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136-040 Science Technology and Society | |
Note | Formerly available as 136-226/326. Students who have completed 136-226/326 Science, Technology and Society are not eligible to enrol in this subject. Available at levels 2 & 3, except in Science (level 2 only). For Science level 3, see 136-340. |
Credit Points | 12.5 |
HECS Band | 1 |
Coordinator | Dr Helen Verran |
Prerequisites | Normally 75 points of level 1 study. |
Semester | 2 (view timetable) |
Contact | A 2-hour lecture and a 1-hour tutorial per week |
Subject Description | This subject examines the theoretical/conceptual frameworks within which science, technology and society can be analysed as mutually constitutive. Students will proceed 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. The case studies will be developed using video materials and site visits. Students who complete this subject should 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 totalling 4000 words comprising: a class presentation and short paper totalling 1000 words, three 300-400 word tutorial papers and a research essay of 2000 words. |
Prescribed Texts |
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Search : Index : Faculty of Arts : History and Philosophy of Science
Prev 136-039 Medicine and Society
Next 136-042 Science in Australian Society
Status: Official 2000 Last Modified: Thursday November 25 15:10 SGML to HTML Conversion: Information Technology Services Authorised by: Academic Registrar Email Enquiries: Course_Information@registrar.unimelb.edu.au