HTS8002 - Social & Cultural Perspectives on Technology & Science

Description | Syllabus & Schedule | Requirements | Texts

Course Description

This seminar examines technology and science through techniques and perspectives drawn from social and cultural studies. Drawing on a range of methodologies and perspectives in social and cultural studies, the seminar explores the nature of scientific and technological activity by looking at the interaction and conflict, between the abstractions associated with science and technology and its practice. After considering major perspectives offered by philosophy, sociology, and history, the seminar will focus on specific topics or problems at the center of a social approaches to science and technology. Bioengineering, medicine, warfare, digital technology, race and gender, environment, and space exploration will be among the topics addressed through a broad range of writing. Wherever possible, the seminar will give special attention to Georgia Tech as a particular site for the ongoing constitution of practices within science and technology.

Course Requirements

• Research Paper (20-25 pages) 60%
• Book Review (3-5 pages) 10%
• Overview of articles and chapters 20%
• Archival Project/Field Notes 10%
  

Texts

• Mario Biagioli ed. The Science Studies Reader (New York: Routledge, 1999)
• Selected books from Reading List (see below)
• An extensive collection of articles in Xerox and PDF format

Downloaded articles are in PDF format, a free plugin & stand alone reader are at Adobe Acrobat Download Page.Due to document length and the need for printability PDF files average 9 megabytes Texts are available at the Georgia Tech Book Store and the Engineer's Bookstore.