Surveys the medical and scientific constructions of race and racial theories within social and political contexts, focusing on racial science in slavery and colonialism.
Offering recorded · Fall 2026
historical GPA · grades
Fall 2022–Fall 2023 Explore prerequisite map →
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The department at a glance
All recorded grades average GPA
A / AB grades
letter grades
How grades break down
Grades over time
Red: department · Gray: UW–Madison
About these statistics
GPA and percentages are weighted by recorded letter grades. UW comparisons use the same terms. Cross-listed courses count once within this department and once across UW; department totals should not be added together. Grade counts are not unique students. Offering counts reflect captured records, not a complete historical schedule.
Fall 2026
Recorded this termcourses with offerings
instructors recorded
Grades have not been recorded for this term. Historical results remain in the overview above.
Find your next class
14 coursesHistorical grades cover up to five years through the selected term. Grade sorting prioritizes courses with at least 100 letter grades.
HISTSCI 160 introduces the history of technology through the lens of social inequality, examining how disparities shaped technological development and justice.
Offering recorded · Fall 2026
The workload is described as extremely reasonable with not hard homework, though weekly readings and mandatory attendance are expected. One reviewer noted they skipped readings without issue, while another emphasized participation is required for the grade.
historical GPA · grades
Fall 2022–Spring 2026 · limited sampleHISTSCI 201 explores the emergence of the scientific method from ancient traditions and the development of the Copernican-Newtonian worldview.
Offering recorded · Fall 2026
Review 2 states reading is necessary for an A and most materials are online, though the textbook is required. Review 6 agrees reading is necessary for exams. Review 7 advises skipping the textbook because lectures cover everything needed.
historical GPA · grades
Fall 2022–Fall 2025HISTSCI 211 teaches students to conduct original historical research in science, medicine, and technology using archival methods and historical analysis.
Offering recorded · Fall 2026
Historical reviews of Nicholas Jacobson: Students report a heavy reading load of approximately 20 pages per week, with materials described as old and long.
historical GPA · grades
Fall 2023–Spring 2026HISTSCI 350 covers varying topics in the History of Science, Medicine, and Technology through readings and discussion.
Offering recorded · Fall 2026
historical GPA · grades
Fall 2022–Fall 2025 · limited sampleHISTSCI 681
Senior Honors Thesis
3 creditsHISTSCI 681 is a senior honors thesis course focusing on independent research in the History of Science, Medicine, and Technology.
Offering recorded · Fall 2026
No recorded grade history
HISTSCI 682
Senior Honors Thesis
3 creditsHISTSCI 682 is a senior honors thesis course focusing on independent research in the History of Science, Medicine, and Technology.
Offering recorded · Fall 2026
historical GPA · grades
Spring 2022–Spring 2022 · limited sampleHISTSCI 691
Senior Thesis
3 creditsHISTSCI 691 is a senior thesis course focusing on independent research in the History of Science, Medicine, and Technology.
Offering recorded · Fall 2026
No recorded grade history
HISTSCI 699
Directed Study
1–3 creditsA directed study course in the History of Science, Medicine, and Technology under faculty supervision.
Offering recorded · Fall 2026
No recorded grade history
HISTSCI 990
Research and Thesis
1–3 creditsHISTSCI 990 is a course for independent research and thesis writing under faculty supervision.
Offering recorded · Fall 2026
No recorded grade history
HISTSCI 999
Independent Work
1–3 creditsHISTSCI 999 is an independent directed study course under faculty supervision.
Offering recorded · Fall 2026
historical GPA · grades
Spring 2022–Spring 2022 · limited sampleA historical survey of the main lines of mathematical development.
Offering recorded · Fall 2026
Exams are described as purposefully difficult, with the second midterm carrying 20% of the grade and containing only four questions, making small errors costly.
historical GPA · grades
Spring 2022–Fall 2025HISTSCI/MEDHIST 212
Bodies, Diseases, and Healers: an Introduction to the History of Medicine
3 creditsThis course surveys historical conceptions of the body as a site of sickness from Antiquity to contemporary medicine.
Offering recorded · Fall 2026
Historical reviews of Nicholas Jacobson: Students report reading and analyzing two to three long, sometimes ancient, readings each week, which some find challenging despite the engaging lectures.
historical GPA · grades
Spring 2023–Spring 2026This course covers the history of the pharmaceutical field from antiquity to modern medical care, focusing on professional structuring in Western countries.
Offering recorded · Fall 2026
historical GPA · grades
Fall 2022–Fall 2025Across course levels
Recorded this termNo released grades for this term.
Recorded offerings over time
Offering snapshots currently cover Fall 2026. Earlier grade records do not provide a complete offering history.