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.
| Paper title | Science, Technology, and Society |
|---|---|
| Paper code | MFCO222 |
| Subject | Media, Film and Communication |
| EFTS | 0.15 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period | Semester 2 (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees (NZD) | $955.05 |
| 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
Convenor and Lecturer: Associate Professor Hugh Slotten
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
- 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
