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 | Not offered in 2026 (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) | $1,103.10 |
| 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.- 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.
- Assessment details
Assessments:
- Journals: 30%
- Tutorial participation (includes Peer Review Exercise 5%): 15%
- Essay: 25%
- Take-home essay exam: 30%
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 | Not offered in 2027 (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for 2027 have not yet been set |
| 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.
- Teaching Arrangements
Two lectures and one tutorial per week.
- Textbooks
Individual readings for the paper may be downloaded from Aoroa.
- 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.
- Assessment details
Assessments:
- Journals (30%)
- Tutorial participation - includes Peer Review Exercise worth 5% (15%)
- Essay (25%)
- Take-home Essay Exam (30%)