Visual and Material History of Science

The course provides an introduction to the history of science through the study of its visual and material dimensions, with particular attention to the instruments, objects and images through which scientific knowledge has been produced and transmitted. The course also aims to provide the basic tools necessary to understand the main aspects of scientific practices from Antiquity to the early modern period.

By the end of the course students will have acquired a basic knowledge of the development of scientific practices and of the main instruments, objects and images used in the production and transmission of scientific knowledge from Antiquity to the early modern period. They will also be able to situate these practices and instruments within their historical, cultural and institutional contexts.
Students will be able to use appropriate language and disciplinary vocabulary to express clearly and effectively key concepts and issues related to the history of science. They will also be able to analyse and critically interpret different types of historical sources - textual, visual and material - and to use the main tools for historical research and source analysis.
These skills will be developed through continuous interaction with the instructor during classes; discussion of the sources examined in class will constitute an important moment of critical reflection and methodological training. Participation in seminars and meetings organised within the activities of the Department of Historical Studies will also be encouraged.
Non-attending students will be able to make use of the teaching materials made available by the instructor on the Ariel platform, further explore the main topics through additional readings agreed with the instructor, and contact the instructor by email or during office hours.