Issues in Science and Technology Studies

Abstract

Science and Technology Studies (STS) represents an interdisciplinary nexus of various academic disciplines. As a field, STS offers excellent tools to not only examine, but also help improve the troubled and ever-evolving relationships between society, the environment, and advancements in science and technology. Examples of these relationships could...

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Details

Subject Area(s):

Communication and Information Technologies, Cultural Sociology, Ethnography, Knowledge, Law and Society, Organizations, Formal and Complex, Qualitative Methodology, Race, Class and Gender, Science and Technology, Social Change, Theory

Resource Type(s):

Syllabus

Class Level(s):

College 300, College 400

Class Size(s):

Medium, Small

Usage Notes

This particular syllabus was developed for a short, intensive summer course targeted at undergraduate juniors and seniors. It assumes no prior knowledge of STS, and frontloads the workload of the course so that students are less burdened as time goes by. This syllabus is probably best used for a class with small (<20) or medium (<50) enrolments....

Learning Goals and Assessments

Learning Goal(s):

1. Comprehend the foundational principles and diverse themes of Science and Technology Studies (STS) through its interdisciplinary lenses.
2. Develop scholarly competencies in the realm of STS by critically evaluating key literature and case studies.
3. Articulate core concepts introduced in the readings, such as Sociotechnical Assemblages, the Social Construction of Technology, the Cultural Boundaries of Science.
4. Explain the sociotechnical narratives presented in Sergio Sismondo's book, "An introduction to science and technology studies", to understand the historical, political, and cultural dimensions of technology's evolution.
5. Identify the complex intersections of technology, race, and societal biases through Ruha Benjamin's book "Race after Technology".
6. Assess the social and ethical implications arising from technological advancements and their embeddedness in society.
7. Critique the role of technology in shaping and being shaped by societal norms and structures, leveraging Janet Vertesi's book, "Seeing like a rover".
8. Analyze the intricate relationship between society and technology through real-world case studies, understanding the perspectives of various stakeholders.
9. Identify potential academic or professional trajectories that align with your burgeoning interests in STS and its multifaceted domains.

Goal Assessment(s):

1. (Two of three) Documentary review exercises on Canvas (1500 words each) – 30% of overall grade
2. End-term video presentation on a pre-assigned STS article – 20% of overall grade
3. Weekly short-answer test on Canvas – 20% of overall grade (5% per test)
4. Class participation & attendance – 30% of overall grade