京都大学 京都大学

8206001 History of Science

Numbering Code U-LET32 18206 LJ34 Year/Term 2022 ・ First semester
Number of Credits 2 Course Type Lecture
Target Year Target Student
Language Japanese Day/Period Wed.2
Instructor name SETOGUCHI AKIHISA (Institute for Research in Humanities Associate Professor)
Outline and Purpose of the Course Science is generally regarded as universal beyond time and space. However as a human activity, science has also been born and developed throughout history, and the outcome is also defined by the historical context.
Modern science is thought to have been born in the 17th Century Western European society.
To understand the research on nature in early modern Japan (the Edo period) and the introduction of Western European science into modern Japan (the Meiji period) in the historical context of the time is also important for understanding modern science.
Course Goals Through this course, we will promote the viewpoint of thinking "what the science" from the historical aspect, and deepen the understanding of scientific activities in modern Japan after the Edo period.
Schedule and Contents The lectures will be given in Japanese.
We will spend one to three weeks on each topic.

(1) Introduction
(2) The birth and development of European science
(3) Science in the Edo period
a. Astronomy
b. Medicine
c. Rangaku and Yogaku
(4) Science in Modern Japan
a. Science at the Meiji Restoration
b. Introduction of European science in Meiji Japan
c. Establishment of Science in Taisho Japan

Regarding the feedback, more information will be given in the class.
Evaluation Methods and Policy Midterm report (50 points) and final examination (50 points).
Evaluation will be based on the achievement level of course goals.
Course Requirements None
Study outside of Class (preparation and review) Reference materials will be distributed during class.
Students are expected to read them carefully before and after class.
We will also distribute the bibliography list at the first class.
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