Schedule & required readings

 

September 13 - Introduction

Film
No Maps for These Territories

Readings
Science, Technology & Society
Chapter 1 - Introduction

 

September 20 - Social Studies of Science & Technology

Mini lecture
"What are science and tech? A brief history of social studies of science and technology"

Readings & discussion
Science, Technology & Society
Chapter 2 - Cultures of Science

Workshop
"Two-way mirrors? Observing science & technology in action"

Note:
september 22 - last day to add or drop courses

 

September 27 - Cultural Studies of Science & Technology

Mini lecture
"Cultures of science and technology in action"

Readings & moderated discussion
Science, Technology & Society
Chapter 3 - The Dance of Truth

Workshop
"Making sense of things, or how to interpret what we and other people do"

Note:
assignment #1 topic approval required
Note:
discussion moderator sign-up

 

October 4 - Science, Technology & Power

Mini lecture
"Networks and protocols"

Readings & moderated discussion
Science, Technology & Society
Chapter 4 - STS and Power in the Postmodern World

Workshop
"Collapsing new buildings and other strategies against architecture"

 

October 11 - Technoscience & Everyday Life

Mini lecture
"Understanding science and tech in our daily lives"

Readings & moderated discussion
Science, Technology & Society
Chapter 5 - Life After Science and Technology Studies

Workshop
"'At Home He’s a Tourist': adventures in trans-disciplinary practice"

Note:
assignment #1 due

 

October 18 - Risk & Technoscience I

Mini lecture
"Surveillance and control societies"

Readings & moderated discussion
Course Reader
David Lyon, Chapter 1 - Understanding Surveillance (pp. 13-39) and Chapter 3 - Automating Surveillance (pp. 62-87), in Surveillance After September 11

Workshop
"ICU : Watching the watchers"

 

October 25 - Risk & Technoscience II

Mini lecture
"Viruses, terminator seeds, designer babies & other dangerous things"

Readings & moderated discussion
Course Reader
Beth Burrows, “Safety First,” pp. 67-74 in Redesigning Life? The Worldwide Challenge to Genetic Engineering
Jerry Ravetz, “The post-normal science of safety,” pp. 43-53 in Science and Citizens: Globalization & The Challenge of Engagement

Workshop
"How to start your own biotech cult in five easy steps"

Note:
assignment #2 due

 

November 1 - Bodies & Technoscience I

Mini lecture
"Cyborgs & Hybrids: The Promise of Monsters"

Workshop
Assignment # 3

Note:
november 6 - last day to withdraw from fall courses

 

November 8 - Bodies & Technoscience II

Mini lecture
"Genetic engineering & intelligent machines"

Readings & moderated discussion
Course Reader
Sarah Sexton, “If Cloning is the Answer, What was the Question? Genetics and the Politics of Human Health,” pp. 158-170 in Redesigning Life? The Worldwide Challenge to Genetic Engineering
Sonya Dorman Hess, “When I Was Miss Dow,” in Women of Wonder, the Classic Years: Science Fiction by Women from the 1940s to the 1970s
Anne McCaffrey, "The Ship Who Sang," in Women of Wonder, the Classic Years: Science Fiction by Women from the 1940s to the 1970s

Workshop
"I (heart) my clone!"

 

November 15 - Democracy & Technoscience I

Mini lecture
"When everyone is a producer and consumer, who owns science and tech?"

Readings & moderated discussion
Course Reader
Victoria Tauli-Corpuz, “Biotechnology and Indigenous Peoples,” pp. 252-270 in Redesigning Life? The Worldwide Challenge to Genetic Engineering
Vandana Shiva, “Biopiracy: The Theft of Knowledge and Resources,” pp. 283-289 in Redesigning Life? The Worldwide Challenge to Genetic Engineering

Workshop
"Is that organic, fair-trade coffee you’re drinking?"

Note:
assignment #3 due

 

November 22 - Democracy & Technoscience II

Mini lecture
"Making science & technology public"

Readings & moderated discussion
Course Reader
Alan Irwin, Ch. 5 – “Freeing the Voices: A Science of the People?” pp. 105-134 in Citizen Science: A Study of People, Expertise and Sustainable Development, London : Routledge, 1995.

Student presentations
Current events

Note:
assignment #4 due

 

November 29 - Science & Tech on Film

Film
Screening a classic science fiction movie from the 50s to 80s to be determined by student votes.

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