JAN 401-01 - History of Science: London & Paris

Course Fee: TBD
Learn about the Jan Term Travel Scholarship for additional funding.

This fee includes:
Airfare, Local Transportation, Lodging, Meals, Excursions (e.g., museums, tours, etc.), Gratuity, Travel Insurance ($35/student - international classes only), Miscellaneous

Estimated cost outside of course fee:
$200-900 for passport; transportation to/from SFO; meals in airports; fancy meals in excess of per diem; activities on free days; souvenirs; water-resistant clothing if needed.

Instructor(s):  Valerie Burke   

Email:  vab1@stmarys-ca.edu

We will explore the history of Western science from Copernicus through the 20th century, and visit sites in London and Paris that were central to scientific discoveries and developments in astronomy, chemistry, physics, geology, biology, and more. We will examine some cultural and religious factors that facilitated or hindered scientific development. And we will consider the impact of various scientific discoveries within the framework of knowledge at the time of discovery. Our early travel days will include “classroom” time, to discuss assigned readings. Readings give an account of the history of science for a lay audience, while the discussion will emphasize the relevant scientific concepts. As we gain some understanding about important contributions to science, we will increase our site visits to engage with artifacts of these discoveries. We will visit the home of Charles Darwin; explore the labs of Marie Curie and Louis Pasteur; see equipment used by Lavoisier, Faraday, and Boyle; visit the final resting places of Newton, Rutherford, Herschel, and Hawking; and stand on the Prime Meridian at the Royal Observatory Greenwich.

ITINERARY:

• Saturday, Jan. 3: Depart from SFO
• Sunday, Jan. 4: Arrive in London

Week 1

• Monday, Jan. 5: London
  Visit the British Library
  Class topics: Astronomy & navigation
• Tuesday, Jan. 6: London
  Visit the Tower of London
  Class topics: Math & physical sciences
• Wednesday, Jan. 7: London 
  Visit St. Paul’s Cathedral
  Class topics: Biology, medicine, & microbiology
• Thursday, Jan. 8: London  
  Visit Westminster Abbey
  Class topics: Chemistry, light, & energy
• Friday, Jan. 9: Oxford
  Visit Oxford University
  Class topics: Bio, natural history, & evolution
• Saturday, Jan. 10: Downe
  Visit Down House
  Class topics: Power & thermodynamics

Week 2

• Monday, Jan. 12: Cambridge 
  Visit Cambridge University
  Class topics: Light & electro-magnetism
• Tuesday, Jan. 13: London
  Visit the Royal Institution Science Museum
  Class topics: Atom structure & radioactivity
• Wednesday, Jan. 14: London
  Visit the Natural History Museum
  Class topics: Genetics & DNA
• Friday, Jan. 16: London
  Visit the Royal Society British Museum
  Exam
• Saturday, Jan. 17: Greenwich
  Visit the Royal Observatory
• Sunday, Jan. 18: Depart from London, Arrive in Paris

Week 3

• Monday, Jan. 19: Paris
  Visit the Eiffel Tower

• Tuesday, Jan. 20: Paris
  Visit the Notre Dame Cathedral
• Wednesday, Jan. 21: Paris
  Visit the Musée Curie, Panthéon
• Friday, Jan. 23: Paris
  Visit the Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle
• Saturday, Jan. 24: Paris
  Visit the Musée des Arts et Métiers
• Sunday, Jan. 25: Depart from Paris, Arrive at SFO

General Travel Requirements

• Attend at least 1 Health & Safety Orientation (October)

• Submit a valid passport (November)

  • Apply or renew no later than September for on-time delivery

• Submit completed & signed health forms + proof of vaccination(s) (November)

Note: Failure to complete one or more of the above requirements will result in an immediate drop from the course. Once registered, all course fees are non-refundable.

Please check the Jan Term Travel website for information session, registration, and deposit information. 

Course site

Registration

Jan Term Scholarship

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Credits: 3