Science and technology are among the most notable of human achievements.  Developments in these areas have done more than anything else to change the quality of human life over time.  Anyone will name advances in health care, transportation, communications as monumental achievements.

We will look at the history of science and technology on a survey level, and in historical context.  That is, we will examine key developments and look at them as historical events which occurred in the context of their times.  We quite simply cannot fully understand these events out of context.  Further, we want to examine each topic in some detail, but leave enough time to cover many topics in the semester.  Outside readings will help us to increase our depth on a number of issues. 

The key goal of historians is to understand the life of human beings and how that has changed over time.  The goal of scholars is to examine all sides of a problem, not just the positive or negative effects.  Studying the history of science and technology is an effective way to achieve both these ends.

Course Requirements:

Attend class.  Excessive absence will be penalized.

Prepare for and participate in discussions.  Non-participation will be penalized.

Hour Examination (Sept 17)..............................25%

Hour Examination (Oct 15)..............................25%

Out-of-class essay (Due in class Dec 03)..............................25%

Final Examination (Dec 11)..............................25%

Course Readings:

John Marks, Science and the Making of the Modern World

Allen Debus, Man and Nature in the Renaissance

Guy Williams, The Age of Miracles

Albert Teich, Technology and the Future (Seventh Edition)

Topical Calendar: