| Unit name | Progress or Peril? The History of Science, Technology and Medicine |
|---|---|
| Unit code | HIST20113 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | I/5 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Dr. Stephen Mawdsley |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
None |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | Department of History (Historical Studies) |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
Human societies have been shaped and reshaped by an innate desire to control and make sense of a complex world. From fighting disease to exploring the moon, science, technology, and medicine, have served as building blocks of human innovation. However, far from contributing to steady progress, these building blocks have also been sites of contested knowledge and power.
This unit explores major themes at the intersection of science, technology, and medicine. Students will engage with shifting ideas about the human body and disease, as well as be introduced to a range of medical theories and treatments that moved in and out of fashion. The unit will also explore how scientific knowledge was created and the philosophies that shaped technological innovation.
By drawing on historical case studies, students will gain a deeper understanding of how scientific, technological, and medical knowledge was created and debated, as well as how such ideas were applied and challenged.
Students will read a wide range of primary and secondary sources to develop a deeper and critical understanding of science, technology, and medicine. By engaging with a range of sources, students will improve their research skills, public speaking skills, and knowledge of history.
Teaching will proceed on a modular basis with each lecture devoted to a different historical theme. Each seminar will focus on an assigned source related to the lectures.
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
Classes will involve a combination of long- and short-form lectures, class discussion, investigative activities, and practical activities. Students will be expected to engage with readings and participate on a weekly basis. This will be further supported with drop-in sessions and self-directed exercises with tutor and peer feedback.
1 x 2500-word Essay (50%) [ILOs 1-5]; 1 x Timed Assessment (50%) [ILOs 1-5]; 1 x Formative Oral Presentation [ILO 5]
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. HIST20113).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the Faculty workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. If you have self-certificated your absence from an
assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
