136-103 Human Values, Social Change and New Technologies

Note:

Credit Points:

When taken from History and Philosophy of Science, Faculty of Arts:

12.5 1st year

When taken from History and Philosophy of Science, Faculty of Science:

12.5

Timetable:

Contact:

Objectives:

Students completing this subject should develop skills at:

• applying theoretical approaches current within the history, philosophy and social studies of science and technology to understand the interactions of human values and social interests with scientific and technical expertise;

• analysing the social, political and historical factors that influence scientific knowledge and technological development.

Content:

This subject focuses on the organisation of scientific research and development and on the relationships between science, technology industry and social and political institutions. A discussion of the social, political and environmental factors linked to developments in science and technology will be illustrated through historical and contemporary case studies which might include: nuclear power, the greenhouse effect, reproductive technologies and genetic research, the organisation of work and occupational health, and media representations of science and technology.

Assessment:

Prescribed Texts:

No prescribed texts. A compilation of readings will be made available at the beginning of the unit.