• Jobin Anna

• Jobin Anna

The course provides an introduction to major theoretical and analytical perspectives and approaches in STS (which stands for Science & Technology Studies, or Science, Technology, Society, depending on who you ask).

Week 1: Introduction to STS
Topic: What is STS? Introduction to the interdisciplinary field of STS and its significance in understanding the interplay between science, technology, and society.      

Week 2: Science
Scientific Revolutions, Paradigm Shifts, Citizen Science etc.

Week 3: Knowledge
Sociology of Scientific Knowledge (SSK), Strong Programme, Situated Knowledge etc.

Week 4: Technology
Social Construction of Technology (SCOT), Technological Determinism, Social Shaping of Technology, Domestication etc.

Week 5: Laboratories
Laboratory Studies, Actor-Network Theory (ANT), Actants, Sociology of Translation etc.

Week 6: Controversies
Controversy Studies, Issues, Publics etc.

Week 7: Individual Study and Project Advancement

Week 8: Boundaries
Interdisciplinarity, Classifications, Boundary Work, Boundary Objects etc.

Week 9: Standpoints
Epistemology, Data Feminism etc.

Week 10: Project discussions
Project discussion

Week 11: Politics
Governance, Risk, Expertise, Democracy etc.

Week 12: Infrastructure, Agency and Care
A discussion with Prof. Dr. Deb Chachra (open to the public)

Week 13: Media Technologies and Digital STS
Digital Turn, Communication, Sociomateriality etc.

Week 14: Presentations
Students present their individual projects, incorporating STS theories and methodologies to analyze specific cases or issues.

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Important note: The planning above is for information purposes only and may be subject to change. Please refer to the Moodle for the most recent version of the syllabus and for specific assignment details and due dates.

The course aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of foundational theories and methods in STS, focusing on its interdisciplinary nature, its evolution, and key theoretical frameworks. Students will develop scientific literacy and proficiency in understanding the interplay between science, technology, and society. They will hone their critical thinking, research, and writing skills through the production of a focused review paper of STS theories and methodologies regarding specific cases or issues, which will be presented at the end of the semester.

Grading: Participation (20%), Assignments (20%), Final paper and presentation (60%)

The reference list for this class is available on Moodle after the first week of class.