136-103 Human Values, Social Change and New Technologies

Note

Students cannot gain credit for 136-103 if they already have credit for 136-226/326 taken prior to 1996.

Credit Points

Semester

Contact

Subject Description

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. 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.

Assessment

Written work up to 4000 words which includes an in-Class test.

Prescribed Texts

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