Science, Technology and Knowledge in Society

Year
1
Academic year
2018-2019
Code
03017624
Subject Area
Sociology
Language of Instruction
Portuguese
Other Languages of Instruction
English
Mode of Delivery
Face-to-face
Duration
SEMESTRIAL
ECTS Credits
10.0
Type
Compulsory
Level
3rd Cycle Studies

Recommended Prerequisites

Not applicable.

Teaching Methods

The sessions include a first part centred on the presentation of problems and theoretical concepts, as well as their implications for the current research agenda, followed by a second part in which these concepts are explored through case studies. While the first part is essentially based on a presentation by the lecturer, the second part is developed in open dialogue with the students, and, in some sessions, facilitated by them.   

Learning Outcomes

The objective of this seminar is to study the processes of production of scientific knowledge and of the scientific and technological objects, the modes of articulation, of co-constitution and of mutual definition of science, technology and society. The seminar introduces the students to different theoretical approaches that led to the development of social studies of science and technology, discussing their implications to the analysis of different contexts of co-production of knowledge and society. It is expected that the students acquire competences, on the one hand, to develop a critical analysis of the contributions of different theoretical approaches in science and technology studies (STS) and, on the other hand, to apply this knowledge to the analysis of different case studies of socio-technical controversies, and to map the corresponding processes of co-production involving the different actors/actants.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

1 – Introduction: Explorations in Science, Techology and Society. 2 – Before STS: History, Philosophy and Sociology of Science. 3 – The Sociology of Scientific Knowledge. 4 – Actor-Network Theory. 5 – Technology and Society. 6 – Boundaries and Publics. 7 – The Challenges of Feminist Science Studies. 8 – Epistemological Diversity and the Decolonization of Knowledge. 9. Scientific Knowledge, Participation and Democracy.

Head Lecturer(s)

João Carlos Freitas Arriscado Nunes

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Other: 25.0%
Synthesis work: 75.0%

Bibliography

Barad, K. (2007), Meeting the Universe Halfway: Quantum Physics and the Entanglement of Matter and Meaning. Durham, NC: Duke UP.

Biagioli, M. (Org.) (1999), The Science Studies Reader. New York: Routledge.

Bijker, W.E. et al (Eds.). (1987). The Social Construction of Technological Systems. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press.

Galison, P.; D.J. Stump (1996), The Disunity of Science: Boundaries, Contexts, and Power. Stanford: SUP.

Hackett, E.J. et al. (Orgs.) (2008), The Handbook of STS, Cambridge: MIT Press.

Latour, B. (1999), Pandora’s Hope: Essays o the Reality of Science Studies. HUP, Cambridge, MA: Harvard UP.

Santos, B.S.; Meneses, M.P. (Orgs) (2010), Epistemologias do Sul. Coimbra: Almedina.

Santos, B.S.; Nunes, J.A.; Meneses, M.P. (2004), "Para ampliar o cânone da ciência: a diversidade epistemológica do mundo", in Santos, B.S. (org.), Semear outras soluções. Porto: Afrontamento.