Program in the History of Science

Director of Graduate Studies

D. Graham Burnett

Professor

Michael S. Mahoney

Emily Thompson

Associate Professor

D. Graham Burnett

Angela N. H. Creager

Assistant Professor

Michael D. Gordin

Helen Tilley

Associated Faculty

Edward A. Eigen, School of Architecture

Benjamin A. Elman, East Asian Studies

Daniel E. Garber, Philosophy

Anthony T. Grafton

Maria Mavroudi, History, Classics

Gyan Prakash

Eileen A. Reeves, Comparative Literature

 

Under the aegis of the Department of History, the Program in the History of Science treats science as an intellectual, cultural, and social phenomenon. Recognizing that the study of the history and social aspects of science requires special training and techniques not normally included in the education of professional historians or other scholars, the program provides qualified students with that special training, while at the same time prepares them to teach and work in general history. Students in the program are also members of the Department of History and, upon completion of their studies, are awarded their degrees by that department.

In making application to the University, interested students should specify the Program in the History of Science as their chosen field of study. Ideally, applicants should have a solid undergraduate background in science (although not necessarily a science degree), and some prior exposure to history or the history of science. Inquiries may be addressed to the Director of Graduate Studies, Dickinson Hall, Princeton, New Jersey 08544.

Language Requirements

Program students should demonstrate a reading knowledge of two foreign languages as soon as possible after enrollment. French and German are normally recommended, but other languages relevant to the student’s prospective research may be substituted with the approval of the director of graduate studies. Candidates are not readmitted for a fifth term of study or permitted to complete the general examination until the language requirement has been satisfied.

Plan of Study

During the first two years, students pursue a pattern of course work aimed at preparing them for the general examination and training them in the research techniques of professional scholarship. Although the precise pattern of courses depends upon the individual, students plan their programs within the broad outlines set by the general examination.

The general examination consists of three sets of written and oral examinations in (1) a major field in the history of science; (2) a minor field in another area of history; and (3) one of the following options: (a) “general” history of science—traditionally known as “Plato-to-NATO,” (b) a second special field in the history of science, (c) a second field in other branches of history, or (d) a field in some related subject, for example, philosophy of science or some branch of science or mathematics. Precise definitions of fields, and special concentrations within them, are worked out in consultation with the director of graduate studies for the Program in the History of Science and an appropriate faculty member in another area of history or another department.

During their first two years, students normally participate in two or three graduate courses per term. Students lacking prior background are encouraged to take undergraduate courses to supplement their graduate training. Usually in conjunction with their seminar work, students are expected to write at least two research papers to prepare for the work of a dissertation. The dissertation ordinarily falls within a special field in the history of science that constitutes part of the student’s general examination.

Dissertation and Final Public Oral Examination

Students devote their last three years of study to the research for and writing of a dissertation. Where research requires an absence abroad or elsewhere in this country, it usually takes place during the fourth year so that students may most effectively combine completion of the dissertation with the search for employment during the fifth year. Upon completion of the dissertation and its approval by at least two readers (usually, but not necessarily, members of the Department of History), the student takes a final public oral examination devoted to a defense of the dissertation and a discussion of its implications for further work.

Courses

HOS 591 The Scientific Revolution (also HIS 591)

Michael S. Mahoney

Problems in the Scientific Revolution of the 16th and 17th centuries, including both the development of scientific thought and practice and the changing role of science in the surrounding culture. The precise topic varies from year to year; representative subjects include mathematics, mechanics, experimentation, and Isaac Newton.

HOS 592 Science in Antiquity and the Middle Ages (also HIS 592)

Staff

Problems in the history of science before the Scientific Revolution, including both the development of scientific thought and practice and the changing role of science in the surrounding culture. The precise topic varies from year to year; representative subjects include medieval mechanics, Ptolemaic and Copernican astronomy, and the relation between medieval and Renaissance science.

HOS 593 Science from the Enlightenment to the Present (also HIS 593)

Staff

Problems in the history of science since the Scientific Revolution. The precise topic varies from year to year; representative subjects include the history of the human sciences and science in colonial context.

HOS 594 Introductory Colloquium in the History of Science I (also HIS 594)

Staff

A colloquium for beginning graduate students, designed to introduce them to the central problems and principal literature of the history of science from antiquity through the Scientific Revolution.

HOS 595 Introductory Colloquium in the History of Science II (also HIS 595)

Staff

An introduction for beginning graduate students to the central problems and principal literature of the history of science from the Enlightenment into the 20th century.

HOS 596 History of the Life Sciences (also HIS 596)

D. Graham Burnett, Angela N. H. Creager

Problems in the history of the life sciences. The precise topic varies from year to year; representative subjects include the construction and reception of Darwin’s theory of evolution, the history of physiology, and the emergence of molecular biology.

HOS 597 History of the Physical and Mathematical Sciences (also HIS 597)

Michael D. Gordin

Problems in the development of the physical and mathematical sciences. The precise topic varies from year to year; representative subjects include the history of thermodynamics, chemistry in the 19th century, and the physical sciences since 1900.

HOS 598 History of Technology (also HIS 598)

Michael S. Mahoney

Reading and research in techniques and technology from antiquity to the present are the focus of this course. The precise topic varies from year to year; representative subjects include Renaissance engineering, technology and science in the Industrial Revolution, the formation of industrial research laboratories, and the development of the computer industry.

HOS 599 Special Topics in the History of Science (also HIS 599)

Staff

Explores specialized topics in the history of science. The precise topic varies from year to year.

Program Seminar

Staff

Focuses on current problems in and approaches to the historiography of science. Most meetings take the form of discussions of research papers, dissertation chapters, and other forms of research-in-progress by graduate students and faculty members. Some meetings are devoted to the discussion of published work by scholars outside the program. All program graduate students in residence are expected to attend the seminar.

Pertinent Courses in Allied Departments

Anthropology

415 The Anthropology of Science

Philosophy

520 Logic

527 Philosophy of the Social Sciences

531 Philosophy of Science

536 Philosophy of Mathematics

538 Philosophy of Physics