This course focuses on the history of Western science (from Copernicus to the late 20th century) and includes travel to London and Paris to visit sites that were central to scientific discoveries and developments in astronomy, biology, chemistry, geology, physics, and more. Readings give an account of the history of science for a general audience, while the class meetings will emphasize the relevant scientific concepts. We will explore some cultural, political, and religious factors that promoted or prevented particular scientific discoveries. And we will consider the impact of various scientific discoveries within the framework of knowledge at the time of discovery. By visiting important sites and artifacts in London and Paris, we will bring the History of Science to life!

Week 1

• Monday, Jan. 4: Depart from SFO
• Tuesday, Jan. 5: Arrive in London
  Group dinner.
• Wednesday, Jan. 6: London 
  Class topics: pre-1600s “science”
  Activities: British Library
• Thursday, Jan. 7: London  
  Class topics: 1600s science
  Activities: Tower of London
• Friday, Jan. 8: London
  Class topics: 1600-1700s science
  Activities: St. Paul’s Cathedral
• Saturday, Jan. 9: London
  Class topics: 1700s science
  Activities: Westminster Abbey

Week 2

• Sunday, Jan.10: London
  Activities: Royal Observatory Greenwich
• Monday, Jan. 11: London 
  Class topics: 1800s science
  Activities: Grant Museum of Zoology, British Museum
• Tuesday, Jan. 12: Day trip to Oxford
  Activities: Natural History Museum, History of Science Museum
• Wednesday, Jan. 13: London
  Free day!
• Thursday, Jan. 14: Day trip to Cambridge
  Activities: Dolby Centre/Cavendish labs, Whipple Museum
• Friday, Jan. 15: London
  Class topics: 1800-1900s science
  Activities: Royal Institution, Royal Society
• Saturday, Jan. 16: Day trip to Downe
  Activities: Down House (Home of Charles Darwin)

Week 3

• Sunday, Jan. 17: London
  Free day!
• Monday, Jan. 18: London
  Class: Exam
  Activities: Science Museum, London
• Tuesday, Jan. 19: London
  Activities: Natural History Museum
• Wednesday, Jan. 20: TBD
• Thursday, Jan. 21: Depart from London, arrive in Paris
  Group dinner
• Friday, Jan. 22: Paris
  Activities: Musée Curie, Panthéon
• Saturday, Jan. 23: Paris
  Activities: Eiffel Tower

Week 4

• Sunday, Jan. 24: Paris
  Activities: Flexible museum day
• Monday, Jan. 25: Paris
  Activities: Musée des Arts et Métiers
• Tuesday, Jan. 26: Paris
  Activities: Pasteur Museum/TBD
• Wednesday, Jan. 27: Paris
  Free day!
• Thursday, Jan. 28: Paris
  Activities: Musée nationale d’Histoire Naturelle
• Friday, Jan. 29: Depart from Paris, Arrive at SFO

Course Fee: $5,300-5,800
Learn about the Jan Term Travel Scholarship for additional funding.

This fee includes:
Airfare, Local Transportation, Lodging, Meals, Excursions (e.g., museums, tours, etc.), Gratuity, Travel Insurance ($35/student - international classes only), Miscellaneous

Estimated cost outside of course fee:
$200-1000 for passport, electronic travel authorization, transportation to/from SFO, meals in airports, fancy meals in excess of per diem, activities on free days, souvenirs, water-resistant clothing