Sociology of Science & Technology

Our daily lives are so intimately intertwined with science and technology that we often overlook the precise ways in which science, culture and society interact to shape our worlds. Although often assumed to be separate from the rest of society, scientific knowledge and practice share much in common with other forms of culture, and can profitably be studied as a sociological enterprise. A critical and nuanced understanding of the ways scientists work and of how technologies are developed and used allows us to make informed decisions and take responsible actions on the social, political and ethical aspects of scientific and technological progress.

This class will introduce students to material culture studies and recent literature in social and cultural studies of science and technology, while offering the opportunity to critically explore a variety of practices and issues affecting our daily lives. Specifically, students will come to understand how science and technology shape and are shaped by material objects, as well as social and political interests and processes. By studying both structural (macro) and individual (micro) interactions, students will be able to apply this knowledge to their everyday lives, both present and future.

Each class will consist of equal amounts lecture, discussion and workshop activities, separated by short breaks. Students are expected to attend class regularly and be prepared to participate. Although there are no exams for this course, students can expect overlapping assignments--from challenging readings to short presentations and substantial research projects.

Prerequisite(s)

SOCI 1000, or ANTH 1000, and second-year standing, or permission of the Instructor.

Required text(s)

Science, Technology and Society: A Sociological Approach, W. Bauchspies, J. Croissant and S. Restivo (eds.), London: Blackwell, 2005.

ANTH/SOCI 2035 Course Reader, compiled by the Instructor, Fall 2006.

Both available at Haven Books.