1

History of Modern and Contemporary Chinese Science, Technology and Medicine

This concentration mainly focuses on the emergence, development and laws of modern and contemporary science, technology and medicine in China. Additionally, it investigates the interaction between the development of science and technology and that of economy, society and culture. Therefore students will understand the basic context, mechanism and significant historical facts of the development of modern and contemporary science and technology in China. A deep understanding of the development of modern and contemporary science and technology in China and the evolution of science and technology system and policies will significantly enlighten and make an example for the current development of science and technology and the formulation of science and technology policies.

Han Qide, Zhang Li, Zhang Daqing, Wang Jun, Zhou Cheng, Tang Wenpei

2

History of Science at Peking University

This concentration is intended for those graduating from the science and engineering departments who are interested in the concentration. They will make oral history collection and literature research of Peking University's history of science, engineering and medicine disciplines in a planned, phased, comprehensive and systematic manner so as to preserve precious historical materials, and to study and publicize the role of Peking University in the process of localization and establishment of modern science and technology in China and its contribution to the development of contemporary science and technology.

Han Qide, Xu Zhihong, Bai Shunong, Song Chunwei, Liu Zhongfan

3

Science, technology and society

This concentration focuses on the interaction between science and technology and social development, and investigates the influence of social factors (historical tradition, cultural value, economic system, political system, etc.) on the development of science and technology from the perspective of history. It mainly explores the social background of the invention, evolution and dissemination of scientific and technology, the social conditions and effects of scientific discovery and technological invention, the structure and internal and external relations of the scientific community, the professionalization of science and technology, and so on.

Zhou Cheng, Liu Huajie, Wang Yifang, Tang Wenpei, Su Xiangui

4

Comparative Studies of Chinese and Western Science and Culture

This concentration focuses on the comparison of science and culture between China and the western developed countries. It pays attention to the historical track of the scientific development under different scientific cultures and systems of China and the western countries and their influential factors so as to understand the historical reasons why modern science did not emerge earlier in China than in other countries. Through comparative studies, we can explore and understand the relationship between the uniqueness of Chinese scientific development and the cultural foundation, cultivate innovative culture, and thus grasp the opportunity of the new round of scientific and technological and industrial revolution in the world.

Han Qide, Zhang Li, Zhou Cheng, Wang Yifang

5

History of Scientific Thought

This concentration mainly explores the history of scientific thought being fermented, put forward, spread, developed, discussed, merged and changed. It emphasizes the internal evolution of scientific concepts, devotes itself to the interpretation of scientific concept and its metaphysical foundation in history and pays attention to the evolution of these concepts, their systems and the history of thought and philosophy related to scientific concept.

Su Xiangui, Wang Jun, Liu Huajie

Requirements for completion:

No less than 40 credits.

No less than 25 credits in compulsory courses: 10 credits for public compulsory courses, 15-20 credits for 4-6 compulsory courses of the subject; 10-15 credits for 4-9 electives of this subject, 5 credits for theme discussion and seminars.

For graduate students by interdisciplinary admission, the credits for required make-up undergraduate courses can be included in the required credits.

Graduate students of this major can take courses offered by the Department of Science and Technology, the Department of History, the Department of Philosophy and the Department of Medicine of Peking University, which can be included in the electives.