HISC 104
History of Popular Science
Department of History
University of California, San Diego
Mark L. Hineline
Fall 2001
Office: H&SS ____, Tuesday and Thursday, 2:30-3:30 pm
hineline@helix.ucsd.edu
Each and every work of science -- a "paper" or "letter," a book, a map, a
conference presentation -- assumes (or constructs) an audience for the
work. It would seem that such an audience must be small, knowledgable,
and technically proficient in the relevant science, and especially
interested in some arcane matter at hand.
From the time of Galileo, however, natural philosophers, natural
historians, and scientists have sought occasionally to reach a broader,
less knowledgable, and less technically proficient audience (and
sometimes, an appropriate "expert" audience does not yet fully exist).
They have sought to popularize their science. In addition, many
who earn all or part of their livings through writing, film-making,
lecturing, and exhibiting, have taken science in whole or in part as
their subject matter.
In this course we will examine this phenomenon: the broadening of
audiences for the sciences through a variety of means. Although we will
have an overview of that variety, a special focus of the course will be
public institutions as vehicles for popular science: museums, zoos,
aquariums. Why do such institutions exist? Are they intended to educate?
Are they for our edification? For entertainment? How do they work? How
well do they succeed? What do they reveal about science, and what do they
conceal?
Requirements of the course:
* Attendence at all regular class meetings (including one scheduled for
the week of final exams)
* Attendence at field trips (scheduled during regular class times)
* Two short (2-3 page) discussion papers (to be explained in class)
* A book review (4-5 pages)
* A final paper (about 10 pages) and presentation (about 10 minutes)
Part One: Defining the Topic
For the first three weeks we will "get up to speed" through an overview
of the content of the course, by visiting (as a class) an institution of
popular science, and through discussion of what we observed there.
September 20: Introduction to the course
September 27: Visit the San Diego Natural History Museum
October 4: Discussion of the SDNHM
Part Two: Critical Readings and Discussion
During the second part of the course, we will read and discuss several
papers and book chapters that take a critical, historical view of popular
science. A reader will be available by October 4, and I will provide
details. You will also be asked to view (on your own time) two hours of
popular science on television each week, and to raise questions about
them for discussion. Suggestions for appropriate viewing will be made in
class meetings. Finally, you will be asked to write a book review (4-5
pages) of an example of published popular science. Again, suggestions for
an appropriate book will be made in class.
October 11: Popular science of the 17th and 18th centuries
Reading: Galileo's "Letter
to the Grand Duchess Christina
October 18: Popular science of
the 19th century
Reading: TBA
October 25: Popular science of the 20th century
Reading: TBA
November 1: Visit the San Diego Zoo (or Birch aquarium in case of rain)
Book review due in class
Part Three: Critical Analysis of Genres of Popular Science
In the third part, we will turn our historical and analytical tools on
two institutions of popular science: the San Diego Zoo and the Birch
aquarium. Papers will be due at our last class meeting.
November 8: Critical discussion of San Diego Zoo as popular science
November 15: Visit the Birch aquarium (or San Diego Zoo, see above)
November 22: Thanksgiving, no class meeting
November 29: Critical discussion of Birch aquarium as popular science;
begin brief presentations of research papers
Final exam period: Conclude brief presentations of research papers