Science, Technology and the Body SOCIO4145

  • Academic Session: 2024-25
  • School: School of Social and Political Sciences
  • Credits: 20
  • Level: Level 4 (SCQF level 10)
  • Typically Offered: Either Semester 1 or Semester 2
  • Available to Visiting Students: Yes
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No

Short Description

This honours course explores how developments in science and technology have and continue to shape how we as humans think about our bodies, exploring the social, ethical and political implications of some of these shifts. The course is predicated on co-operative and participatory learning and after two introductory session outlining core concepts of the course, the course will be student-led through a focus on debate.

Timetable

10 weekly sessions X 2 hours on campus

Requirements of Entry

In order to take this course, you need to have met the requirements for entry into our Honours Programme. This means achieving a grade of 'D' or better in Sociology 1A and 1B and a 'C' or better in Sociology 2A and 2B. You also have to comply with the College of Social Science regulations for progression to Honours.

Excluded Courses

None

Co-requisites

N/A

Assessment

Generative AI assignment, 1000 words, 30%

 

Essay, 3000 words, 70% 

Course Aims

The course aims to introduce students to contemporary debates in science and technology studies; support students to reflect critically on the ethical dimension of new developments in science and technology and identify the kinds of contributions critical social science can make to these debates.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

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

■ Create context-appropriate content using generative AI and critically assess its relevance and effectiveness.

■ Collaborate with peers to attain a shared learning objective, integrating diverse perspectives and fostering groupwork.

■ Experiment with various creative learning approaches to enhance understanding build skills.

■ Apply critical sociological and anthropological perspectives to analyze and address two contemporary issues in Science and Technology Studies (STS).

■ Effectively structure and articulate ideas both orally and in written form, demonstrating independence and collaboration and effective time management skill

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

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