Sylwester Ratowt, Professor of History of Science, The Wagner Free Institute
The Wagner Free Institute of Science
Dates: 8 Wednesdays, September 29 through November 17
Time: 6:30 - 7:45 p.m.
Place: Independence Branch of the Free Library, 18 S. 7th Street (between Market & Chestnut Streets)
No preregistration required.
This eight-week course will examine the contexts in which travels were turned into scientific knowledge and travelers were turned into heroes. Sylwester Ratowt holds a doctorate in history of science from the University of Oklahoma. He is a Museum Research Associate at the American Philosophical Society and Professor of History of Science for the Wagner Free Institute's adult education program.
The Wagner Free Institute of Science began in 1855 as one of the earliest free adult science education programs in the United States. From the beginning it has combined public access to natural history and science materials with lively educational programs taught by acknowledged scholars. That agenda has altered little over time except to incorporate new fields of science and new theories of older disciplines. Today, adults may select from a broad range of college-level courses in the natural sciences taught by faculty from Philadelphia’s outstanding colleges, universities, and research institutions
The Institute’s adult evening courses grew out of the original lectures given by William Wagner at his home. Since its incorporation in 1855, the Wagner Institute has drawn upon scientists and teachers from the many distinguished educational and research institutions in the region for its faculty. Many hold joint appointments with the Wagner and institutions such as the University of Pennsylvania, Princeton University, Bryn Mawr College, the Academy of Natural Sciences and Temple University. Today the courses are held off-site at a variety of locations throughout the city to make them accessible to a wide audience.
The adult lecture courses are offered on an introductory college level. They are open to anyone seeking an introduction to various areas of the sciences as well as those familiar with the subjects who wish to broaden and update their knowledge. The courses also provide an excellent opportunity for motivated junior high and high school students to supplement their current science courses and to help prepare them for further study in these fields at a college level. The courses are appropriate as well for teachers seeking to expand their knowledge.