Histories of Science and Religion

1 Course Unit

Must religion and science be in conflict? How do different histories of this fraught relationship continue to shape how we judge the pursuit of knowledge in contemporary society? Co-led by a historian of the early modern world and a renowned paleontologist, this course will explore competing stories about a series of highly influential events and eras – including, for example, medieval engagements with Aristotle and magic, early modern colonialisms and Galileo’s scientific revolutions, modern monkey trials and quantum theories of everything -- that have shaped modern notions of how “science” and “religion” have and should relate to each other. Students will examine and compare primary sources with historical accounts, past and present, and visit local museum exhibitions in order to develop their capacities to discuss and debate existing stories and craft new ones that are both responsible and compelling. 1 Course Unit