Course Catalogue

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This course introduces students to the philosophy of technology. Students will be encouraged to make links between the philosophy of technology and the philosophy of technology education to explore the nature of the subject at a deeper level building understanding gained from the course Technology, Engineering and Society.  

1 hour lecture and 1 hour seminar per week.

Successful completion of Year 3 courses as outlined in the Degree Programme requirements for progression.

None

None.

3,000 word assignment, which critically assesses the aims and concepts of a chosen area of the design and technology curriculum.

Reassessments are normally available for all courses, except those which contribute to the Honours classification. For non-Honours courses, students are offered reassessment in all or any of the components of assessment if the satisfactory (threshold) grade for the overall course is not achieved at the first attempt. This is normally grade D3 for undergraduate students and grade C3 for postgraduate students. Exceptionally it may not be possible to offer reassessment of some coursework items, in which case the mark achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade. Any such exceptions for this course are described below. 

This course contributes to the honours classification and therefore provision for reassessment is not available.

The course aims to introduce students to key thinkers and concepts in the philosophy of technology. It also aims to encourage students to deepen their understanding of aims and purposes of Design and Technology Education and nature of knowledge held within the subject areas.

This course supports students to meet the following areas of the Standard for Provisional Registration:

2.1.1 Have knowledge and understanding of the nature of the curriculum and its development

2.1.4 Have knowledge and understanding of contexts for learning to fulfil their responsibilities in literacy, numeracy, health and wellbeing and interdisciplinary learning

2.2.1 Have knowledge and understanding of the principal features of the education system, educational policy and practice

3.1.1 Plan coherent, progressive and stimulating teaching programmes which match learners' needs and abilities

3.4.1 Read and critically engage with professional literature, educational research and policy

The course will also develop the following graduate attributes: Subject Specialists; Independent and Critical Thinkers; Investigative; Resourceful and Responsible; Confident; Adaptable; Ethically and Socially Aware.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Demonstrate understanding of key theories covered in the course (for example, drawn from the work of Carl Mitchum, Mark de Vries, Walter Vincenti);

■ Show understanding of the aims and purposes of education;

■ Show knowledge and understanding of concepts relating to the aims and purposes of design and technology education.

■ Show understanding of the nature of technological knowledge and how it relates to the aims and purposes of design and technology curriculum and pedagogies.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.