851-0157-68L  Publish or Perish, 1800-2016: On the History of Scientific Publishing

SemesterAutumn Semester 2016
LecturersN. Guettler, M. Stadler
Periodicitynon-recurring course
Language of instructionGerman


AbstractThis seminar deals with the past, present, and imaginary futures of scientific publishing. We shall discuss the origins and trajectories of specific formats, conventions, and genres as well as examine exemplary historical developments as regards scientific publishing and associated cultures of science.
ObjectiveThe technological upheavals wrought by the "digital age" have put the subject of scientific publishing on the map (again). Open access, copyright, or print-on-demand are just a few of the buzzwords that have defined controversies in recent years. The aim of this seminar is assist students in developing critical perspectives on these contempory debates - by learning about the history of scientific publishing, including the role of specific publishers and journals, the footnote, or the malleable nature of authorship.