HIST 480B - Renaissance Science and the Secrets of Nature

(3 units) CO9, CO13

A cultural and social history of European science from c. 1450 to c. 1650, focusing upon the historical impact of scientific and technological knowledge within frameworks of artistic, social, political, religious, and commercial life.

Prerequisite(s): General Education courses (CO1-CO3) completed; at least 3 courses from CO4-CO8 completed; Junior or Senior standing.

Grading Basis: Graded
Units of Lecture: 3
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. relate science and technology during the Renaissance to social, commercial, religious, and economic problems and be able to distinguish sound scientific argumentation and the use of observational evidence as opposed to unsound scientific reasoning by means of engaging with the scientific debates of the period.
2. explain how scientific and technological discoveries and innovations affected social institutions, professional roles, and education, and how scientific and technological knowledge was produced and consumed as part of social processes within various communities.
3. analyze and synthesize primary, secondary, and cultural sources.
4. find and use historical scholarship and sources to answer a research question.
5. present ideas pertaining to scientific discovery and technological innovation during the Renaissance as they relate to the societal concerns of the period in a clear and persuasive manner both orally and in writing.
6. use relevant scholarship and historical evidence to analyze and synthesize the relationship between science, technology, art, religion, society, and commerce in the Renaissance period.

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