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Electricity: An Experimental History (HPSC20022)
Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Semester 2
Overview
Availability | Semester 2 |
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Fees | Look up fees |
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 18th 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 18th 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.
Intended learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this subject will:
- Possess a broad knowledge and understanding of the history of modern science;
- Possess a deep knowledge of the history of electricity;
- Be able to create sustained and critical arguments using experimental data and implement the consequences of their arguments in the design of new experiments;
- Have develope an awareness of the relationship between electrodynamics and its history;
- Understand the complex relationship between theory formation and its historical context;
- Possess effective communication and presentation skills (written and oral), and the ability to collaborate constructively within the classroom;
- Demonstrate ethical integrity in written work and classroom activities.
Last updated: 27 April 2024
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Recommended background knowledge
It is recommended that students enrolling in this subject have completed 12.5 points of HPS subjects at level 1 or level 2, but this is not a requirement.
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 27 April 2024
Assessment
Description | Timing | Percentage |
---|---|---|
Attendance Hurdle Hurdle requirement: Hurdle Requirements: Students must attend a minimum of 75% of tutorials in order to pass this subject. All pieces of assessment must be submitted to pass this subject. Note: Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per day. After five working days late assessment will not be marked. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked. | Throughout the semester | N/A |
Assigned in-class tasks during the semester equivalent to 600 words
| During the teaching period | 15% |
A 600 word literature review
| Mid semester | 15% |
A 1400 word written report on experiments performed by the class, due two weeks after the respective class
| During the teaching period | 35% |
A 1400 reflective essay, due during the end of semester examination period
| During the examination period | 35% |
Last updated: 27 April 2024
Dates & times
- Semester 2
Coordinator Gerhard Wiesenfeldt Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 36 hours - One 3 hour seminar each week for 12 weeks. Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 29 July 2019 to 27 October 2019 Last self-enrol date 9 August 2019 Census date 31 August 2019 Last date to withdraw without fail 27 September 2019 Assessment period ends 22 November 2019 Semester 2 contact information
Time commitment details
170 hours
Last updated: 27 April 2024
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
Readings will be made available online
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Major History and Philosophy of Science - Breadth options
This subject is available as breadth in the following courses:
- Links to additional information
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.
Last updated: 27 April 2024