Course Meeting Times

Lectures: 2 sessions / week, 1.5 hours / session

Description

This class explores the changing roles of physics and physicists during the 20th century. Topics range from relativity theory and quantum mechanics to high-energy physics and cosmology. The course also examines the development of modern physics within shifting institutional, cultural, and political contexts, such as physics in Imperial Britain, Nazi Germany, U.S. efforts during World War II, and physicists' roles during the Cold War.

Subject Requirements

This is a Communications Intensive (CI-M) subject for Course 8 majors. As a CI subject, there will be a heavy emphasis upon writing and oral communication. There will be three papers assigned for a total of 20-24 pages of writing over the course of the semester. The first paper (4-5 pages) will be due in class during Session #7. The second paper (6-7 pages) will be due in class during Session #15. Students will revise and resubmit their second papers, giving them an opportunity to work on specific writing skills before preparing the final paper; the Paper 2 re-writes will be due in class during Session #26. The final paper (10-12 pages) will be due on the final day of class. No late papers will be accepted. There will be an in-class midterm during Session #13.

Required Texts

McCormmach, Russell. Night Thoughts of a Classical Physicist. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1991. ISBN: 9780674624610.

Frayn, Michael. Copenhagen. New York, NY: Anchor Books, 2000. ISBN: 9780385720793.

Badash, Lawrence. Scientists and the Development of Nuclear Weapons: From Fission to the Limited Test Ban Treaty, 1939-1963. Atlantic Highlands, NJ: Humanity Press, 1995. ISBN: 9781573925389.

Grading Policy

Calendar