UNSW Handbook Course - Greek Science & Natural Philosophy: Roots of Western Thought

Greek Science & Natural Philosophy: Roots of Western Thought - HPSC2605


	Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
	School: School of History and Philosophy
	Course Outline: http://hps.arts.unsw.edu.au
	Campus: Kensington Campus
	Career: Undergraduate
	Units of Credit: 6
	EFTSL: 0.125 (more info)
	Contact Hours per Week: 3
	Enrolment Requirements:
	Prerequisite: 36 units of credit
	Fee Band: 1 (more info)
	Further Information: See Class Timetable

Description

Examines the development of ancient Greek science and natural philosophy. Attention will be paid to primary texts and their cultural and institutional contexts. Issues will be drawn from the following: Milesian materialism, the Pythagoreans, Parmenides and Zeno, the atomists, Plato, Aristotle, Hellenistic natural philosophies, the mathematical sciences, astronomy, medicine, magic, astrology and the pseudo-sciences, and the decline and re-establishment of Greek science in the West.

Learning Outcomes

With successful completion of this course, students should:

Gain an understanding of the nature and history of Greek science & natural philosophy
Learn to analyse and think critically about the role of social, religious, political and economic factors in shaping the emergence and development of Greek science & natural philosophy
Learn to communicate effectively on the topic of science in context
Learn how to engage in independent and reflective learning in the history of science
Gain an awareness of the factors underlying historical change that will contribute to their ability to respond creatively to change.

Assessment

Staged essay project (Initial plan - 5%; second plan + bibliography - 10%; 2000 word essay - 35%) - 50%
In-class test - 20%
Three tutorial papers (750-1000 words each) - 30% (10% each)

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