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	PSYC213 (ITS) / PSY1033 (Banner)
Faculty	Science & Health	School	Psychology
Module Co-ordinator	Darragh McCashin
Module Teachers	-
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	Not Available
Co-requisite	Not Available
Compatibles	Not Available
Incompatibles	Not Available

Coursework Only

Description

The aim of this module is to provide an interdisciplinary primer on key issues in psychology, science, technology and society. This module will draw on the social sciences, media studies and psychology in order to appreciate, understand and anticipate the social consequences and effects of new and emerging technologies. Historical and contemporary overviews of technology in society will be provided, and case illustrations of disruptive innovations will be critically considered. Social issues including justice, diversity, trust and privacy will be critically examined in terms of the design, implementation and impacts of disruptive technologies.

Learning Outcomes

1. Identify and analyse key assumptions underpinning technological innovation from an interdisciplinary perspective
2. Critically consider examples of disruptive innovation, technological transformation and societal impact
3. Identify and analyse key factors influencing trust and adoption of new technologies
4. Critically consider design aspects of a social media platform from ethical and socially conscious perspective

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Lecture	24	Lecture (Asynchronous) Based on indicative content and learning outcomes
Seminars	11	Post Lecture (Synchronous) Moderator and student-led tutorials
Workshop	8	Immersive real world case studies Moderator and student-led immersive case studies, multi half day
Independent Study	82	Self directed learning including assessment preparation
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

An understanding of disruptive innovation through four lenses
(social science, history, media and business theory)

Data Power and the socioeconomic impacts of ‘Big Tech’

Algorithms, ethics and justice

Diversity and inclusion in technology

Surveillance society

The role of social media in a post-truth era

Ethical design considerations

Issues of trust and risk perception in technology adoption

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown
Presentation	Propose a design for an ethical, socially-conscious social media platform that a) encourages civil discourse OR b) discourages addictive/compulsive use. Class presentation/Powerpoint. Design considerations will be influenced by key issues of technology in society as covered throughout the module.	50%	n/a
Essay	“Move fast and break things”. Discuss this maxim coined by Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg in the context of societal and ethical issues of disruptive technologies covered throughout this module. 1,000 word essay.	50%	n/a

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
This module is category 1

Indicative Reading List

Crawford,K: 2021, Atlas of AI:Power, Politics and the Planetary Costs of Artificial Intelligence, Yale University Press,
Criado-Perez,C: 2020, Invisible Women: Exposing Data Bias in a World Designed for Men, 1s, Vintage,
Ulrike Felt (Author), Rayvon Fouché (Author), Clark A. Miller (Author), Laurel Smith–doerr (Author), John Law (Author): 2017, The Handbook of Science and Technology Studies (, MIT Press,
Foroohar, R: 2020, Don't Be Evil: The Case Against Big Tech, Penguin,
Suskind, J.: 2018, Future Politics: Living Together in a World Transformed by Tech, OUP, Oxford,

Other Resources

None