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Darwin and History: Culture, Science, Medicine - ARTS2307
 History and the Philosophy of Science

   
   
   
 
Campus: Kensington Campus
 
 
Career: Undergraduate
 
 
Units of Credit: 6
 
 
EFTSL: 0.12500 (more info)
 
 
Indicative Contact Hours per Week: 3
 
 
Enrolment Requirements:
 
 
Prerequisite: 30 units of credit at Level 1
 
 
Excluded: HPSC2150
 
 
CSS Contribution Charge:Band 1 (more info)
 
   
 
Further Information: See Class Timetable
 
 
Available for General Education: Yes (more info)
 
  

Description

Subject Area: History and Philosophy of Science

This course uses Charles Darwin's theory of evolution as an entry point to explore the dramatic development of the life sciences in the later 19th century, and the shifting cultural and political implications of modern science more generally. Students will read the greater part of Darwin's 'Origin of Species' themselves as well as a range of scholarly secondary sources interpreting nineteenth- and early-twentieth century biological and medical science in historical context, from various contrasting historiographical perspectives. Specific topics will include natural history and the Enlightenment; Romantic life science; imperialism and science; mechanistic biology and the industrial revolution; social Darwinism; neo-Lamarckism and its politics in the early twentieth century; neo-Darwinism and the cold war.

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© The University of New South Wales (CRICOS Provider No.: 00098G), 2004-2011. The information contained in this Handbook is indicative only. While every effort is made to keep this information up-to-date, the University reserves the right to discontinue or vary arrangements, programs and courses at any time without notice and at its discretion. While the University will try to avoid or minimise any inconvenience, changes may also be made to programs, courses and staff after enrolment. The University may also set limits on the number of students in a course.