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Copernicus to Darwin: A Cultural History (HPSC30037)

Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability
Summer Term
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The period from the beginning of the sixteenth century to the end of the nineteenth century saw the emergence of modern science. During this time, European ideas about the natural world underwent a series of significant, and sometimes quite dramatic, changes. Some of these, like the shift from the earth-centred to the sun‐centred cosmos have been labelled scientific revolutions. Others, such as the gradual realisation that the history of life on earth stretches back millions of years seem less spectacular by comparison, but were no less significant. In this subject, we examine the historical conditions under which this restructuring of knowledge and new ‘ways of knowing’ emerged.

We examine questions like: What did Copernican astronomy owe to Islamic thought? What impact did changing socio-economic conditions in Europe and the discovery of the New World have on the rise of early modern science? How did social and political ideologies of the nineteenth century shape the rise of statistical thinking? How was Darwin’s theory of evolution received in Russia and Germany? Students will gain a deeper understanding of the complex and often surprising ways in which the rise of modern science has been shaped by wider social, political, and cultural contexts.

Intended learning outcomes

Students who successfully complete this subject should be able to:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of major conceptual shifts in the history of science
  • Clearly identify different 'ways of knowing' that emerged in the modern era
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the different ways in which knowledge is shaped by the wider intellectual, social and economic context
  • Present clear, coherent and persuasive analyses of complex and difficult historical episodes.

Generic skills

  • Critical thinking
  • Analysis and assessment of arguments
  • Oral and written communication skills
  • Constructive collaboration and measured disagreement
  • Confidence in voicing an informed opinion.

Last updated: 19 April 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: 19 April 2024

Assessment

DescriptionTimingPercentage

Assignment

  • 1000 words
2 weeks after the start of teaching25%

Essay

  • 3000 words
3 weeks after the end of teaching75%
Hurdle requirement: 1. Attendance hurdle requirement: This subject has a minimum requirement of 80% attendance at tutorials, seminars, or workshops.During 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.During the assessment periodN/A

Last updated: 19 April 2024

Dates & times

  • Summer Term
    Principal coordinatorKristian Camilleri
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hours36 hours: 1.5-hour lecture four times per week and 1.5-hour tutorial four times a week for 3 weeks
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period 8 January 2024 to 25 January 2024
    Last self-enrol date11 January 2024
    Census date19 January 2024
    Last date to withdraw without fail 2 February 2024
    Assessment period ends14 February 2024

    Summer Term contact information

    kcam@unimelb.edu.au

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Last updated: 19 April 2024

Further information

Last updated: 19 April 2024