L472: Science and the Popular Imagination

Why are Einstein and Curie famous? Why do sci fi heroes carry ray guns? Why do scientific discoveries matter culturally? In this course we'll investigate the public perception of science in early twentieth century America, particularly the physical sciences, through lectures and discussions. We'll read primary sources like 1904 newspaper articles and sci fi from 1930. We'll learn how radiation, relativity, and quantum mechanics were reflected in the politics, literature, and medicine of the period. The course also considers the rise of the celebrity scientist and the changing role of women in science during this period.

Classes will consist of lectures and discussions, so come prepared with thoughts and questions about that week's reading. Feel free to bring a brown bag dinner.

First Class: Science Fiction

reading: any story from the March 1930 issue of Astounding Stories of Super-Science (can read online or download to an ebook reader) — pay attention to how science is represented

March 1930 Astounding Stories cover

Second Class: Einstein and Eddington

reading: New York Times report on the expedition results and the Manifesto of the Ninety-Three

November 10, 1919 New York Times headline

Topics for lecture and discussion:• What is history of science?• How did physics discoveries of the early twentieth century influence the emerging field of pulp science fiction?• What images of physics and physicists were presented in early American sci fi?Third Class: American Radium Craze

reading: radiumdinner.pdf (linked at bottom of the page), which is "Radium Show At A Dinner," The Sun (Feb. 6, 1904) [digitized by the Library of Congress], and browse around on the ORAU Radioactive Quack Cures page.

panel from "Radio Activity of Mr. Butt-In," The World, February 21, 1904

Topics for lecture and discussion:• How did Eddington's 1919 eclipse expedition come about?• Why did the press care about the expedition's findings?• What did it mean to believe in the international nature of science during the First World War?Fourth Class: Marie Curie and her 1921 U.S. Tour

reading: curiesloveletters.pdf and unconventionalwomengeniuses.pdf (linked at bottom of the page), which are "Curie's Love Letters Astounding All Paris," Minneapolis Morning Tribune (Nov. 26, 1911) and a Dec. 1, 1911 letter to the editor of the New York Times.

optional extra reading: Naomi Oreskes, "Objectivity or Heroism? On the Invisibility of Women in Science," Osiris 11 (1996): 87–113. (create a JSTOR account to read for free online)

Marie Curie (seated), surrounded by press on her 1921 tour

Topics for lecture and discussion:• Why did the American public go wild about radium at the beginning of the twentieth century?• How was this enthusiasm expressed? What aspects of radium were particularly exciting?• How did the radium craze influence the use of radium in medicine?

Topics for lecture and discussion:• Why did Marie Curie tour the United States in 1921?• How was she presented in the press?• What did it mean to be a scientific celebrity? What did it mean to be a female scientist?

Questions? Contact your instructor at slaughter.aimee at gmail dot com.