Red X iconGreen tick iconYellow tick icon

    Overview

    An exploration of the interdisciplinary field of science, technology, and society (STS), examining the complex interaction of science, technology, medicine and society.

    The paper examines how social, political, cultural and material conditions shape scientific work and how science, in turn, shapes society. Because of the central role of science, technology and medicine in driving modern developments, understanding the relationships among science, technology and society is crucial for understanding the history of humanity and the contemporary world. The paper explores general themes in the field of science, technology and society, as well as specific case studies involving key controversies and debates.

    About this paper

    Paper title Science, Technology, and Society
    Subject Media, Film and Communication
    EFTS 0.15
    Points 18 points
    Teaching period Semester 2 (On campus)
    Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $981.75
    International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
    Prerequisite
    36 points
    Schedule C
    Arts and Music, Science
    Eligibility
    The paper does not require prior attainment of specialised scientific or technical knowledge.
    Contact
    mfco@otago.ac.nz
    Teaching staff

    Convener and Lecturer: To be advised. 
    The paper will also include guest lecturers on special topics.

    Paper Structure

    Assessments:

    • Journals: 30%
    • Tutorial participation (includes Peer Review Exercise 5%): 15%
    • Essay: 25%
    • Take-home essay exam: 30%
    Teaching Arrangements

    Two lectures and one tutorial per week.

    Textbooks

    Individual readings for the paper may be downloaded from Blackboard.

    Course outline

    View a sample course outline for MFCO 222

    Graduate Attributes Emphasised
    Critical thinking, Communication, Scholarship, Global perspective, Environmental literacy, Information literacy, Research, Self-Motivation, Interdisciplinary perspective, Lifelong learning, Teamwork.
    View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
    Learning Outcomes

    Students who successfully complete the paper will develop:

    • The ability to critically analyse their own assumptions about the relationships among science, medicine, technology and society.
    • The ability to explain developments in science, technology and medicine in terms of their interactions with social, cultural, environmental and other issues.
    • An in-depth knowledge of case studies involving controversies related to the social, cultural and political dimensions of science, technology and medicine.
    • The ability to research and analyse the subject using written and oral communications.
    • An appreciation of interdisciplinary perspectives.

    Timetable

    Semester 2

    Location
    Dunedin
    Teaching method
    This paper is taught On Campus
    Learning management system
    Blackboard

    Lecture

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend
    L1 Monday 10:00-10:50 29-35, 37-42
    Wednesday 10:00-10:50 29-35, 37-42

    Tutorial

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend one stream from
    T1 Monday 15:00-15:50 29-35, 37-42
    T2 Thursday 11:00-11:50 29-35, 37-42
    T3 Thursday 14:00-14:50 29-35, 37-42
    Back to top