概论
在20世纪，物理学的思想和内容都产生了剧烈的变化。在这门课程中我们将学习现代物理学中一些正在改变的思想，从相对论和量子力学到固体物理学、原子核以及基本微粒、宇宙论。同时，我们将把这些理论置于不断变化的制度、文化以及政治环境中。总体目标即是理解物理及物理学家在20世纪进程中不断变换着的角色。
作业
作为一门HASS-CI (STS.042) 和CI-M (8.225)课程，将会非常注重写作和口头交流。在这学期将会安排总共20到24页的写作练习。第一篇论文（4-5页）将在第7节课提交。第二篇（6-7页）将在第14节课提交。学生们修改第二篇论文并再提交，以便在准备期末论文之前给学生们提供一个专注于具体写作技能的机会；重写的第二篇论文将在第21节课提交。最后一篇（10-12页）将在第26节课提交。论文作业的细节将在课堂上传达。这学期里，该课程的学生们也将准备轮流做口头陈述报告。报告内容将包括对指定读物的总结和对本周内容相关的学习问题的陈述。基于其公开陈述，学生将引导接下来的课堂讨论。另外除了这些书面和口头交流作业之外，在第12节课时有一次堂上期中考试。不接受任何迟交的论文。.
评分
书面和口头交流将占期末成绩的75%。注意HASS-CI课程完成了麻省理工学院对三年级和四年级学生写作要求的第一阶段。学生们必须获得B-或者更高以便通过第一阶段。最终成绩将基于：
第二篇论文（20%）；
第三篇论文（25%）；
期中考试（25%）；
参与课堂讨论（包括口头陈述报告）（10%）。
第一篇论文（20%）；
第二篇论文（20%）；
第三篇论文（25%）；
期中考试（25%）；
参与课堂讨论（包括口头陈述报告）（10%）。
阅读
阅读作业应在每次课前完成。另外除了课程学习资料外，下列书也是必需的：
McCormmach, Russell. 《一个经典物理学家的午夜思考》。 剑桥：哈佛大学出版社，1991
Frayn, Michael. 《哥本哈根》。纽约：Anchor Books，2000。
Badash, Lawrence. 《科学家及核武器的发展：从核分裂到部分禁止核试验条约，1939-1963》 Atlantic Highlands: Humanity Press, 1995.
Overview
During the 20th century, both the ideas and the contexts of physics changed dramatically. In this class we will study some of the changing ideas within modern physics, ranging from relativity theory and quantum mechanics to solid-state physics, nuclear and elementary particles, and cosmology. At the same time, we will situate these ideas within shifting institutional, cultural, and political contexts. The overall aim will be to understand the changing roles of physics and of physicists over the course of the twentieth century.
Assignments
As a HASS-CI (STS.042) and CI-M (8.225) Subject, there will be a heavy emphasis upon writing and oral communication. There will be three papers assigned for a total of 20-24 pages of writing over the course of the semester. The first paper (4-5 pp.) will be due in class in session #7. The second paper (6-7 pp.) will be due in class in session #14. Students will revise and resubmit their second papers, to give them an opportunity to work on specific writing skills before preparing the final paper; the paper 2 re-writes will be due in class in session #21. The final paper (10-12 pp.) will be due in class in session #26. Details of the paper assignments will be circulated in class. Students will also take turns making prepared oral presentations over the course of the semester. Presentations will involve a summary of assigned readings and presentation of study questions pertinent to that week's material. The student will then lead the ensuing class discussion, based on her or his opening presentation. In addition to these written and oral communication assignments, there will be an in-class midterm in session #12. No late papers will be accepted.
Grading
Written and oral communication performance will account for 75% of the final grade. Note that HASS-CI subjects fulfill Phase One of the MIT Writing Requirement for juniors and seniors. Students must receive a grade of B- or better in order to pass Phase One. Your final grade will be based on:
Paper 1 (20%);
Paper 2 (20%);
Paper 3 (25%);
Midterm (25%);
Participation in class discussions (including oral presentation) (10%).
Readings
Reading assignments should be completed before each lecture. The following books are required, in addition to course study materials:
McCormmach, Russell. Night Thoughts of a Classical Physicist. Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 1991.
Frayn, Michael. Copenhagen. New York: Anchor Books, 2000.
Badash, Lawrence. Scientists and the Development of Nuclear Weapons: From Fission to the Limited Test Ban Treaty, 1939-1963. Atlantic Highlands: Humanity Press, 1995.
