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History and Philosophy of Science (HPSC40016)
HonoursPoints: 12.5Dual-Delivery (Parkville)
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About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Semester 1
Overview
Availability | Semester 1 - Dual-Delivery |
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Fees | Look up fees |
In this subject students will be introduced to a range of classic texts in the history and philosophy of science and science and technology studies. The subject is organized as a series of four three-week learning modules, each of which will be taught by one member of the HPS program with a focus on their particular area of teaching/research expertise. Each module will introduce students to a carefully selected seminal text, which has been the subject of considerable scholarly attention in a particular subfield.
Students will become familiar with the main issues arising from that text, and the different ways in which leading scholars have attempted to engage with it. In any given year, students will take four out of a possible six modules, depending on staff availability. The six areas are: (i) philosophy of science (ii) sociology of science, (iii) history of science, (iv) science and technology studies, (v) history of medicine, or (vi) metaresearch. Students taking this subject will acquire a deeper understanding of the issues that are of most pressing concern to scholars in these fields today, and will have an opportunity to develop their own critical analysis of what is at stake in current debates.
Intended learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this subject will:
- Describe and criticise various positions taken up in contemporary academic scholarship in the history, philosophy and sociology of science;
- Apply the necessary critical acumen and relevant background knowledge in interpreting seminal texts;
- Make an original contribution to contemporary debates in the history and philosophy of science;
- Demonstrate an ability to conduct independent research at fourth year Honours level
Generic skills
Students who successfully complete this subject will
- develop skills in written communication;
- conduct independent research;
- make appropriate use of primary and secondary sources in mounting an argument;
- develop skills in synthesizing and analysing literature relevant to a specific discipline or topic;
- form defensible judgements based on a critical evaluation of conflicting arguments.
Last updated: 31 January 2024
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
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: 31 January 2024
Assessment
Description | Timing | Percentage |
---|---|---|
An essay
| Week 7 | 50% |
An essay
| During the examination period | 50% |
All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject. Hurdle requirement: Students must participate in 80% of the weekly classes to pass the subject. Participation will be gauged by contribution to general class discussion on reading set for each week. Students must pass both pieces of assessment to pass the subject. | Throughout the teaching period | N/A |
Additional details
Note: Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per day. After five days late assessment will not be marked. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked.
Last updated: 31 January 2024
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Principal coordinator Michael Arnold Mode of delivery Dual-Delivery (Parkville) Contact hours 24 hours - 1 x 2 hour seminar each week for 12 weeks Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 28 February 2022 to 29 May 2022 Last self-enrol date 11 March 2022 Census date 31 March 2022 Last date to withdraw without fail 6 May 2022 Assessment period ends 24 June 2022 Semester 1 contact information
Time commitment details
170 hours
Additional delivery details
This subject is for students admitted to fourth year Honours or the Graduate Diploma (advanced) in the discipline of History and the Philosophy of Science
Last updated: 31 January 2024
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
The coordinator will advise students of any required texts.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Specialisation (formal) History and Philosophy of Science Specialisation (formal) History and Philosophy of Science Specialisation (formal) History and Philosophy of Science Specialisation (formal) History and Philosophy of Science Informal specialisation PD-ARTS History and Philosophy of Science - 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.
Additional information for this subject
Subject coordinator approval required
- 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: 31 January 2024