12142 - History of Science (1)

Learning outcomes

Two are the goals pursued with this course. One is to offer students an in-depth knowledge of an important chapter in the history of recent science. This year we will deal with the history of biology from Charles Darwin's Origin of species  (1859) to the Human Genome Project (2001). The second goal is to make students acquainted with information sources and critical tools enabling them to develop an awareness of controversial science and society issues.

Course contents

"From Darwin to the Human Genome Project".

The course is divided into two parts, the first beginning on 1 October, the second from 19 November 2007.

Readings/Bibliography

1st part (5 credits; Anthropology and Philosophy students):

1. the materials discussed in class, available at:  www.studiareonline.org/storiadellascienza/

2.  the book by Evelyn Fox Keller, The century of the gene (Harvard University Press, 2002);

3.  the book by Paola Govoni, Che cos'è la storia della scienza (Carocci, reprint 2006)

For the 1st and 2nd part together (10 credits, Philosophy students only):

in addition to the materials and books of part 1, the following book:
 
Adrian Desmond, James Moore, Darwin (Penguin, 1992). 

Teaching methods

See 'Teaching tools'.

Assessment methods

To be illustrated in class.

Teaching tools

Students' active participation is recommended. The materials presented and discussed in class will be collected in an 'online syllabus', that will be available free on the Internet at www.studiareonline.org/storiadellascienza/

 

Links to further information

http://www.studiareonline.org/storiadellascienza/

Office hours

See the website of Giuliano Pancaldi