Research Methods And Reading

Coursework

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Coursework I

Colour theory is one aspect of science that has been investigated since the days of the first philosophers. The fundamental question "What is colour?" has had many answers over the past twenty-two centuries.

Here, presented in chronological order, are four works of colour science of historical importance.

384–322 BCE Aristotle: "On Sense and the Sensible" Suggested reading: Parts 2 & 3
1452–1519 Leonardo Da Vinci: "On Painting" (excerpt) Suggested reading: Pages 70–76
1643–1727 Sir Isaac Newton: "Of Colours" Suggested reading: 4, 6–13, 19, 20, 45–47
1749–1832 Johann Wolfgang von Goethe: "Theory of Colours" Suggested reading: Introduction, numbers 15–50, 62–73

Note for non-native speakers: If you have difficulties with Newton's English and spelling, you may alternatively refer to the summarising essay here, instead of reading the original source "Of Colours".

Your assignment is to write an essay. The guideline length of the essay is two pages, in a font no smaller than 10pt. If you feel the need to extend your argument beyond this guideline, feel free to do so, but succinctness is preferable.

Your essay should answer these two questions:

  1. Characterise the different scientific approaches chosen by the authors at that time.
  2. Investigate the impact of these works on their contemporaries and on subsequent generations. (That is, perform a brief literature and/or online search.)

Think about the styles of reasoning used in each of these theories. When discussing the lasting influence of these theories, consider the concept of the scientific paradigm.

Due Date:  Friday, January 19, 23:55. Electronic submission through Moodle in PDF format. Do not submit any other document formats, such as Microsoft Word or Open/Libre Office.

Coursework II

The second coursework assignment can be found on Moodle, from Feburary 7 onward.

Due Date: Monday, February 26, 23:55. Electronic submission through Moodle in PDF format. Do not submit any other document formats, such as Microsoft Word or Open/Libre Office.