This course is designed to explore the role of, argument and persuasion in the history, evolution,, and dissemination of science. Its purpose is to, give students a firm understanding of various, rhetorical strategies within scientific discourse, and how those strategies impact public policy. The, general trajectory of this course is, chronological, tracing major controversies in the, sciences from premodern times to the present. At, every stage, students will be asked to consider, how argument, persuasion, and symbolic action, influence both scientific and political practice.