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 136-340 Science, Technology and Society (Science 3)

Note

Only available at Science level 3; for all other levels see 136-040.

Availability

3rd year

Credit Points

12.5

Coordinator

Helen Verran

Prerequisites

Normally two second year HPS subjects see Prerequisites

Semester

2 (view timetable)

Contact

A 1.5-hour lecture and a 1-hour tutorial per week

Subject Description

This subject is identical in all respects to 136-040, except for the assessment. It examines theoretical/conceptual frame-works within which science, technology and society can be analysed as mutually constitutive. The course proceeds through a series of case studies: how can we understand the process of building Gothic cathedrals?; examining the constitution of nature in TV wildlife documentaries; considering how Robert Boyle's airpump intervened in Restoration England; asking how zoos and science museums give us stories to live by. Case studies will be developed using video materials and site visits. Students who complete this subject will develop an understanding of, and ability to think critically about how technologies and scientific knowledge claims are influenced by social, cultural and historical contexts.

Assessment

Written work which may comprise classpapers and essays totalling 3000 words, and 1-hour class test, and a 1-hour examination.

Prescribed Texts

  • D Turnbull, Technoscience Worlds.


Search : Index : Faculty of Arts : History and Philosophy of Science
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Email Enquiries:          Course_Information@registrar.unimelb.edu.au