HISTORY OF SCIENCE II

Academic year
2025/2026 Syllabus of previous years
Official course title
HISTORY OF SCIENCE II
Course code
FT0514 (AF:577290 AR:326432)
Teaching language
English
Modality
On campus classes
ECTS credits
6 out of 12 of HISTORY OF SCIENCE
Degree level
Bachelor's Degree Programme
Academic Discipline
M-STO/05
Period
4th Term
Course year
3
The course introduces students to the history of science and technology with a focus on the natural sciences, evolutionary, ecological, socio-environmental, and systems thinking, from the 19th century to the contemporary age, within the broader framework of Anthropocene theory. The aim is to provide historical and conceptual tools to understand the scientific, epistemological, and political transformations that shape the interaction between natural and socio-technical systems in an era marked by a profound ecological and global crisis.
Among the expected learning outcomes are the ability to develop critical and independent thinking, as well as the capacity to discern between different types of teaching materials, media, primary and secondary sources. These elements reflect the diversity of contemporary approaches and the interdisciplinary complexity of the topics addressed in the course.

There are no specific prerequisites for students wishing to take this course.
Starting with Lamarck and Darwin, the course explores the evolution of scientific ideas about the relationship between organisms and environments, the development of ecology, systems thinking and cybernetics, the history of energy technologies and energy metabolism in the twentieth century, theories of the biosphere and global ecology, and the emergence of Earth system sciences, the theory of the Anthropocene from both geological and cultural perspectives, the concept of the technosphere, and the role of artificial intelligence in the contemporary production of knowledge and environmental governance.
Course materials will be provided on the Moodle platform in the form of selected excerpts, articles, and essays. The reading of Jürgen Renn’s book The Evolution of Knowledge: Rethinking Science for the Anthropocene (Princeton University Press, 2020; Italian edition: L’evoluzione della conoscenza, Carocci, 2022) is required. This book is essential for framing the course topics from a historical and conceptual perspective, particularly regarding the development of the natural sciences, ecology, and Earth system sciences.
The exam is oral and consists of a presentation prepared by the student on a topic agreed upon with the instructor. The presentation will be discussed during the exam session and will be evaluated based on clarity of exposition, argumentative coherence, critical thinking, and informed use of sources
oral
Grades are awarded on a scale from 18 to 30, with honors (cum laude) where applicable.

The course is delivered through lectures, group discussions, and individual or group presentations. When possible, field trips and guest lectures by external scholars or experts will be organized to explore selected topics in greater depth and to encourage interdisciplinary dialogue.

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Climate change and energy" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development

Definitive programme.
Last update of the programme: 04/06/2025