HIST 295 - Seminar: Topics in History

Credits: 3-4 A seminar offered from time to time depending on student interest and staff availability, in a selected topic or problem in history. May be repeated for degree credit if the topics are different.

Winter 2021, HIST 295A-01: Topics in History: Evolution Theories from 1755 Till Today (3). One of the most influential scientific theories is the theory of (organic) evolution. Its history has largely been written by Darwin and his followers. In this course, we look at the “Darwin industry” but then additionally explore a revisionist history that incorporates the non-Darwinian approach to the origin of life and species. Giving close attention to the scientific facts and the different theories, we also raise the question ”Where were these theories situated?” “What socio-political purposes did they serve and which religious connotations did they have?” We will end by bringing the historical perspective to bear on today’s ongoing controversies about evolution theory. (HU) Rupke.

Winter 2021, HIST 295B-01: Topics in History: Science and Religion in Historical Perspectives (3). The focal point of our presentations/essays/discussions is the encounter of science and Christian belief in the Western tradition during the period stretching from the time of the Renaissance to the present day. With respect to historiographical approaches, the so-called conflict or warfare model will be deconstructed while we construct the relationship between science & religion in terms of several parallel discourses, only one of which is to be understood as conflict. A number of thematic topics are to pass the revue, ranging from early-modern physico-theology to current controversies over atheist evolution vs Intelligent Design. Moreover, in order to anchor these general issues to concrete circumstances of time and place, a biographical approach will be followed, and the science & religion question explored in the context of the lives and careers of single eminent scientists. (HU) Rupke.

Fall 2020, HIST 295A-01: Topic: Science, the Paranormal, and the Supernatural (3). Open to all class years and all majors. An exploration of the fascinating history of the uneasy relationship between science and its contested boundaries where fact and fiction overlap. In modern – and especially late-modern – times, science has become the adjudicator of truth – truth in terms of fact and law-like rationality. The result has been a retreat of the occult, of many superstitions, and the uncovering of fallacies and frauds. Yet large sectors of modern society have remained enamored of the paranormal. Even scientific practitioners themselves, including Nobel Laureates, have kept alive a belief in telepathy, precognition, and such-like phenomena. Equally persistent, especially in religious circles, has been the conviction that miracles do happen; and, again, great scientists and medical practitioners have supported these and similar notions. More recently, the study of “wonders” has emerged as a separate field of inquiry: anomalistics. (HU) Rupke.

Fall 2020, HIST 295B-01: Topic: Animal Experimentation and Animal Rights in Historical Perspective (3). As we deal with the place of animals in Western society, we more particularly trace the history of the use of animals as living objects of laboratory experimentation and explore the controversies that vivisectional practices have engendered. Do animals have rights? What might we think of animal-liberation activism? To what extent has animal experimentation been essential to the progress of science, especially medical science? We examine these questions in the wider context of humane movements and of organizations/societies that have been established for the prevention of cruelty to animals. (HU) Rupke. FDR: HU