This course brings the history of physics and astronomy to life by walking in the footsteps—literally—of the people behind major scientific advancements from the 1600s through the early 1900s in Paris. In the classroom, we'll study the lives of these scientists, examine the societal context in which they lived, and learn enough physics and astronomy to appreciate their achievements. Outside the classroom, we'll tour historical sites and, where possible, re-create the discoveries that took place there. (For example, we'll calculate how fast the Earth is rotating by collecting data from the pendulum that Léon Foucault attached to the ceiling of the Pantheon in 1851.) We'll also investigate the racial and gender underrepresentation that exists in physics and astronomy history, and persists in the field at large today, and what can be done to create a more diverse and equitable scientific community for the future. Students from all disciplines are invited and encouraged to take this course. No prior physics or astronomy experience is needed.

The learning goals are for students to: (1) Recognize science as a human endeavor that is influenced by people, society, and politics. (2) Analyze primary sources and historical sites to investigate scientists and their discoveries. (3) Demonstrate a working knowledge of fundamental concepts in physics and astronomy. (4) Develop transferrable critical thinking skills and problem solving strategies. (5) Identify past and present obstacles that create inequity in science, and feel empowered to take action.

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This course is 3 Rice credit hours.

No

Yes, students will receive D3 credit for this course.

Priority Deadline: December 10, 2025
Final Application Deadline: February 1, 2026

For details on these two deadlines, please navigate to the Application Timeline section of the Program Information & FAQs page.

For questions regarding the course content, please contact the course instructor (see below).

For questions regarding the program (budget, application process, financial aid, global awards), first read through the Rice Global Paris Summer Program Information and FAQs page on our website. If you cannot find the answer to your question, email us at globalowls@rice.edu.