New History Course for Fall 2010: "Making of Modern Science: The Scientific Revolution to the Twentieth Century"

The history department has added a new class to the fall 2010 schedule: HY 399-06, "Making of Modern Science: The Scientific Revolution to the Twentieth Century."
Dr. Randall Dills, Visiting Assistant Professor of History, will teach the course on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 to 6:50 pm.

Here is the course description:

"The course covers the history of modern science from 1500 to the 20th century. We will consider the nature of science, its practices and practitioners and sites of study in relationship to society over a broad spectrum of history. We will examine scientists at work in a number of sites, from voyages of discovery and the laboratory to museums and the cosmos as we challenge the received stories about the “Heroes” of modern science. How should one view the work and careers of Galileo, Newton, Darwin and others? Every step of the way, we will situate scientists and their theories within the society and culture of the time, including Romanticism, Imperialism, and the Cold War. We will study the conflicts between those who viewed science as autonomous and independent of outside influences and those who viewed it as an instrument of social and economic progress. Ultimately, as scientists sought to “de-mystify” the world by identifying the laws upon which the natural world is built, we will understand that the modern state and the expansion of European ideals is linked with the rise in the authority of scientists who claimed to know, understand and interpret it. Readings will include selections from the leading historians of science and the primary sources of participants and observers."

If you have any questions, please email Dr. Dills at Dills@uiuc.edu.

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