Magic, Reason and Science, 1450-1750 (HPSC30034)

Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability
Semester 1
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The subject will look at the categories of magic and reason in early modern Europe, especially in their role in the emergence of modern science. While magic and reason are often regarded as polar opposites, their relationship is often more complex. We will study how ‘magical thinking’ was understood in early modern Europe, how it was practiced in different fields of knowledge - from alchemy and demonology to medicine, technology and mathematics, and how these magical practices were transformed in the development of early modern science. We will also discuss what happened to the magical worldview in the eighteenth century, the period often held to be the Age of Reason. A particular emphasis of the subject will be on the complex relationship between scientific or philosophical change and social or cultural processes.

Intended learning outcomes

Students who successfully complete this subject should be able to: 

  • Reflect on the major intellectual, social and political developments of the period from the fifteenth through to the eighteenth centuries
  • Examine intellectual positions and their historical development
  • Analyse the complex interaction between different forms of experience that contributed to the emergence of modern science
  • Put their own position in an historical perspective
  • Conduct independent research including the appropriate use of primary and secondary sources in mounting an historical argument
  • Embody ethical integrity in written work and classroom activities.

Generic skills

Students who successfully complete this subject should be able to: 

  • Apply research skills through competent use of the library and other information sources
  • Conduct Critical analysis of texts, images, and objects
  • Consolidate multiple viewpoints in a responsible and ethical manner
  • Develop problem-solving and analytical skills. 

Last updated: 14 March 2025

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: 14 March 2025

Assessment

DescriptionTimingPercentage

Book report

  • 1400 words
From Week 7 to Week 935%

A reflective essay

  • 1400 words
From Week 10 to Week 1235%

A 20-minutes oral examination

  • 1200 words (equivalent)
During the examination period30%
Hurdle requirement: 1. Attendance hurdle requirement: This subject has a minimum requirement of 80% attendance at tutorials, seminars, or workshops. There is an expectation that students attend lectures. Throughout the teaching periodN/A
Hurdle requirement: 2. Late Penalty and Assessment hurdle requirement: Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at five per cent (5%) of the possible marks available for the assessment task per day or part thereof. All pieces of assessment must be submitted to pass the subject. Each submitted assessment must be complete, constitute a genuine attempt to address the requirements of the task and will not be accepted after 20 University business days from the original assessment due date without written approval. Throughout the semesterN/A

Last updated: 14 March 2025

Dates & times

  • Semester 1
    Principal coordinatorGerhard Wiesenfeldt
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hours36 hours: - A 1.5 hour lecture every week for 12 weeks and a 1.5 hour tutorial every week for 12 weeks
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period 3 March 2025 to 1 June 2025
    Last self-enrol date14 March 2025
    Census date31 March 2025
    Last date to withdraw without fail 9 May 2025
    Assessment period ends27 June 2025

    Semester 1 contact information

    Email: gerhardw@unimelb.edu.au

Time commitment details

170 hours

What do these dates mean

Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:

  • Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
  • And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
       -  Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
     

    Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.

Last updated: 14 March 2025

Further information

Last updated: 14 March 2025