HIST 108: Science and Technology in World History
Fall 2016, Mondays and Wednesdays 8:30–9:20
Close/Hipp, Room 005
Dr. Allison Marsh
Email: marsh@sc.edu
Office Hours: Mondays 2:00-3:00 or by appointment
Office: Gambrell Hall 210
Phone: 803-777-0041
Course Description:
A general survey of developments of science and technology in world civilizations from
antiquity to the present, emphasizing the ways in which social and personal values and ethics
were shaped—and were shaped by—those developments.
Learning Outcomes:
• Demonstrate knowledge of the principles of historical thinking to understand human
societies, specifically through examining the history of the global development of
science and technology from antiquity to the contemporary era. (measured by writing
assignments 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
• Define and summarize major events, developments, and themes of the history of
science and technology from antiquity to the contemporary era.
• Evaluate significant themes, issues, or eras in the history of science and technology
from antiquity to the contemporary era. (measured by assignments 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10)
• Demonstrate basic skills in the comprehension and analysis of selected sources and
their relevance in the context of historical knowledge. (measured by assignments 1, 2,
5, 6, 7, 8, 10)
• Recognize the differences between original historical source material (primary
sources) and later scholarly interpretations of those sources (secondary sources).
(measured by assignments 4, 9, 10)
• Develop interpretive historical arguments drawing on primary and/or secondary
sources. (measured by assignments 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
• Identify the sources and functions of values that guide human practices in science
and technology. (measured by assignments 1, 7, 9, 10)
• Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of ethics, values and social
responsibility in science and technology for individuals and for societies through the
history of science and technology. (measured by essays 1, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10)
• Reflect on how values shape personal and community ethics and decision-making in
the context of science and technology. (measured by assignments 1, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10)
2
Learning History of Science
The study of history at the college level is quite different from studying history in high
school. Instead of only learning names, dates, and events in a timeline (although you do
need to know content!), college students study and analyze different types of source
materials to interpret the past. Events can be seen from multiple perspectives. In the history
of science this requires that past ways of understanding nature be taken seriously as
functional knowledge that supported societies, rather than as simply wrong or interpretations
we no longer believe. Successful students learn to construct arguments and defend them by
marshaling a variety of supporting evidence. Studying history develops critical thinking skills
and creates informed citizens.
Once a week students will meet in small groups for class discussion led by a teaching
assistant. This is the opportunity for students to engage in meaningful discussion
concerning the course material. I expect students to come to discussion prepared by reading
the assigned material and thinking about its implications. Do not look to the TAs to provide
concrete answers. They are there to facilitate your own path to learning.
In college, the burden of learning is placed on the student. I am willing to give my students as much time and
attention as they want. It is the student’s responsibility to be engaged with the material.
