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Greek Science & Natural Philosophy: Roots of Western Thought - HPSC2605
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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: 0.12500 (more info)
 
 
Indicative 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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© The University of New South Wales (CRICOS Provider No.: 00098G), 2004-2011. The information contained in this Handbook is indicative only. While every effort is made to keep this information up-to-date, the University reserves the right to discontinue or vary arrangements, programs and courses at any time without notice and at its discretion. While the University will try to avoid or minimise any inconvenience, changes may also be made to programs, courses and staff after enrolment. The University may also set limits on the number of students in a course.