| Module Title |
Science, Technology & Society |
| Module Code |
PSY1033 (ITS: PSYC213) |
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Faculty |
Psychology |
School |
Science & Health |
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NFQ level |
8 |
Credit Rating |
5 |
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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.
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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
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| Workload | Full time hours per semester | | Type | Hours | Description |
|---|
| 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 |
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| Section Breakdown | | CRN | 20971 | Part of Term | Semester 2 | | Coursework | 0% | Examination Weight | 0% | | Grade Scale | 40PASS | Pass Both Elements | Y | | Resit Category | RC1 | Best Mark | N | | Module Co-ordinator | Darragh McCashin | Module Teacher | |
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| Assessment Breakdown |
| Type | Description | % of total | Assessment Date |
|---|
| 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;
RC1: A resit is available for both* components of the module.
RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module.
RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element.
* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment
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Pre-requisite |
None
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Co-requisite |
None |
| Compatibles |
None |
| Incompatibles |
None |
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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
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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
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Indicative Reading List
Books:
- 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,
Articles:
None |
Other Resources
None |
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