04462 - History of science and technology

Learning outcomes

The course provides an introduction to the history of science and technology and aims at reconstructing the main material, intellectual and institutional factors of the development of science since Renaissance Europe

Course contents

Title of the course : The forms of scientific communication in books and artefacts

The course is set out in an introduction to the history of science with particular emphasis on its methodological aspects and in a reconstruction of the main physical, intellectual and institutional factors that have characterized the scientific knowledge in Europe from 1400 to 1700. The course will be dedicated specifically to the analysis of the connection between scientific research and communication of the results in scientific books and artefacts. Communication is, in fact, the natural accomplishment of scientific research and the means through which the scientific dialogue becomes complete and objective. Every scientific discipline displays different forms and manifestations of expression in relation to its specific nature and evolution. From this viewpoint, a few case studies will be examined, especially within the context of the empirical disciplines, and with particular reference to the technical, naturalistic and medical explanation. Moreover, a seminar will be dedicated to the birth of experimental science in Bologna during the 18th century within the context of the Istituto dell’Accademia delle Science (the Institution of the Academy of Science), with particular reference to the organisation of the new laboratories and to the Library and the Archives, which since the beginning have been a fundamental and inevitable working tool.

Readings/Bibliography

The following textbooks are indicated as reference study material. Further material will be presented thorughout the course.

 

Beretta M., Storia materiale della scienza. Dal libro ai laboratori, Milano, Bruno Mondadori, 2002, pp. 1-145; 201-218; 286-311.

F.F. Repellini, L’organizzazione del trattato astronomico nell’antichità, in Le forme della comunicazione scientifica, a cura di M. Galluzzi, G. Micheli, M.T. Monti, FrancoAngeli, Milano, 1998, pp. 41-56.

A. De Pace, Forma del dialogo e sapere in alcune interpretazioni del Rinascimento italiano. Nuove prospettive sul Dialogo galileiano, in Le forme della comunicazione scientifica,cit., pp. 123-165.

Beretta M., Stampa, incisioni e terminologia nel De Re Metallica di Giorgio Agricola, in Le forme della comunicazione scientifica, cit., pp. 191-215.

W. Tega, Introduzione, in Anatomie accademiche. I Commentari dell'Accademia delle scienze di Bologna, vol I, Bologna, Il Mulino, 1986, pp. 9-43.

G. Olmi, L’illustrazione naturalistica nelle opere di Luigi Ferdinando Marsili, in Natura-Cultura. L’interpretazione del mondo fisico nei testi e nelle immagini, a cura di G. Olmi, L. Tongiorgi Tomasi, A. Zanca, Olskhi, Firenze, 2000, pp. 255-303.

I. Bortolotti, I libri di Luigi Ferdinado Marsili. Da raccolta privata a Biblioteca dell’Istituto delle Scienze, in Teca: testimonianze, editoria, cultura, arte, n. 2, 2012, pp. 69-88.

Teaching methods

Active participation is encouraged, including asking questions and discussing issues to be expanded on. Lectures will alternate with seminars during which articles and books will be read and discussed; students will have the opportunity to attend conferences given by experts, to watch videos and explore websites, and to visit museums and/or libraries. Students will be required to write a short dissertation on a topic assigned by the lecturer and which will be discussed during lectures and will count towards the final grade.

For students who are unable to attend: Students are invited to contact the course coordinator for further information.

Course start III periodo

Timetable: Palazzo Verdi Via Pasolini, 23

Tuesday  16/18 – A/II

Wednesday  16/18 – A/II

Thursday 16/18 – A/II

Assessment methods

Oral exam of the duration of 30 minutes approximately, starting from a topic of choice (for students attending the lectures, the topic must be different from the one presented in the individual assignment).

The oral examination aims to evaluate the critical and methodological abilites developed by the student. Students attending the lectures are required to write an individual assignment to be presented in the form of a seminar during the last lectures of the course : each student will be assigned a source (documentary, iconografic, literary) to be analyzed on the basis of methodological indications given throughout the course. The assignment will count towards the final grade.

The assignment will be marked on the basis of the student’s ability to gather and select the appropriate information to be able to effectively illustrate and link topics and issues

Specifically :

The achievement of an organic and articulate view, the detailed knowledge of the sources, the ability to critically analyze the arguments put forward and the appropriate use of language will result in excellent marks. A correct knowledge of the sources, but no critical analysis, and an appropriate use of the language, but at times imprecise, will result in a good mark. Mnemonic learning of the subject, ability to synthesize but inability to critically elaborate on the topic, appropriate use of language but no use of specific language will result in a fair mark. Minimal knowledge of the course and/or inappropriate use of language will result in low marks. Severe lack of knowledge, severely inappropriate use of language and lack of critical thinking and organization skills will result in a fail.

The use of textbooks, notes or any electronic device is not allowed during the examination.

Teaching tools

PowerPoint, photocopies, DVD and scientific documentaries, website, visit museums.

Office hours

See the website of Sandra Linguerri