Module manager: James Stark
Email: J.F.Stark@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
This module is not approved as a discovery module
The modern world is dominated by science and technology, yet it was not always so; for instance, the investigation of nature was originally part of philosophy, and was not then called science. This module explores how modern science came into being, as a way of introducing you to the history of science and of exploring its wider historical connections. It will address questions such as: When and how did modern science come into being? Is modern science a single entity, or is it divided into distinct sciences? How has science come to be regarded as authoritative? This module will look at some of the different ways that historians have approached such issues, and you will be introduced to selected relevant primary sources (of a non-technical kind).
This module will introduce you to (a) the fact that science has a history; (b) the complexity of that history; and (c) the range of interpretations which that history has received. Lectures will outline key episodes in the history of science and will explain different historiographic approaches; tutorials will guide you in the interpretation of selected primary and secondary source-material.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Outline some key developments in the history of science
2. Critically evaluate claims about the history of science
3. Interpret historical evidence concerning the history of science
4. Formulate a simple, coherent argument for your point of view on the history of science
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
5. Communicate ideas and understanding clearly and concisely, using appropriate academic language (Academic and Work Ready skill)
6. Identify core arguments in both primary and secondary sources (Academic skill)
7. Evaluate source material and combine evidence from different sources (Academic and Work Ready skill)
Possible topics include:
History of science as an academic field
Ancient foundations
Islamic and medieval science
The Renaissance and the “Scientific Revolution”
The making of modern science
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 11 | 1 | 11 |
| Seminar | 5 | 1 | 5 |
| Private study hours | 84 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 16 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 100 | ||
In addition to the feedback that is provided as an inherent part of tutorials, students are provided with the opportunity to submit an essay plan. The summative short answer assignment will provide feedback on understanding and clarity of expression, which scaffolds the essay assignment.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Short- answer assignment | 25 |
| Coursework | Essay | 75 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
There is no reading list for this module
Last updated: 17/03/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team