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Dr Robert A. Hatch - EUH 3605 (yyyyX) Summer A 2009 - M-F-6 (3.30-4.45) - XXX Keene-Flint Hall Office: 226 Keene-Flint Hall - University of Florida Tentative Working Syllabus ufhatch@ufl.edu |
| This
is a demanding undergraduate course. It involves concentrated work aimed
at developing skills in close reading and critical writing. The content
of the course focuses on the historical emergence of ideas, beliefs, and
practices that link 'science' and 'history'. It focuses on these ways
of knowing as they converge on changing notions of nature, reason, time,
and causality, on revolution, progress, and evolution, on continuing concerns
about continuity and discontinuity, about order, design, contingency, and chance, and perhaps not least, about rationalism and relativism. The course assumes that Change is a
Constant, that Nature and the Past inevitably involve interpretation.
If the Facts and Theories of Science and History change over time, a
central question is "How is 'Knowledge' possible"?
The course employs a number of classic writings in history -- by tradition, the 'history of ideas' -- concerning the 'nature of history and the nature of science'. The course is designed to explore the persistent tension between scientific (including social-scientific, quantitative, behavioral, reductionistic) and historical (literary, critical, philosophical) modes of thought. We aim to understand science and history as historical subjects, as ways of knowing and as central elements of community belief and action. Sub-texts of the course include the seductive but problematic claims that Science is metaphor for Modern & Western; that History is the Mother of all Disciplines. These claims are centrally problematic. Because all things unfold in time, History is our subject, object, and mode of inquiry. In this sense History justifies our use of time-honored classics, which are themselves aging measures of our continuing efforts to understand change. Students are expected to prepare weekly Critiques for each required text (700-750 words, equivalent to three-typed pages). For guidelines in writing these Critiques, please see this WebSite. Participants will also write an historiographic Last Essay drawing together the various issues from of the course (5-7pp). Attendance and class participation are mandatory. In addition to writing weekly Critiques, participants are expected to take an active part in class discussions. Please note that attendance and participation are strictly mandatory. Office hours for Professor Hatch are Wednesday, 4.45-6.00pm and by appointment, 226 Keene-Flint Hall. Students are urged to take advantage of Office Hours for consultation and discussion. Telephone: 392-0271 (24h machine). If you wish to contact me by email, which is more reliable than telephone, click here: ufhatch@ufl.edu . Finally, please note there are major sections of my WebSite devoted to various aspects of this course. Students are required to visit appropriate sections dealing with primary readings as well as sections dealing with Reading, Writing, and other issues (for example, Taking Notes on Readings and from Lectures). All students are responsible for reading and understanding these materials. These required readings supply teaching and research resources (bibliography, secondary readings, WebLinks, and SearchLinks). Importantly, the WebSite is accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Students are required to consult the WebSite at least once weekly, particularly the Teaching Bulletin Board. All of these requirements will be discussed in detail at our first meeting. Class attendance and participation are mandatory. For further particulars on these and other course-related matters, please review this WebSite with care: http://www.clas.ufl.edu/users/rhatch/pages . Suggestions for additions to the WebSite are welcome. As a point of departure, please read the following overview on 'What is Expected' in this course. If it is a fair question. Please read it now: What is Expected - What do I Need to Know? |
| Required
Readings {There
are also required readings at this WebSite}
Collingwood, R. G. The Idea of Nature Eiseley, Loren. Darwin's Century Frankfurt, Henri. Before Philosophy {Intellectual Adventure of Ancient Man} Koyré, Alexandre. From the Closed World to the Infinite Universe Kuhn, Thomas S. The Structure of Scientific Revolutions Toulmin, Stephen, and June Goodfield. The Discovery of Time Recommended Books: Burtt, E. A. The Metaphysical Foundations of Modern Physical Science Bury, J. B. The Idea of Progress (Strongly Recommended) Collingwood, R. G. The Idea of History Lovejoy, Arthur. The Great Chain of Being Stevenson, Leslie. Seven Theories of Human Nature Books available {Exclusive Order} Gator Textbooks, Creekside Mall, 3501 SW 2nd Avenue, Suite D: Telephone: 374.4500: gti@atlantic.net Study Guide: Optional: See Web for electronic version or obtain a hard copy at: Custom Copies: 377.4221. |
| Evaluation:
Because all required work is announced on this syllabus (and a complete timetable is provided below) absences and arrangements for late work must be approved in advance. Attendance is strictly mandatory. There is a 24-hour answering machine, 352.392.0271 and I can best be reached by e-mail: ufhatch@ufl.edu. Please plan your course schedule and study commitments with care before the semester begins. This is a very demanding course that will require your best efforts. When in doubt, Mantra One: Read the Syllabus; Ask Questions; Read Ahead. Evaluation for this course takes four forms: 1. Comprehension of assigned readings and lectures, as expressed in written form and in oral discussion. All course work must be completed to receive a course grade. Attendance and participation are mandatory.. 2. Attendance and participation in class lectures and discussions is strictly mandatory, as is participation in at least one panel discussion, and general class discussion (approximately 25%). All course work must be completed to receive a course grade. Class attendance and discussion participation is mandatory. 3. Critiques: Critiques for each required book, equivalent to 3-typed pages, that is, approximately 700-750 words. Critiques must be typed. Guidelines are provided at this WebSite. (50%). Critiques will normally be due on the Wednesday of the week that the assigned book is discussed. Plan your schedule carefully. All course work must be completed to receive a course grade. For Guidelines on 'How to Write A Critique' see the appropriate section at this WebSite in 'Teaching Resources.' Attendance and participation are mandatory. 4. Last Essay: {25%}: The Last Essay is limited to 5-7 pages. This essay will involve an analysis of the issues in the course readings and most importantly, framing a strong thesis about your understanding of the major theme(s) that underpin(s) the course. Further details will be discussed in class. The Last Essay must be typed; it is due Friday, 18 June in class. Students should retain a copy for backup purposes. All course work must be completed to receive a course grade. Attendance and participation are mandatory. If you wish to have your Last Essay returned, please supply a large envelope with appropriate postage and your address. |
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S C I E N C E
H I S T O R Y C H A N G E
Dr Robert A. Hatch - EUH 3605 (yyyyX) Summer A 2009 - M-F (3.30-4.45) - Keene-Flint Hall Office: 226 Keene-Flint Hall - University of Florida ufhatch@ufl.edu Week
I:
12 - 15 May: Plotting Our Course Week
II: 18 - 22 May: From Mythos to Logos - From Science to History
to Progress & Process Begin
& Complete Collingwood - The Idea of Nature Week
III: 26 - 29 May: From Closed Cozy Cosmos to Infinite Homogeneous
Universe Week
V: 8
- 12 June: From History to Science & Back Again Week
VI: 15
- 19 June: From Organic Evolution to Conceptual Revolution: What Is,
What Was, What Ought Wrought Discussion
- Last Paper Due - Thursday -
Week VI is devoted
to
Summary Discussion - Science History Change |
rah.xii.2008
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