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Science, Technology, Society and Environment - HPSC1400
The Quad

 
Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
 
 
School:  School of History and Philosophy
 
 
Course Outline: See below
 
 
Campus: Kensington Campus
 
 
Career: Undergraduate
 
 
Units of Credit: 6
 
 
EFTSL: 0.12500 (more info)
 
 
Indicative Contact Hours per Week: 3
 
 
Equivalent: SCIF1101, SCOM1011
 
 
Excluded: SCOM1011, SCTS1001
 
 
Fee Band: 2 (more info)
 
 
Further Information: See Class Timetable
 
 

Description

Examines the relations of science and technology with societies in the modern world. The status and authority of science. Can science tell us what we ought to do? Critiques of science. Is technology applied science? What is the relation between technology and social change? The political uses of expertise. Experts and the rest of us. Issues of participation. These topics will be explored theoretically and by reference to case studies including: modern genetics and its use in agriculture and medicine; information technology, computers and cyberspace; energy technologies, nuclear and solar; technologies of everyday life.


Learning Outcomes

In this course you will become familiar with and evaluate several of the most influential ways of thinking about science and technology as basic activities of modern societies. By the time you have completed the course, you should to be able to:
  • Recognise and evaluate simplistic accounts of knowledge production and of technological change, and to formulate alternative treatments of those processes for yourself
  • Gain an appreciation of the value of historical study of scientific and technological change to current policy and economic issues, of the roles of science and technology in environmental affairs, and of their place in environmental debate
  • Develop confidence in written and oral expression and improve your ability to work cooperatively with others.

Assessment

  • Initial writing exercise - 10%
  • Two tutorial papers - 30% (15% each)
  • In-class test - 30%
  • Major essay (1500 words) - 30%

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© The University of New South Wales (CRICOS Provider No.: 00098G), 2004-2011. The information contained in this Handbook is indicative only. While every effort is made to keep this information up-to-date, the University reserves the right to discontinue or vary arrangements, programs and courses at any time without notice and at its discretion. While the University will try to avoid or minimise any inconvenience, changes may also be made to programs, courses and staff after enrolment. The University may also set limits on the number of students in a course.