SCIENCE

99872

SCI 123A Artists’ Materials & Methods

Simeen Sattar

M . W . .

8:25 - 10:25 am LAB: 10:30-11:30

RKC 115/126/200

SCI

This course begins with an examination of methods of extracting and preparing pigments and dyes, their chemical composition, and the causes of their color. Additional topics, depending on students’ interests, are etching, anodization, diazo copying, photography, and scientific techniques used in conserving and authenticating works of art.  About half of the scheduled time will be devoted to laboratory work.  A partial list of readings is available on request.  Students registered for the course in the spring will be asked to review a small number of topics from high school chemistry during the summer and take an on-line quiz before the start of the fall semester to assess their skills.

99973

SCI 123B Artists’ Materials & Methods

Simeen Sattar

. T . Th .

8:25 - 10:25 am LAB: 10:30-11:30

RKC 102/126

SCI

See above.

HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHY

99290

SHP 222 The History of Science before Newton

Peter Skiff

. T . Th .

2:30 -3:50 pm

HEG 102

HIST

Cross-listed: Science, Technology & Society; related interest: Classical Studies An introduction to the history and philosophy of science. T. S. Kuhn's model of historical progress will be used to examine selected parts of discourses involving pre‑Socratic philosophy, mythology, Copernican astronomy, Galileo's trial, and Newton's philosophy. A critique of method will introduce modern historiographic and philosophic controversy. Designed as a core course for studies in history, philosophy, and sociology of science; no prior mathematical or technical expertise will be presumed at this level. Readings include excerpts from the Enuma Elish, the Milesians, Pythagoras, Heraclitus, Plato, Aristotle, Ptolemy, Copernicus, Kepler, Galileo, and Newton. Secondary commentary by Nahm, Butterfield, Kuhn, Munitz, and others.

99291

SHP 227 Science and Pseudoscience

Peter Skiff

. T . Th .

1:00 -2:20 pm

HEG 102

HUM

Cross-listed: Science, Technology & Society The search for a demarcation between "science" and "pseudo-science" has generated many productive developments in the academic philosophy of science. These are also significant in "civilian" culture, as considerable damage, both civic and psychological, has surrounded adherence to alleged pseudosciences in both the recent and distant past. This course will take up number of well-studied twentieth century incidences of pseudoscience in physical science, probably including Blondet's N-rays Barkla's J-rays, Langmuir's criteria, Ehrenhaft's electrons, polywater, cold fusion, the fifth force, and other minimally controversial situations, as well as a few cases not yet clearly decided. No background in science or mathematics is required, as the contrasting orthodox scientific principles will be descriptively presented. Readings include selections from works by Gratzer, Holton, Gardner, Popper, and others, and studies in journals of History and Philosophy of Science.