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Energy, Resources, Scarcity. The Knowledge Regimes of Energy 1820–today
Energie, Ressourcen, Knappheit. Wissensregime der Energie (1820-heute)
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:21:45
Abstract
Everybody is talking about energy. But how do we know from which resources it can be obtained, how it can be measured and how much is available at all? Since the 19th century, physical and technical research on energy has been intertwined with political, cultural and economic discourses. In the seminar, we explore the knowledge regimes of energy from the 19th century until today.
Objective
The seminar provides a history of energy and its knowledge regimes from the 19th to the 21st century. Students learn to analyse how physical and technical knowledge are intertwined with economic thought as well as with political and cultural debates.
Content
In the seminar, we explore the knowledge regimes of energy from the 19th century until today. Starting from early thermodynamic research on energy conservation and entropy, the seminar looks at knowledge regimes of energy and resources, their extraction and use, as well as economic and cultural debates about energy scarcity and efficient use. In the seminar, we trace crucial periods of energy debates, from steam engines and industrialised labor, to the economic, geopolitical, and scientific conditions underlying the extraction and distribution of resources (coal, oil, nuclear power, natural gas, solar energy), up to current debates.
General Information
- Language
- German
- Levels
- DS , MSC
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Registration & Places
- Max Places
- 35
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| seminar | Energie, Ressourcen, Knappheit. Wissensregime der Energie (1820-heute) |
|
2 h weekly |
Offered In
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Science in Perspective (In “Science in Perspective”-courses students learn to reflect on ETH’s STEM subjects from the perspective of humanities, political and social sciences. Only the courses listed below will be recognized as "Science in Perspective" courses.)
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Type A: Enhancement of Reflection Competence (SiP courses are recommended for bachelor students after their first-year examination and for all master- or doctoral students. All SiP courses are listed in Type A. Courses listed under Type B are only recommendations for enrollment for specific departments.)
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