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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 second and third year, except in Science (second year only). For Science third year, see 136-340 Science Technology & Society (Science 3).

Credit Points

12.5

HECS Band

1

Coordinator

Dr Helen Verran

Prerequisites

Usually 75 points of first year study across any discipline areas.

Semester

1 (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, the ways technologies and scientific knowledge claims are influenced by social, cultural and historical contexts.

Assessment

Written work totalling 4000 words comprising: an in-class open book test of 1000 words, a class presentation and short paper totalling 1000 words, and a research essay of 2000 words.

Prescribed Texts
  • H Watson, Singing the Land Signing the Land. Deakin University Press, 1989.
Search : Index : Faculty of Arts : History and philosophy of science
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Next 136-044 Current Issues in HPS
 
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