Course Syllabus Philosophy 2221:51 and 2223: 51 Science/Technology/Society
M-W 11:30 to 12:45
Instructor: Ken Bryson Ph.D.
This course studies the reciprocal interactions that arise between developments in science, technology and society. The movements from one to the other, from science/technology to society (2221) and from society/culture to science/technology (2223) affect us all. We are stakeholders in all our developments whether we are aware of them or not. We can draw on any invention or technological development to illustrate the point. For instance, think about the way cell phones are changing the nature of communications and therefore society/culture. Could anyone have anticipated the ramifications of this development? Some of these consequences are beneficial while others are not so good. For instance, the effects of social networks like Facebook and YouTube are simultaneously good and not so good. Is there anything we can do to avoid the negative consequences of these and future technological developments? How do we mount successful social action?
This course is delivered on-line. I have prepared a course pack for your personal use that serves this course as well as the 2223:51 in January. I will add additional material as required. I will post lectures weekly on Moodle and ask you to write small commentaries on each lecture (half page to a page). These commentaries are worth five points each but are time sensitive and will not be accepted if they are late. You have one week to write and send me your reflection paper after I post the weekly lecture. Further, we have established a process so we can meet electronically to discuss the course material. I will post the lecture material on Mondays but meet with you electronically in CC 261 on Video Skype each Wednesday 11:30 to 12:45. You need to bring your own device to the classroom. I also encourage you to meet in CC 261 Mondays 11:30 – 12:45 to discuss the lecture of the week as a group before submitting your individual reflections to me at (ken underscore bryson).
The goal in 2221 is twofold. First we need to study the STS (science, technology, and society) method in detail (the STS Wheel). Second we will apply this method to a study of environmental issues. In the 2223 (Jan-April term) we apply the STS method to the study of (1) medicine, (2) computers, (3) biotechnology, and (4) the future of work. The structure of the course evaluation is the same in both courses.
One-half of your final grade is from the best ten reflection papers you send me (the brief one half to one full page reflections you write after reflecting on a lecture). The reflection papers are worth 5 points each. The other half of your final grade is from two sources, namely I assign up to three points for participation in a chat session to a maximum of 30 points (ten video chat sessions per term worth a total possible value of 10 x 3 points). The remaining twenty points comes from a 2500-3500 words research paper in an approved STS area of research (check with me). The research area is generally related to an environmental issue or aspect of the STS method in 2221, and widens to include other issues of concern in the 2223 (see issues above). Term papers are always due on the last day of class. However, you need to let me know your focused research problem before the end of the first month of class. No written final exam and no supplementary exam in 2221 or 2223. You will receive a course pack from Ann Denny or from me September 12. Students of the January 2223 use the same course pack. Wela’lin