within their social, political, and cultural contexts
• examine the ways science can have profound impacts on social and cultural attitudes
• evaluate and analyze relevant source materials

Last updated: 9 April 2020