History 301: Discovery of the Universe
Completed: A
How did we get here? What's going on? Where are we going with this? These questions define the physical sciences, and this course examines the history of the ways and means, human, observational, experimental, and theoretical, that astronomers and physicists have used to answer them. The course begins with what has been called the 'Scientific Revolution,' with Galileo and the Inquisition, but quite rapidly we come to the nineteenth century, and the heart of the course is on the development of our study of the universe, its origin, structure, and future, during the last few generations. Among topics we shall consider are the financing of science, the politics and security implications of modern research, history of computers, the roles of women, the geographical and cultural spread of research, popularization and demonization of science, pseudo-science, and the various contexts of science, in addition to the development of research and thought. So this is a history, and not a science, course, although many of the readings will come from scientists themselves, and our discussions will be centered on the human history rather than on the science itself.
Instructor: Rudi P Lindner
Materials:
- Payne-Gaposchkin, Cecilia.Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin: An Autobiography and Other Recollections. Second Edition. 1996.
- Cassidy, David. Einstein and Our World. 1995.
- Belkora, Leila. Minding the Heavens: The Story of Our Discovery of the Milky Way. 2003.
- Shapley, Harlow. Through Rugged Ways to the Stars: The Reminiscences of an Astronomer. 1969.
Notice:
Information provided on this page is a result of undergraduate studies at the University of Michigan. Material may be copyrighted by the University of Michigan, James Glettler, and/or the various co-authors noted in group projects. Finished assignments are offered only for reference.