HISTSCI 1960: Bias, Hype, and Objectivity in Science | Department of the History of Science

Semester: Spring

Year offered: 2026

Link: Course Website

This course introduces frameworks for grappling with questions around research integrity in the world of fast-moving, high-tech, transnational, financialized scientific knowledge production. Topics include peer review, the replicability crisis, industry funding of science, and data fraud, as well as proposed solutions. Traversing the fields of research ethics, social studies of science, and history and philosophy of science, this case study-based discussion seminar will introduce students to foundational readings on bias, hype, and objectivity in science as well as to newer concepts and debates.

Mondays at 3:00-5:45 PM with Professor Sarah Richardson

Sarah S. Richardson

srichard@fas.harvard.edu

Aramont Professor of the History of Science & Studies of Women, Gender, and Sexuality

Areas of Research: History of Biology, Philosophy of Science, Science & Race, Women & Gender Studies Sarah Richardson has taught at Harvard University since 2010, where her courses include gender and science, feminist science studies, interdisciplinary...