History and Science Expands

The number of concentrators in the History of Science department has increased for the fifth year in a row, according to department statistics.

This fall, 126 students are concentrating in the department--36 seniors, 48 juniors and 42 sophomores. The number of concentrators has grown by 50 percent since 1991, when 86 students were in the department.

"I think there has been a continuing interest which has slowly but surely grown in size with where the sciences will fit within our modern world," said Professor of the History of Science Everett 1. Mendelsohn.

Mendelsohn teaches a core class in the History of Science: Historical Study A-18, "Science and Society in the 20th Century." The last time it was offered, the course drew 565 people--twice the enrollment expected, Mendelsohn said.

Such booming interest in the field "represents in my point of view an increased sophistication on the part of modern students," Mendelsohn said. "They're not saying just 'Science is good' or 'Science is bad,' but 'Let's take a harder look.'"

Theories abound for the increasing numbers, including a desire to straddle the humanities and the sciences and an increased awareness of the importance of putting hard scientific facts in social context.

One sophomore concentrator said she likes the balance that the concentration offers.

"I couldn't decide if I wanted to do humanities or science," said Sara J. Crasson '97. "This looked like a really good compromise. Physics is my science, but if I concentrated in physics, I wouldn't be able to take all the history and get the liberal arts background that I want."

The department recently filled two senior faculty positions which helped boost enrollment, and Head Tutor William R. Newman.

The department is also conducting a search for two more tenured faculty members, Newman said. "When those are filled, I think we'll see some major increases in enrollment," he added.

The number of this year's sophomore concentrators will likely increase. Seven sophomores are currently on a wait list and will be reconsidered for admission in January. This acceptance will probably happen "automatically," according to one administrative assistant in the department.

The students were wait listed because the department thought it might not have enough resources to handle the number of concentrators, the assistant said. Those worries proved unfounded, however.

Students must apply to the department before declaring it as a concentration.

One pre-med on the wait list said he like the broad perspective the concentration gives.

"Just look at the courses," said, Paul F. Frey '97. "A lot of them have to do with more of the social aspects of being a doctor. That's important, because being a doctor isn't just hard science."

And for pre-meds who don't want hard science, History of Science may be the way to go.

"It's no secret that our undergraduates have a good record of getting into med schools," Mendelsohn said.