History of Knowledge

COURSE OBJECTIVE
After completing this course, students will:
- have an understanding of the main historical developments that formed our idea of what scientific knowledge is;
- understand how a number of institutions helped to form, keep and pass on this knowledge;
- have a broad overview of different styles of practicing science;
- be able to reflect on the position of their own discipline within the greater scheme of all academic knowledge.

COURSE CONTENT
In the course History of Knowledge, we will focus on questions about what knowledge is and what was seen as valuable knowledge, from classical antiquity up until today, and the way this knowledge was passed through over time, with special attention for the institutions that played a major role in the process: the library, monasteries, the university, the Republic of Letters, the new disciplines of the 19th century, the laboratory and the latest developments marked by the internet and artificial intelligence. Students will learn to reflect about different styles and methods of knowledge production, the necessity of preserving existing knowledge, the relation between authoritative knowledge and power, the accessibility of knowledge over time and for various social groups, and the challenges for and the relevance of the humanities in the digital era.

TEACHING METHODS
The course consists of lectures (2 x 2 hours a week).

TYPE OF ASSESSMENT
Practical assignments & short essays (50%) Final written examination (50%)

REMARKS
This course is part of the Academic Core. Attendance is compulsory. Students may miss maximum 2 classes.