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Module Title |
Science & Society
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Module Code |
CM582
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School |
School of Communications
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Online Module Resources
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| Module Co-ordinator | Mr Brian Trench | Office Number | |
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Level |
5
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Credit Rating |
10
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Pre-requisite |
None
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Co-requisite |
None
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Module Aims
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To explore various perspectives on the position of science within society, as investigated in the disciplines of history, sociology, political science and communicationsq To examine the increasingly important position of science in advanced economies, particularly Ireland, and how science is harnessed to political and economic goalsq To analyse how discussions and disagreements about science are played out in the public arena
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Learning Outcomes
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Students will have developed a critical awareness of the social contexts in which scientific knowledge is produced and applied
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Indicative Time Allowances
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Hours
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Lectures |
24
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Tutorials |
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Laboratories |
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Seminars |
12
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Independent Learning Time |
114
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Total |
150
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Placements |
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Assignments |
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NOTE
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Assume that a 10 credit module load represents approximately 150 hours' work, which includes all teaching, in-course assignments, laboratory work or other specialised training and an estimated private learning time associated with the module.
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Indicative Syllabus
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Science and Society: basic terms and issues
Scientists' social role - in their own view
Science policy: the Irish case in context
Organisation of science
Lives of scientists
Science and humanities: two cultures?
Science and Art
Science culture and religion in Ireland
Moments in history of science
Science controversies and public participation
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| Assessment | | Continuous Assessment | 100% | Examination Weight | 0% |
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Indicative Reading List
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M. Bucchi: Science in Society introduction to social studies of science (Routledge, 2004)J. Gregory and S. Miller: Science in Public communication, culture and credibility (Plenum Trade, 1998, and Perseus Books, paperback, 2000)H. M. Collins and T. Pinch: The Golem: What You Should Know About Science (Cambridge University Press, 2nd edition, 1998)T. Gilland, S. Mayer at al: Science: Can We Trust the Experts? (Hodder and Stoughton, 2002)S. J. Gould: The Hedgehog, the Fox and the Magisters Pox mending and minding the misconceived gap between science and the humanities (Jonathan Cape, 2003)H. Nowotny, P. Scott and M. Gibbons: Re-Thinking Science knowledge and the public in age of uncertainty (Polity Press, 2001)N. Whyte: Science, Colonialism and Ireland (Cork University Press, 1999)
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TEACHING METHODS:
Lectures and student-led seminars
Assessment:
Position paper: proposal to policy-makers on current scientific topic
Minor essay: review of academic papers
Major essay: discussion of topical science-and-society issues
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Programme or List of Programmes
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| MSC | M.Sc. in Science Communication |
| Archives: | |
