Electricity: An Experimental History (HPSC20022)

This subject will study the early history of electricity between 1730 and 1830 by replicating historical experiments. Today, electricity is ubiquitous, modern society relies on it. Electricity is also considered to be dangerous. During the 18^th century electricity was regarded in a very different manner. Electrical experiments were performed as public spectacles to the entertainment of enlightened audiences that wished to experience electricity first hand. Many of these experiments also produced challenges to the understanding of what electricity was. Debates around electricity also were linked to enlightenment ideas of equality, American independence, the French Revolution and the romantic fantasies of Dr Frankenstein.

In the subject, we will act as an 18^th century scientific society trying to reproduce phenomena discovered elsewhere. We will use role playing elements to gain a better understanding of the early development of electricity, its cultural context and its political significance.