Undergraduate Course: Technology and Society 2 (RCSS08001)
Course Outline
School |
School of Social and Political Science |
College |
College of Humanities and Social Science |
Course type |
Standard |
Availability |
Available to all students |
Credit level (Normal year taken) |
SCQF Level 08 (Year 2 Undergraduate) |
Credits |
40 |
Home subject area |
RCSS |
Other subject area |
None |
Course website |
None |
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Course description |
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
Pre-requisites |
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Co-requisites |
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Prohibited Combinations |
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Other requirements |
None
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Additional Costs |
None |
Course Delivery Information
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. |
Please see Visiting Student Prospectus website for Visiting Student Assessment information |
Special Arrangements
Not entered |
Contacts
Course organiser |
Prof Robin Williams
Tel: (0131 6)50 6387
Email: R.Williams@ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary |
Ms Helen Marshall
Tel: (0131 6)51 1306
Email: Helen.Marshall@ed.ac.uk |
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copyright 2010 The University of Edinburgh -
1 September 2010 6:37 am
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