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Science as a Profession? History and Present of Scientific Work
Wissenschaft als Beruf? Geschichte und Gegenwart wissenschaftlichen Arbeitens
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:15:45
Abstract
The seminar deals with the history and present of working conditions in science. Research requires time, a place to work, instruments, financial resources. How do social and economic relations, how do institutions and the ways of funding shape the working conditions in science?
Objective
Students learn about the history and present of the economic and social conditions of scientific work. They learn to critically reflect on the economic conditions, requirements and discriminatory effects of scientific institutions and of research funding.
Content
The seminar deals with the economic and social conditions of scientific research from 18th to 21st centuries: from "gentleman science" and industrial research, academic positions and extra-institutional research, the exclusion of women from academic disciplines, scientific research under the conditions of emigration and discrimination to current phenomena such as "entrepreneurial science" or academic precarity. Who had the time and means for scientific research at a certain moment in history? Which forms of funding and research organisation led to science becoming a profession, and whom did they exclude?
General Information
- Language
- German
- Levels
- DS , MSC
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Registration & Places
- Max Places
- 30
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| seminar | Wissenschaft als Beruf? Geschichte und Gegenwart wissenschaftlichen Arbeitens |
|
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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