FALL
2007 HONORS COURSES
HONR 239P Higher, Faster, Farther:
Case Studies from Aerospace History
Wednesday, 5:00-7:30 p.m.
Dr. Jeremy Kinney, Curator, Aeronautics Division National Air, Space
Museum Smithsonian Institution
The ability of humans to take to the air and on into
space in the twentieth century generated some of the most dramatic events
in the history of human civilization. This seminar focuses on the history
of aerospace–flight within and beyond the Earth’s atmosphere–from its
origins to the present day by discussing significant case studies within
the broader context of culture, economics, politics, society, technology,
and war. It will be for both humanities and science/engineering majors
alike who want to gain a better understanding of the development of
science and technology from a historical perspective.
The seminar will outline the seven major periods in
aerospace history: the origins of flight, 1783-1903; early flight, 1903-1914;
World War I, 1914-1918; the Aeronautical Revolution, 1918-1938; World
War II, 1930-1945; the Aerospace Industry, the Cold War, and Postwar
Growth, 1947-1990; and late twentieth century developments, 1990-2004.
Major themes and issues addressed in seminar discussions and presentations
include: the emergence of aerospace engineering as a professional discipline;
airships, balloons, and blimps; aviation in the Third World; commercial
airlines; culture and society with an emphasis on aviation art, literature,
music, and film; the evolution of aerospace technology; government support
of new technologies; the growth of the aerospace industry; the idea
of progress in the development of the airplane; manufacturing and design;
military air power doctrine, theory, and practice; the minority experience
in aviation; naval aviation; rotary-wing flight; the Space Race; and
sport and recreational aviation.
Each student will conduct an independent study and research
investigation of an appropriate topic within aerospace history and present
it to the group as well as in the form of a written paper. The student
will choose the topic with the instructor’s guidance.
Text:
Crouch, Wings: A History of Aviation from Kites to the Space Age
Selected articles on reserve in McKeldin Library
CORE–Social and Political History [SH]
