Module Details |
The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module. |
Title | Ethnographic Studies of Science and Technology | ||
Code | SOCI521 | ||
Coordinator |
Dr C Kierans Public Health and Policy C.Kierans@liverpool.ac.uk |
||
Year | CATS Level | Semester | CATS Value |
Session 2017-18 | Level 7 FHEQ | Second Semester | 5 |
Aims |
|
To introduce the student to ethnographic modes of inquiry in the social sciences To demonstrate the importance of (a) social and cultural contexts for ethnographic analysis; (b) multi-method approaches, with emphasis on participant observation; (c) ethnographic writing as an academic convention To provide an introduction to the field of science and technology studies, including major schools of thought, scholars and empirical concerns
|
Learning Outcomes |
|
Demonstrate an understanding of the integrated character of methods, analysis and writing in ethnographic inquiry |
|
Demonstrate an understanding of the role of foundational ethnographic texts in expanding the reach of science and technology within the social sciences. |
|
Explain key theoretical and analytical concerns and arguments |
|
Demonstrate an understanding of the range of methods bound up with ethnographic practice and the challenges associated with conducting ethnographic fieldwork in studies of science and technology |
|
Prepare and conduct a short ethnographic study within a scientific/ technological context |
Syllabus |
|
1 |
Introduction to Science and Technology Studies Following Controversies and a Methodological Principle Working with Categories and Constructs Science as Practice and Ordinary Action
|
Teaching and Learning Strategies |
|
Lecture - Lectures will be used to communicate the central theoretical, conceptual, analytical and methodological approaches underpinning ethnographic work in science and technology studies |
|
Group Project - Group work will draw out discussion based on reading key texts and lecture materials |
|
Field Work - Up to two hours of fieldwork will be organised within a scientific setting to provide the student with an opportunity to gain some direct experience of the production of scientific knowledge. |
Teaching Schedule |
Lectures | Seminars | Tutorials | Lab Practicals | Fieldwork Placement | Other | TOTAL | |
Study Hours |
5 Lectures will be used to communicate the central theoretical, conceptual, analytical and methodological approaches underpinning ethnographic work in science and technology studies |
2 Up to two hours of fieldwork will be organised within a scientific setting to provide the student with an opportunity to gain some direct experience of the production of scientific knowledge. |
2 Group work will draw out discussion based on reading key texts and lecture materials |
9 | |||
Timetable (if known) | |||||||
Private Study | 41 | ||||||
TOTAL HOURS | 50 |
Assessment |
||||||
EXAM | Duration | Timing (Semester) |
% of final mark |
Resit/resubmission opportunity |
Penalty for late submission |
Notes |
CONTINUOUS | Duration | Timing (Semester) |
% of final mark |
Resit/resubmission opportunity |
Penalty for late submission |
Notes |
Coursework | 1500 word assignment | Semester 2 | 100 | Yes | Standard UoL penalty applies | Assessment 1 Notes (applying to all assessments) The assignment will be divided into two parts, with a maximum word count of 1500 words (a) Students will be asked to write an account of a one/two hour observation of scientific practice [e.g., observing a piece of laboratory work; a scientific demonstration; or scientific or medical lecture/presentation] (750 words) (b) Read and critically review one ethnographic monograph focused on scientific practice. A list of ethnographic studies will be provided, to support the observation in part (a) (750 words) |
Recommended Texts |
|
Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module. Explanation of Reading List: Hess, D. (1997) Science Studies: An Advanced Introduction. New York University Press. Petryna, Adriana (2004) Biological Citizenship: the science and politics of Chernobyl-Exposed Populations. Osiris 19, 250-265 Suchman, Lucy (2006) Human-Machine Configurations: Plans and Situated Actions. Cambridge University Press. Suchman, Lucy (1999) Reconstructing Technology as Social Practice, American Behavioural Scientist (43 (3) 392-408. |