Brief description
This option module examines the interaction between science and technology and change in society, predominantly in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. It is international in scope, focusing mainly on developments in Japan, Germany, Britain, the USA, and the Soviet Union. The module is thematic rather than chronological. It begins by looking generally at the ways in which developemnts in science and technology are brought about, taking issue with the idea that science and technology are neutral, progressive forces independent of society. It locates scientists and engineers within social, political and cultural environments. Bearing in mind these larger theoretical issues the module goes on to look at key areas and in more depth. These include i) science and technology and work - how has large scale corporate science evolved into the 20th century? What has the emphasis on technology meant to people's working lives? ii) Science and the state - how have governments (of widely differing ideological make-up) managed and shaped science and technology? Has military funding been a benefit or burden to civil society? iii) Science, technology and gender - have women been excluded from science and engineering? How has technology restructured the role of women at work and in the home? iv) genetic engineering - what are the political and moral issues involved? v) alternative technology - smaller, greener solutions. Where do these originate and are they feasible? Seminars will revolve around case studies of individuals or technologies - from atom bombs to mountain bikes; from fridges to the human genome.