Assignment details & due dates

Assignment #1 30%

Gadgets & Gizmos

Students are required to submit a short (7-8 page) research essay critically discussing the social, cultural and material importance of a technological device they use on a daily basis. Assignment details will be provided in class and online, and all topics must be approved in writing by the instructor.

Topic approval by:
September 27
Assignment due date:
October 11

Assignment #2 15%

I (Heart) Technology

For the first part of this assignment, students are required to keep a daily use-log, for one week, of the device investigated in Assignment # 1. The second part involves a short (3-4 page) personal and critical analysis of the roles the device plays in the student's everyday life. Assignment details will be provided in class and online.

Assignment due date:
October 25

Assignment #3 25%

Cyborgs & Hybrids

This assignment involves three short essay questions that require critical engagement with a set of readings included in the Course Reader, as well as additional library research. Assignment details will be provided in class and online.

Assignment details & workshop:
November 1
Assignment due date:
November 15

Assignment #4 15%

Current Events

Each student is required to prepare a 1-page handout on a current news article that discusses controversies around contemporary and emerging scientific research, and give a short (5 min) presentation on it to the group. Assignment details will be provided in class and online.

Assignment due date:
November 22

Assignment #5 15%

Discussion Moderation

Each student is required to moderate, or lead, a small group discussion on one week's assigned readings. This involves preparing a 1-page handout summarising the main points of the readings and posing critical questions for discussion. Moderators are also required to lead discussion and report on questions or conclusions that arise from the group. Assignment details will be provided in class and online.

Topic sign-up:
SEPTEMBER 27
Assignment due date:
Weekly beginning October 4

Sociology of Science & Technology

ANTH/SOCI 2035

Fall 2006
Wednesdays 2:35 - 5:25
Mackenzie 3328

Office Loeb A701
Wednesdays 1:00 - 2:15
or by appointment