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COURSE OUTLINE

Course Science, Technology and Society (2013-2014) Code / Version SOC71040 (100) Total Hours Credits PreRequisite(s) CoRequisite(s) Course Description
This theme-based course aims to provide an understanding of the historical, social, economic and political context within which scientific and technological advancement takes place. Innovation is a social product, often an expression of current ideas or a response to a social need. Conversely, technological and scientific innovation can transform the structure of society, its value system, and institutions. Through a series of lectures and student-centered activities, this course will assess the impact, benefits, consequences and implications of the inter-relationship between science, technology and society. 39 3

Course Outcomes
Successful completion of this course will enable the student to: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Trace key historical points in the relationship between science, technology and society. Differentiate between various theoretical perspectives on the interrelationship of science, technology and society. Demonstrate an understanding of the social, political and economic context in which scientific and technological change takes place. Apply at an introductory level, principles of critical thinking skills in discussing the social responsibilities of engineers and scientists. Apply at the introductory level, ethical reasoning in discussing the dilemmas and questions faced by scientists and engineers. Identify the impact, benefits and consequences of science and technology on various aspects of society. Relate the themes presented in the course to their major area of study.

Reframe information, ideas and concepts using narrative, visual, numerical or symbolic representations which demonstrate understanding. 9. Communicate clearly, concisely and correctly, in written, spoken and visual form that fulfills the purpose and meets the needs of audiences. 10. Evaluate the validity of arguments based on qualitative or quantitative information in order to accept or challenge the findings of others.

Essential Employability Skills addressed in this course


Communication
n

Communicate clearly, concisely and correctly in the written, spoken, and visual form that fulfills X the purpose and meets the needs of the audience Respond to written, spoken, or visual messages in a manner that ensures effective communication Execute mathematical operations accurately Apply a systematic approach to solve problems Use a variety of thinking skills to anticipate and solve problems Locate, select, organize, and document information using appropriate technology and information systems Analyze, evaluate, and apply relevant information from a variety of sources Show respect for the diverse opinions, values, belief systems, and contributions of others Interact with others in groups or teams in ways that contribute to effective working relationships and the achievement of goals Manage the use of time and other resources to complete projects Take responsibility for one's own actions, decisions, and consequences X X X X X X X X X

Numeracy Critical Thinking and Problem Solving Information Management

Interpersonal

Personal

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COURSE OUTLINE
Course Science, Technology and Society (2013-2014) Code / Version SOC71040 (100) Unit Outcomes
Successful completion of the following units will enable the student to: 1.0 Philosophy of Science and Technology 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 1.9 2.0 Trace the philosophy and historical development of science. Describe the nature of science, including natural and social sciences. Differentiate between objectivity, subjectivity, empiricism, deductive and inductive methods. Discuss the concepts of causality, correlation, proof and prediction, paradigms, paradigm shifts, and falsification. Identify challenges in defining and studying technology and society Examine contemporary perspectives of technology Describe the challenges in defining and studying technology Describe the underlying social conditions that can inhibit or assist the acceptance of innovative ideas. Discuss the importance of questioning implicit assumptions in science and technology.

History of Science and Technology. 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 Understand the link between technology and human development. Describe the process of industrialization. Identify the ways that technology can be used and integrated into society. Trace key historical points in the relationship between transport and science, technology and society Discuss the social role of transportation technology Recognize that technological development may not always be motivated by altruism and intended for the general good. Analyse the lines of technological development leading to the modern era. Discuss how science and technology have historically impacted society in both positive and negative ways.

3.0

The Social and Political Context. 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 Demonstrate an understanding of the social, political and economic context in which scientific and technological change takes place. Describe the interplay and symbiotic relationships between society and science and technology, and the political environment that affects economic activity. Describe theoretical contributions to the analysis of society. Identify womens contribution to science and technological innovation. Discuss issues of power and responsibility in relation to scientific and technological innovation. Discuss the impact of technological and scientific innovation on the structure and functioning of society.

4.0

Ethics. 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 Understand ethical theories. Recognise the interplay between science, technology and society and how ethical issues and conflicts arise. Explain how ethics correlates to social responsibility. Discuss how technology can lead to value-based conflict. Analyse the links between technology and culture. Apply models of ethical decision-making to expand knowledge of the dilemmas and questions faced by scientists and engineers.

5.0

Population, Health & Biotechnology. 5.1 5.2 5.3 Examine patterns of human population growth and short and long term implications. Discuss population differences between industrialized, non-industrialized and industrializing nations. Examine the role of science and technology in human reproduction.

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COURSE OUTLINE
Course Science, Technology and Society (2013-2014) Code / Version SOC71040 (100)
5.4 5.5 5.6 5.7 6.0 Trace key historical points in the relationship between medical science, technology and society. Demonstrate an understanding of the social, political and economic context in which scientific and technological change takes place. Apply critical thinking skills in discussing the social responsibilities of engineers and scientists in healthcare and biotechnology fields. Discuss the ethical, social and political dilemmas associated with emerging technologies in the population, health and biotechnology fields.

IT & Communications. 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 Trace key historical points in the development of information technology and communications. Explain the relationship between information technology, forms of communication and social change. Demonstrate an understanding of the social, political and economic context in which scientific and technological change takes place. Discuss the ethical, social and political dilemma of new technologies associated with computers and information technologies.

7.0

Energy. 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.5 7.6 7.7 Understand the historical background and major and minor implications of energy sources. Discover various problems, urgencies and implications of increased use of fossil fuels. Discuss energy consumption issues and potential problems. Examine the impact of renewable and non-renewable energy for a sustainable environment. Determine ethical considerations of increased fossil fuel usage. Discuss the importance of the development of new energy sources. Appreciate the importance and potential contribution of individual awareness and conservation actions on planning for the future.

8.0

Mishaps and Misdemeanours. 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 8.5 Identify cases of mishaps and misdemeanours that have occurred in the past. Discuss cases of mishaps and misdemeanours in science and technology and the impacts Apply at an introductory level, critical thinking in discussing the social responsibilities of engineers and scientists. Apply at the introductory level, ethical reasoning in discussing the dilemmas and questions faced by scientists and engineers. Discuss ethical, social and political dilemmas associated with terrorism and civil liberties.

9.0

Environment. 9.1 9.2 9.3 9.4 9.5 9.6 Examine the effects of science and technology on the environment. Distinguish between industrialized and non-industrialized nations issues and viewpoints on the environment. Discuss the impact of technological and industrial wastes. Evaluate the potential of planned environmental approaches. Examine the role of governments and the international community in protecting the environment. Discuss the ethical, social and political dilemmas associated with new technologies and the environment.

10.0

Advancing Technologies and the Future. 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 Discuss the changing trends and potential consequences of science and technology on society. Discuss the social responsibilities of engineers and scientists towards emerging technologies. Discuss the dilemmas and questions facing scientists and engineers from frontier science and emerging technologies. Discuss the potential future impact of technological and scientific innovation on the structure and functioning of society.

Required Student Resources


Teich, Albert H.. Technology and The Future (12th). Boston, MA Wadsworth Cengage Learning.

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COURSE OUTLINE
Course Science, Technology and Society (2013-2014) Code / Version SOC71040 (100)
Additional readings may be set by the instructor. Please refer to the semester specific course requirements.

Optional Student Resources Evaluation


The minimum passing grade for this course is 60 (C). In order to successfully complete this course, the student is required to meet the following evaluation criteria: Assignments Test 1 Test 2 Final Exam 30.00 20.00 20.00 30.00 100.00 %

Other
Conestoga College is committed to providing academic accommodations for students with documented disabilities. Please contact the Accessibility Services Office.

Prepared By School Date

Anne Charles Ph.D. Liberal Studies 2013-06-26 Conestoga ITAL

2013-11-15

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