STPS501 HISTORY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
| Course Code: | 8310501 |
| METU Credit (Theoretical-Laboratory hours/week): | 3 (3.00 - 0.00) |
| ECTS Credit: | 8.0 |
| Department: | Science and Technology Policy Studies |
| Language of Instruction: | English |
| Level of Study: | Graduate |
| Course Coordinator: | Prof.Dr. MEHMET TEOMAN PAMUKCU |
| Offered Semester: | Fall Semesters. |
Course Objectives
Course Content
The study of the genesis and historical trajectory of the modern science and technology. A comparative approach at two fronts: preindustrial western and non-western civilizational complexes and cosmologies. Modes of knowledge production and practical application of knowledge. Ethical-political considerations guiding pre-modern and modern approaches to reality. Particular emphasis on the history of scientific progress since the Industrial Revolution; transformation from industrial to post-industrial/information society.
Course Learning Outcomes
As an interdisciplinary subject, the goal of this course is to study the genesis and the historical trajectory of modern science and technology. We will discuss how science and technology interact with the economic, sociological, philosophical, and religious landscape. Beginning with prehistorical times, modes of knowledge generation and practical application of knowledge are examined from subsequent preindustrial western and non-western civilizations, including Graeco-Roman, Southeast Asia, and the Islamic World. Middle Ages (Medieval Europe) are important as they gave rise to the scientific revolution in the 16th & 17th centuries and the industrial revolution in the 18th. Finally, in order to have a better understanding of the modern scientific enterprise and how technology is developed globally, the World War 2 and Cold War eras are reviewed.