This course studies the sciences and their histories as social practices. Focusing on the cultural meanings and politics of scientific work in many different contexts, special attention is given to the early modern period of global history. Consideration is given to the important role archives play in the work of historians. Topics include knowledge networks, translation, archives and imperialism; secrecy and the suppression of scientific expertise, scientific consensus and policy-making; science and gender; scientific racism; artificial intelligence and cultures of innovation; observation and the history of objectivity. Open only to first-year students and sophomores.