The core teaching for Science and Technology Studies (STS) aims to provide students from any background - arts, natural science, social science or engineering - with a solid grounding in the theoretical and methodological approaches that underpin all work in STS.
Areas of particular strength include the sociology and social history of the physical and medical sciences; the sociology and economics of genomics and molecular biology; the social shaping of information and communication technologies; the management of technology and innovation; the sociology of financial markets; and the politics of public engagement with science and technology.
Learning Outcomes
This course will provide:
* understanding of the complex social, economic and political forces shaping science and technology;
* the necessary skills to investigate and reflect on issues surrounding the role and impact of science and technology in society;
* the ability to critically analyse and engage with the topic at an advanced level.
How You Will Be Taught
Learning takes place through a combination of lectures, seminars and self-directed reading. Coursework is chiefly assessed by means of extended essays (4,000 words). The dissertation involves supervised reading leading to an extended piece of writing (15,000 words) on an approved topic; it may also include some original research.