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Technology and Society 2 (SY0070)

? Credit Points : 40 ? SCQF Level : 8 ? Acronym : SPS-2-SYTS2

An introduction to the mutual relations of technology and society, discussing both the effects of technical innovation on society and the shaping of technology by cultural, economic, political and organisational factors. Part A (which can be taken as the half course Technology and Society 2h) introduces some basic analytical perspectives on the relations of technology and society. Part B further illustrates these perspectives in a variety of important substantive areas including Information Technology, Technology and the Third World and Science, Technology and the Environment.

Entry Requirements

none

Subject Areas

Home subject area

RCSS, (School of Social and Political Studies, Schedule J)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 2nd year

? Delivery Period : Full Year (Blocks 1-4)

? Contact Teaching Time : 3 hour(s) per week for 22 weeks

? Other Required Attendance : 1 hour(s) per week for 20 weeks

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Monday	12:10	13:00	Central
Lecture	Tuesday	12:10	13:00	Central
Lecture	Thursday	12:10	13:00	Central

? Additional Class Information : Also tutorials

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

The student will be able to develop a critical analysis of the mutual relationship between technology and society, exploring the ways in which technology is itself shaped by social and other factors as well as the effects of technology on society.
The student will become familiar with, and develop a critical understanding of, the main approaches to the socio-economic analysis of technology, and the ways in which these theories have been deployed to analyse various technological innovations in different settings (including industrial production, technology in the home, contraception, information technology, biotechnology and defence technologies, environmental technologies.

Assessment Information

Essay of 1500-2000 words in Semester 1, Block 2 & essay of 2500 words in Semester 2, Block 4. 2 essays = 50%, degree exam = 50%; resit as for first sitting.