Dep00W Spring 2022
Selected topics in history of science
Syllabus and reading assignments
Week 1
17. 2. 2022 Introduction: what is history of science
Week 2
24. 2. 2022 Sciene in the early modern era:
Week 3
3. 3. 2022 Science and technology in the modern era
(Brno spring break) Week 4
10. 3. 2022 Science, technology and society in the 19th and 20th century
Week 5
17. 3. 2022 Communicating science to the public
Week 6
24. 3. 2022 Scientists as public figures
Week 7
31. 3. 2022 Student presentation
Week 8
7. 4. 2022 Student presentation
(Easter) Week 9
14. 4. 2022 Student presentations
Week 10
21. 4. 2022 Student presentation
Week 11
28. 4. 2022 Student presentation
Week 12
5. 5. 2022 internship week for most students -- no class
Week 13
12. 5. 2022 internship week for most students -- no class
Course requirements
--- Lectures are not compulsory, the presentations described below are. If it is indeed unavoidable, online
presentations are possible, but not preferred. Come when you present yourself; and your fellow students
will certainly appreciate if you come when they present. Please, chose a date – 8 students per week.
---- If all else fails, a written assignment (essay) on a history of science topic may be a substitute.
--- Each student will give a presentation on a chosen topic. The topic may be chosen by the student or will
be suggested during the first six weeks.
Some possible topics:
--- life and work of a scientist of choice (Mendel is a popular theme, but therefore hard to present)
--- a story of a dispute between scientists / scientific debate (e. g. disputes about the solar system,
acceptance of Darwinism, etc.)
--- discoveries (chemistry: new elements; physics: new particles)
--- attempts to make our knowledge systematic (Linné, Mendeleev)
Length and structure
--- Your presentation should be at least 3, but no more than 8 minutes long. Ideal length: 5 mins.
--- State your aims, explain why you chose the topic, and what your sources were.
--- Say what you have learned from that story. How does it enrich your views in general?