HS3373: Science and Technology in the Graeco-Roman World

School Ancient History
Department Code SHARE
Module Code HS3373
External Subject Code V110
Number of Credits 10
Level L6
Language of Delivery English
Module Leader Dr Laurence Totelin
Semester Spring Semester
Academic Year 2013/4

Outline Description of Module

To study science and technology in the ancient Greek and Roman world from 500 BC to 500 AD. To understand how and in what intellectual, social, political and economic contexts scientific ideas developed and were transmitted.

On completion of the module a student should be able to

On completion of the module a student should be able to show:

Knowledge and Understanding:

A knowledge of the history of science and technology, c. 500 BC-AD 500

A knowledge and understanding of the most important sources for the study of ancient science and technology

A knowledge and understanding of key approaches and debates about interpretation of ancient science and technology.

Intellectual Skills:

An ability to demonstrate an understanding of the history of ancient science and technology and deploy it effectively in addressing issues and problems.

An ability to apply critically the literary evidence as well as the material evidence in studying the history of Greek and Roman science and technology.

Discipline Specific (including practical) Skills:

An ability to read ancient technical literature in translation.

Transferable Skills:

An ability to analyse and discuss the issues in written work with coherent and logical arguments, clearly and correctly expressed.

An ability to contribute to group discussions, ask pertinent questions and co-operate with and learn from peers.

How the module will be delivered

This module will be taught by a series of lectures and supporting seminars

Skills that will be practised and developed

On completion of the module a student should be able to show:

Knowledge and Understanding:

A knowledge of the history of science and technology, c. 500 BC-AD 500

A knowledge and understanding of the most important sources for the study of ancient science and technology

A knowledge and understanding of key approaches and debates about interpretation of ancient science and technology.

Intellectual Skills:

An ability to demonstrate an understanding of the history of ancient science and technology and deploy it effectively in addressing issues and problems.

An ability to apply critically the literary evidence as well as the material evidence in studying the history of Greek and Roman science and technology.

Discipline Specific (including practical) Skills:

An ability to read ancient technical literature in translation.

Transferable Skills:

An ability to analyse and discuss the issues in written work with coherent and logical arguments, clearly and correctly expressed.

An ability to contribute to group discussions, ask pertinent questions and co-operate with and learn from peers.

How the module will be assessed

1 one hour exam (100 %)

Assessment Breakdown

Type % Title Duration(hrs)
Exam - Spring Semester 100 Science And Technology In The Graeco-Roman World 1

Syllabus content

The module examines the history of science and technology from c. 500 BC (when written texts started to emerge) to c. AD 500. Scientific ideas and technological developments will be placed in their intellectual, social, economic, and political context. After two introductory sessions (one general introduction and a session on ancient ‘physics’, students will be allowed to choose 4 sciences and 4 technologies from the list below:

1. Astronomy

2. Astrology

3. Mathematics

4. Music

5. Botany

6. Zoology

7. Geography

8. Physiognomics

9. ‘Science-fiction’ (basically Lucian’s True Story – one of my favourite texts)

10. Technology of time-keeping

11. Agriculture and horticulture

12. Military engineering

13. Hydraulics

14. Metal work and alchemy

15. Technology of writing

Essential Reading and Resource List

Primary sources will include:

J.W. Humphrey, J.P. Oleson, and A.N. Sherwood (1998), Greek and Roman Technology: A Sourcebook, Routledge.

G.L. Irby-Massie and P.T. Keyser (2002), Greek Science of the Hellenistic Era: A Sourcebook, Routledge.

Secondary literature will include

G.E.R. Lloyd (1970), Early Greek Science, Chatto and Windus.

G.E.R. Lloyd (1973), Greek Science after Aristotle, Chatto and Windus.

J.E. Murdoch (1984), Album of Science: Antiquity and the Middle Ages, Scribner.

T. Rihll (1999), Greek Science, Oxford University Press.

L. Taub (2008), Aetna and the Moon, Oregon State

C.J. Tuplin and T. Rihll (2002), Science and Mathematics in Ancient Greek Culture, Oxford.


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