Module: Science, Technology & Society

Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title	Science, Technology & Society
Module Code	CM392 (ITS) / HUM1019 (Banner)
Faculty	Humanities & Social Sciences	School	Communications
Module Co-ordinator	Padraig Murphy
Module Teachers	-
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	Not Available
Co-requisite	Not Available
Compatibles	Not Available
Incompatibles	Not Available

None
Essay on Learning Outcomes 3,4 and/or 5.

Description

This modules examines the changing roles of science and technology in society. It assesses the impacts and implications of developments in science and technology for society. It aims to develop students' understanding of the ways in which knowledge is produced and reproduced and to encourage critical analysis of the role of media in representing science as well as informing and engaging society.

Learning Outcomes

1. understand the basic principles of scientific methods of work and public response to new sciences and technologies
2. describe major developments in social and historical studies of science and technology and their societal impact
3. explain ethical and other social issues arising from selected developments in science and technology
4. identify social factors shaping development and adoption of new technologies, and how innovation in turn shapes society
5. critically analyse the role of media in representing science and technology

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Lecture	22	No Description
Assignment Completion	30	No Description
Independent Study	73	No Description
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

What is science? What knowledge systems in society challenge science?

Global science and mediation - grand challenges and networks

Science versus opinion - attitudes and beliefs

Basic concepts of sociology of science

Recent developments in social studies of science

Public engagement with science and technology

Science, arts and humanities - two cultures or more?

Science and technology in media

Responsible Research and Innovation: ethics and philosophy in contemporary science

Case studies of science friction - technology and public conflict

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Type	Description	% of total
Course Work Breakdown
Assignment	Essay	60%
Assignment	Literature Review with weekly online forum	40%

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories: Resit category 1: A resit is available for both* components of the module. Resit category 2: No resit is available for a 100% continuous assessment module. Resit category 3: No resit is available for the continuous assessment component where there is a continuous assessment and examination element.
* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a Continuous Assessment/Examination split; where the module is 100% continuous assessment, there will also be a resit of the assessment
Resit category for this module is temporarily unavailable

Indicative Reading List

J. Ravetz: 2006, No-Nonsense Guide to Science, New Internationalist,
M. Bucchi: 2002, Science in society, Routledge,
B. Goldacre: 2009, Bad science, Harper,
C. P. Snow: 1993, The Two Cultures, Cambridge University Press,
W. Bijker: 1997, Of bicycles, bakelites and bulbs, MIT Press, Cambridge, Mass,
B. Bryson: 2004, A short history of nearly everything, Black Swan, London,
Mark Erickson: 2005, Science, Culture and Society: Understanding Science in the 21st Century, Polity,
Jane Gregory and Steve Miller: 1998, Science In Public: Communication, Culture, And Credibility, Perseus Publishing,

Other Resources

None