Undergraduate Course: History of Technology 1 (SCSU08005)
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 8 (Year 1 Undergraduate) |
Credits | 20 |
| Home subject area | Science Studies Unit |
Other subject area | Environmental Courses |
| Course website |
None |
Taught in Gaelic? | No |
| Course description | This course looks at the development of technology in its social contexts. We will examine a wide number of historical and contemporary case studies of technologies and in the process reflect on the inter-relatedness of technology and society. Themes to be dealt with include: the relationship between science and technology; technological determinism and technological momentum; the social shaping of technology; technological paradigms and trajectories; the role of tacit knowledge; testing and knowledge of the properties of technology; expert disputes and technological controversies; gender and technology. We will approach these themes by studying a range of technological developments, including military and space technologies, transportation, mass production, energy, drugs and biotechnology, reproductive technologies, information and communication technologies (including printing and the book), and domestic and everyday technologies. |
Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
| Pre-requisites |
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Co-requisites | |
| Prohibited Combinations | |
Other requirements | None |
| Additional Costs | None |
Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites | None |
| Displayed in Visiting Students Prospectus? | Yes |
Course Delivery Information
| Not being delivered |
Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes
Students who have completed the course successfully should be able to:
1. Describe the role played by technology in a number of important social and political arenas, and be able to articulate the general themes outlined by the course
2. Critically evaluate a variety of theoretical standpoints that the course introduces and exemplifies in its case studies
3. Describe the important influence of technology as a part of wider society, and account for some of the decisions made by scientists, technologists and politicians based on social factors
4. Analyse technology as a social institution and how this institution shapes public debates about many of the key challenges facing society
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Assessment Information
| Assessed by a short assessment approx. midway through the course (for up to 30% of the overall mark); and a long 2,000 word essay, submitted via WebCT to a deadline date, for the remaining possible 70% of the overall mark. In order to pass the course, the long essay must be passed. |
Special Arrangements
| None |
Additional Information
| Academic description |
Not entered |
| Syllabus |
Not entered |
| Transferable skills |
Not entered |
| Reading list |
Not entered |
| Study Abroad |
Not entered |
| Study Pattern |
Not entered |
| Keywords | Not entered |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Dr Graham Spinardi
Tel: (0131 6)50 6394
Email: G.Spinardi@ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary | Ms Helen Marshall
Tel: (0131 6)51 1306
Email: Helen.Marshall@ed.ac.uk |
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