History 301MT - Colloquium: 'Materials and Their Sciences'
Materials and Their Sciences
Spring
2026
01
4.00
Erin Freedman
W 01:30PM-04:20PM
Mount Holyoke College
129492
efreedman@mtholyoke.edu
Materials matter for scientific inquiry. From the physical objects scientists investigate, the concrete models they build to explain abstract phenomena, to the instruments they use for observation and measurement, materials are the medium through which scientific knowledge is sought. This course will examine how the sensory properties of various materials -- crystals, yeast, soap bubbles, fossils, textiles fibers, among others -- have critically shaped the questions, theories, and practices of those sciences that have historically engaged them.
Course limited to sophomores, juniors and seniors; Prereq: 8 credits in History, or 4 credits in History and 4 credits in STEM.
Students will be graded on one research paper that they will pursue throughout the semester, aided by readings, site visits, and smaller assignments.