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 136-340 Science Technology & Society (Science 3)

Note

Only available at Science third year; for all other levels see 136-040 Science Technology and Society. Students cannot gain credit for this subject and 136-226/326 before 1999 or 136/040 after 1999. This subject is based on 136-040 but involves additional work.

Credit Points

12.5

HECS Band

1

Coordinator

Dr Helen Verran

Prerequisites

Usually two second year HPS subjects.

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 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 an ability to think critically about, the ways technologies and scientific knowledge claims are influenced by social, cultural and historical contexts.

Assessment

Written work totalling 6000 words comprising class presentation and short paper totalling 2000 words, a 1-hour in-class open book test of 1000 words, and a research essay of 3000 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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