Home page for the Fall00 version of this course can be found here.
This course will take an in depth look at the Manhattan Project, the
United States' secret operation that resulted in the world's
first atomic bomb. We'll look at the advances in physics and
chemistry that made an atomic bomb possible, and the events of
World War II that made a weapon of mass destruction desirable to
many. Students will gain a qualitative understanding of the basic
physics behind the atomic bomb. More importantly, students will gain
an awareness of the historical and cultural context in which the bomb
was built.
Our main text will be Richard Rhodes' The Making of the Atomic Bomb, an incredibly thorough and extremely well-written account of the scientific discoveries and historical events that made the atomic bomb possible. We will also read selections from some of the following:
We'll conclude the course by examining how the atomic bomb changed politics and culture, and how the Manhattan project shaped how science and scientists are viewed, but within and outside the scientific establishment. Some of the questions we'll address may include: How have fears of the bomb been expressed in art and literature? What responsibilities do scientists have when developing technologies that can be harnessed to harmful purposes? How is science funded in the United States and how was this influenced by the Manhattan Project? What role should government play in encouraging or discouraging the development of technologies? How can science be made more democratic?
This course will be taught in a seminar style; there will be a significant amount of reading and classes will be largely discussion-based. Each student will keep a journal throughout the course and will complete a final project of her or his choosing.
Evaluations will be based on class participation, a journal, and a final project. Intermediate/Advanced. *HY*
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