DSBcB28 Science, Engineering, and Technology in the Ancient World

Faculty of Arts
Spring 2025

The course is not taught in Spring 2025

Extent and Intensity
2/0/0. 4 credit(s). Type of Completion: z (credit).
In-person direct teaching
Teacher(s)
Mgr. Tereza Antošovská, Ph.D. (lecturer)
doc. RNDr. Jindřich Bečvář, CSc. (lecturer)
Mgr. Tereza Ševčíková (lecturer)
Guaranteed by
Mgr. Tereza Antošovská, Ph.D.
Department of Classical Studies – Faculty of Arts
Contact Person: Jitka Erlebachová
Supplier department: Department of Classical Studies – Faculty of Arts
Prerequisites (in Czech)
! DSBcB028 Ancient Science and Technology
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is also offered to the students of the fields other than those the course is directly associated with.
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
Course objectives
The aim of the course is to acquaint students with the approach to „science“ in ancient civilisation, with the conception of science itself and with the most important theories and achievements as well as with the practical knowledges and technological practice used in everyday life.
Learning outcomes
After completing the course, the student will acquire a comprehensive idea of the scientific and technological state of ancient societies, based on selected topics. The course will focuse on classical antiquity.
Syllabus
  • 1) Introduction, sources, literatur 2) Attitude towards science and technology 3) Knowledge for life and death; Information technology 4-5) Math 6) Astronomy 7) Astrology; alchemy 8) Sources of energy; agriculture; production 9) Military technology 10) Architecture, engineering, 11) Medicine 12) Knowledges about nature and human
Literature
    required literature
  • The Oxford handbook of engineering and technology in the classical world. Edited by John Peter Oleson. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2008, xviii, 865. ISBN 9780199734856. info
    recommended literature
  • PORTER, Roy. Dějiny medicíny : od starověku po současnost. Translated by Jaroslav Hořejší. V českém jazyce vyd. 2. Praha: Prostor, 2013, 809 s. ISBN 9788072602872. info
  • HEATH, Thomas Little. A history of Greek mathematics. [Boston, Mass.]: Adamant media corporation, 2006, xi, 586. ISBN 0543968766. info
  • ŠPELDA, Daniel. Astronomie v antice. Ostrava: Montanex, 2006, 262 s. ISBN 8072252100. info
  • NUTTON, Vivian. Ancient medicine. London: Routledge, 2005, xiii, 486. ISBN 0415368480. info
Teaching methods
lectures, reading of sources, practical demonstrations
Assessment methods
test
Language of instruction
Czech
Further Comments
The course is taught annually.
The course is taught: every week.
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